“Cross-Border Dairy Disputes: The Impact of Ultrafiltered Milk on U.S.-Canada Trade Relations”

The United States and Canada are significant trading partners for each other. According to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office, Canada was the top destination for U.S. goods exports in 2015 and the second-largest source of imports for the country that same year. However, the introduction of ultrafiltered milk has soured some of the positive relations … Read more

“Cheetos’ Gourmet Comeback: From Junk Food to Culinary Trendsetter”

Cheetos are currently experiencing a significant resurgence in the food world. This puffed corn snack initially made waves through creative mashups at fast-food chains, gradually making its way into mainstream restaurants and even home kitchens. In June 2016, Burger King introduced Mac n’ Cheetos, a fried macaroni and cheese stick coated in Cheetos, which made … Read more

“Debate Continues on Organic Certification for Hydroponic Crops as NOSB Struggles for Consensus”

During the National Organic Standards Board’s discussion on hydroponic crops this past Monday afternoon, it became evident that there is no agreement on whether soil-less crops should be eligible for organic certification. “Clearly, this is not an easy subject to resolve,” remarked Tom Chapman, the board’s chairman. “This issue has been on the board’s agenda … Read more

“Assessing the Health Benefits of Organic Produce: Insights from a Six-Year Onion Study”

Although a majority of Americans think that organic produce is healthier than conventionally grown options, few are aware that there is limited research substantiating the claim that organic farming practices yield “healthier” fruits and vegetables. A recent six-year study on onions may lend some support to the widely accepted notion that organic practices are more … Read more

“Visual Appeal and Consumer Preferences: The Shift Towards Natural Colors in Food Products”

The well-known adage “You eat first with your eyes” resonates strongly with both chefs and food manufacturers. The presentation of a dish serves as the initial indicator of whether someone will enjoy it. Within mere seconds, individuals rely on their past experiences and instinctual reactions to form expectations about the taste of food. Color plays … Read more

“Rising Popularity of Dietary Fiber: From Older Consumers to Health-Conscious Youth”

Dietary fiber has seen a significant transformation in recent years. Once primarily appealing to older consumers seeking digestive regularity, it has now expanded its appeal to younger individuals aiming to adopt a high-fiber lifestyle. Research has shown that a high-fiber diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels, promote digestion, lower cholesterol, and potentially decrease the … Read more

“Stevia’s Rising Popularity: A Natural Alternative to Sugar Amidst Consumer Distrust”

Stevia is gaining traction as consumers increasingly distrust sugar and seek natural alternatives. As reported by Grand View Research, the global stevia market is experiencing rapid growth, with an estimated value of $337.7 million in 2015. With an anticipated annual growth rate of nearly 6%, this market could reach $556.7 million by 2024. The natural … Read more

“Navigating the Sparkling Water Trend: Challenges and Opportunities for Sparkling Ice and TalkingRain Beverage”

Sparkling water has become the trendy beverage of choice lately. Over the past decade, soda sales have declined significantly, with U.S. consumption reaching a 30-year low in 2015. As soda sales dwindled, interest in sparkling water surged. Sparkling Ice has seen remarkable growth over the past six years, but the company now faces the challenge … Read more

“Welch’s Strategic Move: Reviving Grape Soda to Capture the Health-Conscious Beverage Market”

Welch’s decision to intensify its focus on the soda market could be a clever strategy to broaden its brand presence, especially considering that its fruit-based beverages might have an advantage over conventional sodas. For example, Welch’s can utilize ingredients such as Concord grapes, known for their potential benefits to heart and cognitive health, to promote … Read more

“Choosing the Right Iron Supplement: Ferrous Gluconate, Ferrous Sulfate, and Ferrous Bisglycinate, Plus the Role of Blue Bonnet Calcium Magnesium”

Ferrous gluconate can be linked to constipation, while ferrous sulfate is often recommended as a more easily absorbed option. Additionally, ferrous bisglycinate, which contains 36 mg of iron, is a highly bioavailable form of iron that may also be beneficial. This particular formulation includes l-isoleucine and is often found in multivitamin capsules. When considering dietary … Read more