“Potential Impacts of California’s Acrylamide Ruling on the Coffee Industry: Health Warnings, Consumer Trust, and Industry Practices”

The implications of this ruling could reverberate throughout the coffee industry, both within California and beyond. Coffee roasters have argued that reducing acrylamide levels is impossible without compromising the beverage’s flavor and asserted that exposure to acrylamide poses no threat to coffee consumers—however, they may need to reconsider their position. This lawsuit, initially filed in … Read more

Hershey’s Commitment to Sustainable Cocoa: Enhancing Supply Chains and Meeting Consumer Demand

Hershey’s recent initiatives are part of its ongoing commitment to improve the cocoa supply chain. In collaboration with Cargill since 2014, the company has been teaching sustainable farming techniques to growers in Ivory Coast, building on the success of its earlier “Learn To Grow” programs in Ghana and Nigeria. Prior to these efforts, Hershey also … Read more

“Rising Influence of Cannabis Edibles in the Food and Beverage Sector Amid Legalization Trends”

As the movement toward legalizing recreational marijuana progresses — with at least 12 states contemplating legalization this year — the influence of cannabis edibles on the food and beverage sector is poised to be significant. Once consumers gain legal access, it won’t be long before they can purchase cannabis-infused snacks like chips and cookies or … Read more

“Rising Popularity of Vegan and Plant-Based Diets: Nutritional Insights and Market Trends”

Vegan diets are gaining popularity, with a recent report from Top Trends in Prepared Foods indicating that 6% of Americans now identify as vegan, a significant increase from just 1% in 2014. However, the movement towards plant-based diets is much more extensive, raising questions about their nutritional adequacy. HealthFocus estimates that 17% of U.S. consumers … Read more

“Overcoming the ‘Ick Factor’: The Case for Jellyfish as a Healthy and Sustainable Snack in the U.S.”

In the United States, the main challenge surrounding jellyfish consumption is the “ick factor.” Often characterized as “slimy, tasteless, and lacking appeal,” jellyfish faces an uphill battle in gaining popularity. However, a combination of trends—including a rising demand for healthier snacks, a more globalized and sophisticated food market, and environmentally conscious consumers—works in favor of … Read more

“Coconut Oil’s Rise and Fall: The Impact of Consumer Trends and Health Concerns on a Superfood”

The surge in the popularity of coconut oil can be largely attributed to direct-to-consumer sales. Various manufactured products featuring this oil include potato chips fried in coconut oil, a whipped topping for coffee, and General Mills’ Nature Valley Biscuits made with coconut butter. Even if consumers aren’t purchasing coconut oil primarily for cooking, manufacturers can … Read more

“Rising Demand for Jujube Products: A Healthier Alternative in the Functional Foods Market”

Although Abakus Foods has not yet announced plans to distribute its jujube products in U.S. retail stores, other companies are currently offering jujube fruit online via Amazon.com. Jujube is recognized as an adaptogen, a type of plant that helps the human body better cope with stress, similar to ginseng. The demand for functional foods and … Read more

“Balancing Sugar Reduction and Texture: The Role of Pectin in Healthier Food Manufacturing”

Reducing sugar content is a key priority for food and beverage manufacturers, but this reduction can impact the texture of products. Pectin, a natural substance found in fruits, is essential for the gelling of jams and jellies and is produced industrially from citrus fruit peels. For fruits that have low pectin levels, such as strawberries, … Read more

“Rising Demand for Gluten-Free Products: Trends, Market Growth, and Consumer Insights”

The findings from this survey are not surprising for those who have been monitoring the global gluten-free market. Initially, the focus was on individuals with celiac disease and other forms of gluten intolerance, but now, an increasing number of consumers without dietary restrictions are opting for gluten-free products due to the perception that they are … Read more

“Evaluating the Impact of Calcium Citrate on Gastrointestinal Comfort in Patients Taking Iron Supplements: Nursing Considerations”

Ferrous lactate has a molecular weight, while iron bisglycinate is provided in a dosage of 25 mg. Additionally, iron (II) phosphate and ferrous sulfate are available in various forms. When considering nursing implications for ferrous sulfate, it’s important to note that some patients may experience gastrointestinal discomfort. Furthermore, many individuals wonder if calcium citrate can … Read more