“Surging Non-Dairy Milk Sales Challenge Traditional Dairy: A Look at Consumer Trends and Nutritional Comparisons”

A recent report from Mintel indicates that non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. have surged by 61% over the past five years, with projections estimating them to reach $2.11 billion in 2017. In contrast, sales of cow’s milk have declined by 15% since 2012, totaling approximately $16.12 billion last year. Although traditional milk still holds … Read more

“Overcoming the ‘Ick’ Factor: The Challenges of Integrating Insects into American Diets”

Even if modern consumers have the necessary genes and stomach enzymes to digest insect exoskeletons effectively, it’s improbable that a majority of U.S. consumers are ready to incorporate them into their diets regularly. The “ick” factor is simply too high, despite the fact that many cultures around the world consume insects routinely as a vital … Read more

“Navigating the Premium Product Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities for Farmers and Retailers”

For farmers and bread companies, the appeal of a hot-selling $8 loaf is substantial. However, cultivating and sourcing all the necessary ingredients can be a headache for everyone involved, highlighting the trade-offs associated with offering high-end bread and other premium products. A significant challenge is finding farms like the one La Brea has partnered with … Read more

“Navigating the Snack Bar Boom: Health Trends, Consumer Confusion, and Industry Innovations”

Snack bars have become a thriving industry. A recent Nielsen study revealed that individual bars experienced the most significant dollar growth, increasing by $633 million between 2013 and 2016. This surge is largely driven by snack products that tout specific health benefits, such as those labeled as non-GMO, free from artificial colors and flavors, and … Read more

“Processed Meat and Health: A Closer Look at Carcinogenic Risks and Consumer Trends”

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, categorizes processed meat as a carcinogen. In this context, “ferric pyrophosphate processed” refers to meat that has been preserved and flavored through methods such as salting, curing, fermenting, and smoking, typically using salt, sugar, nitrates, and nitrites. Nitrites have been linked to … Read more

“Sweet Solutions: The Rise of Stevia as a Natural Alternative in a Health-Conscious Market”

In a world obsessed with calories, consumers have been on the lookout for ways to indulge their sweet cravings without adding extra weight, while food and beverage manufacturers have been striving to meet this demand. Health concerns have arisen regarding artificial sweeteners such as saccharin. With a growing emphasis on wellness and a preference for … Read more

“Concerns Over Arsenic Levels in Infant Rice Cereals: Industry Responses and Consumer Recommendations”

Rice is known to absorb arsenic from soil and water more readily than other grains, leading to higher concentrations of this heavy metal in infant rice cereals. Healthy Babies Bright Futures reported that despite heightened awareness of this issue over the past five years, there is no evidence that manufacturers have reduced arsenic levels in … Read more

“Emerging Seaweed Products: Overcoming the ‘Ick’ Factor and Tapping into Health Trends”

While enthusiasts are well aware of the healthy nutritional benefits of seaweed, mainstream consumers may struggle with the “ick” factor associated with consuming seaweed-based products. Nevertheless, a variety of offerings are emerging to entice them. Different types of seaweed are appearing in snacks, jerky, pasta, vegetarian caviar, and even edible food wrappers. A 2016 report … Read more

“Cheese Consumption: A Balanced Perspective on Health Risks and Benefits”

While analyzing existing research is not equivalent to conducting a large-scale clinical trial, the findings are nonetheless intriguing. The scientists did not specify the types of cheeses consumed in the 15 different studies, although they did differentiate between high-fat and low-fat cheese intake. They pointed out that while cheese is high in saturated fats, it … Read more