“Reducing Sugar Consumption: The Shift from Corn Syrup to Healthier Alternatives in American Food Products”

According to Bloomberg, the American Heart Association recommends that men limit their added sugar intake to 29 pounds per year and women to 20 pounds. However, the USDA reported that in 2016, the average American consumed 128 pounds of sugar. Clearly, there is a need for the nation to reduce sugar consumption, particularly the intake … Read more

“From Uncertainty to $100 Million: The Rise of Pumpkin Spice and Its Impact on Seasonal Flavor Trends”

It may seem surprising, but when Starbucks first introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte, the founders were uncertain about its potential success. There were worries that the robust pumpkin spice flavor might overshadow their celebrated coffee too much, and that the seasonal flavor could be easily replicated by competitors. Nevertheless, they proceeded, and now enjoy over … Read more

“Evolving Ice Cream: Balancing Indulgence and Health in a Market Shifting Towards Non-Dairy and Allergen-Friendly Options”

While ice cream may not be becoming inherently healthier, it is evolving to align with contemporary trends, making it more accommodating for individuals with food allergies and intolerances. This shift is particularly relevant given that up to 15 million Americans have at least one food allergy, including 5.9 million children, as reported by Food Allergy … Read more

“Permanent Shift Towards Clean Eating: The Rise of Health-Conscious Consumer Choices and Plant-Based Alternatives”

Food trends may fluctuate, but the increasing emphasis on clean eating and healthier lifestyle choices, along with the decline of heavily processed foods, is a permanent shift. Consumers are becoming more conscious of how the foods they consume contribute to their overall wellness, opting for preventative measures rather than relying solely on medications for health … Read more

“Xylella Fastidiosa Threatens EU Olive Oil Production: Impacts on Agriculture and Consumer Choices”

Spread by insects, Xylella fastidiosa is regarded by the European Union as “one of the most dangerous plant bacteria worldwide,” leading to various diseases that significantly impact agriculture. The EU is the largest producer of olive oil globally, accounting for 73% of production, with Spain alone producing 56% of the total supply. The subsequent top-producing … Read more

“Rising Concerns Over Sugar Consumption: Implications for Health and Dietary Recommendations”

Although the study is observational and cannot establish a causal link, it represents another setback for the beleaguered sugar industry. Previous research in mice indicated a connection between children’s sugar intake and an increased risk of asthma; however, this latest study did not find such a relationship. This is the first research to identify a … Read more

“Escalating Threat of Food Fraud: Challenges, Risks, and Solutions in the Global Food Supply Chain”

In recent years, the threat of food fraud has escalated due to the increasing globalization of the food supply and heightened competition across various sectors. Noteworthy incidents include the 2013 horsemeat scandal in Europe and the 2008 contamination of Chinese infant formula with melamine, an industrial chemical that falsely elevated protein levels, leading to the … Read more

“Reevaluating Coffee: Uncovering Health Benefits Amidst Historical Misconceptions”

An increasing amount of research has linked coffee consumption with a reduced risk of various diseases, yet its negative reputation remains difficult to overcome. Historically, doctors recommended against drinking coffee, believing it could harm the heart and hinder growth—views based on outdated studies that often did not account for other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, … Read more

“Navigating Food Labeling Regulations: The Ongoing Debate Over ‘Natural’ Claims and Emerging Alternatives”

This outcome is bound to please food manufacturers grappling with labeling claims, but it may frustrate those seeking to utilize litigation to alter corporate practices. When the lawsuit was initiated last year, the label in question was criticized as deceptive. While one could argue that the case was nitpicking over what can legally be labeled … Read more

“Consumer Advocates Expose Hazardous Chemicals in Macaroni and Cheese, Prompting Calls for Safer Food Practices”

To mark National Macaroni and Cheese Day last week, consumer advocates revealed troubling findings regarding hazardous chemicals in cheese powder. “We believe that every mac ‘n’ cheese product contains these chemicals—you can’t simply avoid the issue by shopping differently,” stated Mike Belliveau, executive director of the Environmental Health Strategy Center, a supporter of the research, … Read more