Blog Articles

Americans are getting sicker as a nation, and it just may be what we are putting in our grocery carts and on our dinner tables that is causing the problem with four of the top six killers in the U.S. related to diet.

In recent years, the American diet has undergone a dramatic transformation. Our plates, once filled with whole foods prepared at home, are now dominated by ultra-processed foods (UPFs). This shift has not only changed how we eat but also significantly impacts our health and society.

As 2024 nears the midway mark, many consumers are grappling with the persistent issue of rising food prices. While inflation has been easing downward, many food prices remain stubborn or even continue to climb.

“In 2024, all food prices are predicted to increase 2.2 percent, with a prediction interval of 0.7 to 3.8 percent,” said the USDA Economic Research Service in April.

Never say never.

At least that is what some large brands, such as Chick-fil-A, are finding out when it comes to pledges about meat, poultry, and antibiotics.

“A newly announced change to Chick-fil-A’s menu may ruffle some feathers,” reported Food and Wine. “The fast-food chicken chain announced this week via a notification on their app that it'll be ending its promise to only serve 100 percent antibiotic-free chicken.”

Fans of crawfish have been boiling mad this spring as the popular crustaceans are unusually hard to find – and expensive when spotted! -- on local menus due to a combination of extreme weather events.

If bioengineered foods had their own relationship status it would certainly be “it’s complicated.”

KSAT reported that the National Academies of Sciences Commission said that sweeping statements about genetically engineered crops are problematic because issues related to them are multidimensional.

“In other words — it’s complicated,” said the KSAT report.

December might be the best time of the year for food lovers with holiday meals and festive get-togethers. It’s also the time of the year when the food industry dusts off its crystal balls and looks towards the food trends for the coming year.

“Keeping up with global food trends can be a little dizzying these days. The internet has ushered in an era of fads that burn hot and fast, showing up everywhere before disappearing completely. Sometimes, they start on TikTok, making it to Instagram and Reddit within days or weeks. If they show promise or seem to have staying power, restaurants and grocery stores may decide to jump in to cater to consumers,” explains DoorDash for Merchants.

A new survey by NielsenIQ highlights that while the holiday season is a time for celebration, it can be a financially stressful time for consumers, especially when it comes to trips to the grocery store.

“With the rising cost of food and other expenses, it’s more important than ever for CPG (consumer packaged goods) brands and retailers to understand what motivates consumers to buy and how it’s going to affect holiday grocery sales,” says NielsenIQ. “But don’t worry, it’s not all bad news. There are still plenty of ways to get the most out of holiday grocery shopping.”

Climate change has many ramifications across the world and is already affecting food production from coffee to wine to chocolate to corn and more.

“Agriculture has always been at the mercy of unpredictable weather, but a rapidly changing climate is making agriculture an even more vulnerable enterprise,” says the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. “In some regions, warmer temperatures may increase crop yields. The overall impact of climate change on agriculture, however, is expected to be negative—reducing food supplies and raising food prices.”

The era of instant gratification is intensifying with shoppers expecting free and fast delivery, the ability to binge-watch all the episodes of their favorite shows in one sitting, and almost half of TikTok users finding videos longer than a minute “stressful”!