Food News

Chapter 1: A New Vision for Affordable Urban Living Chapter 1: A New Vision for Affordable Urban Living (image credits: pixabay) Zohran Mamdani’s unexpected triumph in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary was driven by a bold agenda to make life more affordable for working families. His plans include free childcare, a rent freeze, and most notably, a system of city-owned grocery stores designed not to profit, but to lower food prices through reduced overhead, wholesale buying, and partnerships with local communities. Chapter 2: Public Support and the Need for Relief Chapter 2: Public Support and the Need for Relief … Read more

Coca-Cola Confirms Cane Sugar Version Coca-Cola Confirms Cane Sugar Version (image credits: unsplash) Starting this fall, Coca-Cola will introduce a cane sugar-sweetened version of its drink, alongside the existing original formula. The company announced the move shortly after former President Donald Trump shared on Truth Social that he had spoken with Coca-Cola about using “REAL Cane Sugar” in U.S. products. Until now, the company had not confirmed the discussion. Complement, Not Replace Complement, Not Replace (image credits: pixabay) Coca-Cola emphasized that this new version won’t replace the current high-fructose corn syrup formula. Instead, it’s meant to offer more consumer choices … Read more

No Safe Amount of Processed Meat, Experts Say No Safe Amount of Processed Meat, Experts Say (image credits: unsplash) A sweeping new study has found that even small amounts of processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and trans fatty acids may significantly increase the risk of major diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and colorectal cancer. Nutrition experts say the findings support a growing consensus: there is no safe threshold for these foods. What the Study Revealed What the Study Revealed (image credits: unsplash) Published in Nature Medicine, the study analyzed data from over 60 prior investigations. Lead author Dr. Demewoz … Read more

Lawsuit Launch Lawsuit Launch (image credits: unsplash) Johanna Foods, a U.S. importer of not‑from‑concentrate orange juice, has filed suit in the U.S. Court of International Trade, challenging President Trump’s threatened 50% tariff on Brazilian imports. Projected Price Hikes Projected Price Hikes (image credits: unsplash) The company warns that the tariff would drive retail orange juice prices up by 20%–25% at major chains like Aldi, Walmart and Wegmans. Trump’s Tariff Notice Trump’s Tariff Notice (image credits: unsplash) In a July 9 letter to Brazil’s President Lula da Silva, Trump announced the 50% duty effective August 1, citing Brazil’s treatment of former President Bolsonaro, alleged … Read more

Tariff Pressure on Import‑Dependent Sectors Tariff Pressure on Import‑Dependent Sectors (image credits: unsplash) U.S. tariffs on imported goods are squeezing three pillars of the economy—food, apparel and automotive—forcing businesses to absorb higher costs or pass them on to consumers. As policy makers use import taxes to protect domestic industries, companies reliant on global supply chains face escalating expenses and logistical headaches. Automotive and Mobility Automotive and Mobility (image credits: pixabay) Roughly half of all passenger cars and one‑third of light trucks sold in the U.S. are imported. With tariffs on vehicles and key components reaching up to 25 percent, automakers are … Read more

Avocado Toast Avocado Toast (image credits: wikimedia) Avocado toast is everywhere on café menus, yet critics argue it’s become more about status and Instagram likes than flavor or originality. A 2024 survey by Yelp showed avocado toast orders declined by 13% as diners moved toward more creative brunch options. Despite its visual appeal, the dish is simple and often overpriced, with some restaurants charging over $15 for a single serving. Food writers note that its popularity is driven more by social media trends than culinary innovation. The simple mix of bread and avocado is often seen as lacking in depth, … Read more

Leadership Driving Action Leadership Driving Action (image credits: By Fda.gov, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31770431) Under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, the FDA and USDA are ramping up efforts to tackle America’s diet‑related chronic disease epidemic linked to ultra‑processed foods. Joint Request for Information Joint Request for Information (image credits: unsplash) The agencies have issued a joint RFI to collect data and feedback needed to create a single, federally recognized definition of ultra‑processed foods—crucial for boosting transparency about what Americans consume. Urgent Call to Define Urgent Call to Define (image credits: unsplash) “Ultra‑processed foods are driving our … Read more

Origins of National Drive‑Thru Day Origins of National Drive‑Thru Day (image credits: unsplash) National Drive‑Thru Day falls on Thursday, July 24, honoring a food‑service innovation we now consider routine. This celebration traces back to the rise of America’s car culture in the 1950s, when motorists began demanding faster, more convenient dining options. The First Drive‑Thru Pioneers The First Drive‑Thru Pioneers (image credits: flickr) Red’s Giant Hamburg on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, is widely regarded as the very first drive‑thru, opening its lanes in 1947. Not long after, In‑N‑Out Burger introduced drive‑through service in Los Angeles in 1948, followed by Jack in … Read more

Tariff Impact on Orange Juice Prices Tariff Impact on Orange Juice Prices (image credits: unsplash) President Trump’s proposed tariffs on Brazilian imports could drive up orange juice costs at major U.S. supermarkets—Aldi, Walmart and Wegmans—by as much as 25%, warns a leading U.S. importer. Johanna Foods’ Legal Action Johanna Foods’ Legal Action (image credits: pixabay) Johanna Foods, a New Jersey–based importer and seller of not‑from‑concentrate orange juice, has sued the Trump administration. The company claims that a threatened 50% tariff on Brazilian goods will inflict nearly a $70 million loss on its business and steep price hikes for customers. Questioning Tariff … Read more

Shrinking Wallets Shrinking Wallets (image credits: unsplash) Cuts to SNAP will strip benefits from more than 22.3 million American households, costing the neediest families hundreds of dollars each year. These reductions translate directly into fewer grocery dollars, forcing many to choose between essentials. The $186 Billion Hit The $186 Billion Hit (image credits: unsplash) President Trump’s budget, signed on July 4, imposes a $186 billion cut to SNAP over ten years. This measure sits alongside $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and aid for farmers, making it the largest reduction to the nation’s primary food‐assistance program in history. What Is SNAP? … Read more