Food News

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

Order to Destroy Emergency Food Order to Destroy Emergency Food (image credits: pixabay) Five months after beginning to dismantle foreign-aid programs, the Trump administration ordered nearly 500 metric tons of emergency food to be incinerated instead of delivered abroad. These rations, meant for children in Afghanistan and Pakistan, will soon expire and become unusable, according to sources familiar with the program. The Origin of the Biscuits The Origin of the Biscuits (image credits: unsplash) Near the end of the Biden administration, USAID purchased about $800,000 worth of high-energy biscuits. These biscuits are designed to provide essential nutrition for children under … Read more

The Milk Revolution is Already Here The Milk Revolution is Already Here (image credits: unsplash) While you’ve been debating oat versus almond milk, the dairy industry has quietly started another revolution. The alternative milk beverage industry is experiencing a decline for the first time in years, dropping to $2.9 billion in total US Omni Sales this year. But don’t mistake this dip for defeat—it’s actually signaling something bigger brewing in labs and fermentation tanks around the world. The global dairy alternative market size was valued at USD 32.77 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of … Read more

1. What Are Tariffs and Why Do They Matter? 1. What Are Tariffs and Why Do They Matter? (image credits: unsplash) Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods. When a tariff is applied to a product coming into the U.S., it raises the cost for the importer, who often passes that cost down the line—ultimately reaching consumers at the grocery store. Even though the U.S. produces a lot of its own food, it still relies on imports for many staples, especially certain fruits, vegetables, seafood, and coffee. 2. Are Grocery Prices Going Up Because of Tariffs? 2. Are Grocery Prices … Read more

1. Soybeans: America’s Export Powerhouse Hit Hard 1. Soybeans: America’s Export Powerhouse Hit Hard (image credits: unsplash) Soybeans have been one of the biggest casualties of the U.S.-China trade war. When the Trump administration imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, China quickly retaliated by slapping its own tariffs on American soybeans. This immediately disrupted the $14 billion annual soybean trade between the two countries. U.S. farmers, who once relied on China for over 60% of their exports, saw prices plummet. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, soybean exports to China dropped by over 70% in 2018. Farmers have struggled to … Read more

Embracing Local Produce Embracing Local Produce (image credits: wikimedia) In the midst of the tariff era, many consumers found themselves turning to local produce as a cost-effective solution. Instead of relying on imported goods, families began to explore the rich bounty available in their own backyards. Farmers’ markets became a treasure trove of fresh vegetables and fruits. The shift not only supported local economies but also introduced consumers to seasonal eating. With the changing seasons, different produce becomes available, making meal planning an exciting challenge. From summer’s juicy tomatoes to autumn’s crisp apples, local produce brought variety to the dinner … Read more