Food and beverage industry news covering CPG giants, restaurant suppliers, ingredient trends, regulation, and consumer packaged goods.
A new study in the American Journal of Public Health reveals tobacco companies like RJ Reynolds and Philip Morris applied cigarette marketing strategies to sell ultra-processed foods, including Lunchables, to children. Researchers found these products were optimized for rapid reward, contributing to health risks like dementia.
This commentary argues that allowing Tongaat Hulett to be liquidated would undermine the progress made under South Africa's Sugar Value Chain Master Plan. It contends that the plan has increased sales and supported small-scale growers, and that saving the company is essential for the rural economy and jobs in KwaZulu-Natal.
Insatiable demand for whey protein from consumers and food companies adding it to products like chips and lattes has caused shortages and rising prices. Some manufacturers halted production or reformulated top-selling items with alternatives.
Starbucks is reportedly bringing back the S'mores Frappuccino after a seven-year hiatus and launching a new S'mores Cold Brew at U.S. locations starting June 30. The move aligns with the company's 'Back to Starbucks' strategy to simplify the menu and focus on high-demand items.
This commentary argues that the rising popularity of craft flour among 'MAHA' influencers and chefs reflects a broader consumer shift toward less processed, fiber-rich grains. It contends that while these premium alternatives offer nutritional benefits, their higher cost may limit accessibility, highlighting tensions between health trends and affordability.