Rachel Cheatham, PhD’s Post

Though inflation has significantly affected the #snack category, consumers aren’t phased. In fact, recent research from the The National Institutes of Health shows that people are snacking more than ever—with more than 90% of U.S. adults eating one to three snacks each day. What’s more, snacks are a staple of the American diet, accounting for nearly a quarter (22%) of total energy intake among adults. As if that isn't enough proof that snacks are dominating the food landscape, consumers are prioritizing snacks over actual meals. According to Mondelēz International’s 5th Annual Global Consumer Trends Study, more than 60% of global consumers surveyed said they prefer to eat several small meals throughout the day as opposed to a few large ones. Read on and check out our top 15 snacks: https://utm.io/ug7hc #naturalproducts #cpg #foodandbeverage #brands

I’ve recently seen an up tick in posts talking about “BAD” foods. I think it’s important to keep labels like this out of conversations. We are in a food crisis with prices soaring and food insecurity increasing at every turn. All food has value. Balanced diets are what to focus on. You want pizza? Great! Why not add a salad and some lean protein to go with that and you have a complete meal! Or…add all of that as toppings on your pizza. Let’s normalize embracing food and learning what we can add to make our meals more well rounded instead of making people feel bad for their food choices. BAD foods don’t exist, only bad attitudes surrounding food.

Fast food is a popular category of food that emphasizes quick preparation and convenience. Originating in the early 20th century, it has become a global phenomenon, characterized by its standardized menu items and efficient service. Chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s are iconic examples, offering products such as burgers, fries, and soft drinks. The appeal of fast food lies in its affordability and speed, providing a quick meal solution for busy individuals. Its consistency in taste and quality also attracts customers who seek familiar flavors and reliable service. However, fast food has been criticized for its potential health risks, including high levels of calories, fats, sugars, and sodium, which can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Despite these concerns, the fast food industry continues to evolve, with many chains introducing healthier options like salads and grilled chicken. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards sustainable practices and local sourcing to address environmental and ethical issues. The balance between convenience and health remains a central theme in the ongoing development of fast food. click here 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://lnkd.in/gfRhJG5p

In our work studying consumer perceptions around #cleaneating and the struggles of doing so in a fast-paced world, we've found there’s an increasing destigmatization around frozen foods and a growing acceptance for the important role they can play.   During a recent conversation with Anjali Prasertong, MPH, registered dietician and author of the Antiracist Dietician newsletter, we explored the growing recognition of the benefits frozen foods can provide, even to those closely following clean eating principles.   As Anjali explained, “Frozen foods can be really healthy. It doesn't have to be the Michael Pollan ideal of only the freshest fresh-picked produce.” Frozen items can fuse convenience, value, and nutrition, and make clean eating more accessible. Frozen options can reduce food spoilage and waste, offer year-round produce choices that mitigate seasonality, and are often more nutrient-dense than fresh.   Outside of produce, we've also taken notice of more globally-inspired, premium options appearing in the freezer section such as Laoban Dumplings, modern Chinese dumplings, or Balkan Bites, Southeast European comfort foods. The frozen format makes food available to us across multiple dimensions, from a world of new flavors to greater ease of preparation.   Upland studies disruption every day, across a range of categories, as we map the future of our evolving #foodandbeverage landscape. We will continue to track continued innovation within the frozen aisle in our work. Reach out to learn more about how we help! #innovation #cpg #brandbuilding #futuremapping

How Much is Your Meal Really Worth?   Every morning, we share our breakfast with our house help. This morning, she ate a breakfast of eggs, idli and a warm mushroom salad(with coloured peppers, string beans and sweetcorn kernels).   But I started to wonder—how many in the low-income group can afford this kind of meal? 🥚🥗   Take a look at your grocery bill. Nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables are at the top of the price list, while low-nutrient staples like flour and rice are the cheapest.   Why is it that millets, a traditional healthy grain, are more expensive than all-purpose flour? 🍚 It’s a clear indicator: the healthier the food, the higher the price.   If you don’t have to count how many apples your family eats in a week, consider yourself fortunate. 🍎   But the reality for many is different. This World Food Day, let’s shift our focus to sharing nutritious meals with those around us—especially the people who work with us.   Ask yourself: Do they eat at least one fruit a day? 🍏 If not, let’s educate and help them access healthier food choices.   Healthy food should be a right, not a privilege. 🌍💚  💬 Share this post to spread the word about the importance of healthy, accessible meals for all. Together, we can start conversations that lead to real change.   #WorldFoodDay #HealthyForAll #FoodForThought #EatHealthyShareHealthy #FoodEquity #HealthyEating #NutritionAwareness

If you don’t calculate the price of every meal you eat💵 or count the apples🍎 your family consumes, consider yourself fortunate. For millions, healthy, nutritious food is an unaffordable luxury.🍲   In 2022, 9.2% of the global population—around 735 million people—faced chronic hunger (FAO). This means that while some enjoy nutrient-rich meals, millions rely on cheaper, less nutritious alternatives, worsening health issues.   Food Waste in Wealthier Nations In richer countries, excess fresh produce, bakery goods and frozen food often go to waste due to overstocking. Supermarkets encourage consumers to buy more than they need, leading to wastage both in stores and homes, with discarded food filling landfills.   In developing countries, overproduction adds pressure on farmers and ecosystems, as they try to meet both domestic and international market demands. Fertilisers and chemicals are used excessively to meet this demand, further harming the environment.    The Ripple Effect of Mindful Consumption 👇🏽   What if we could change this? If the wealthy consumed more mindfully, it would create a ripple effect: •           Farmers could reduce overproduction, easing the burden on the environment. •           Transportation costs would lower, meaning food prices could decrease for everyone. •           Healthy food would become more accessible for lower-income populations, improving global nutrition.   On World Food Day, we need more than just awareness. We need action. Here’s how you can help: 1. Consume mindfully and reduce waste. 2. Buy only what you need. 3. Educate others on the impact of food waste and encourage conscious consumption.   4. Share this message with decision-makers—governments, supermarkets, corporations.   It’s time for reforms that prioritise growing healthy, organic food and ensure it's affordable for all.   By changing our habits today, we can help provide decent, nutritious meals for everyone tomorrow. Join the movement and make a difference!   #WorldFoodDay #MindfulEating #SustainableFood #EndHunger #ZeroWaste #FoodForAll #healthyfoodforall  

FOOD SECURITY "Food security is when all people have physical, social, and economic access to enough safe, nutritious food that satisfies their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life." FAO (1996). The four components of food security are referred to as the "Four Dimensions of Food Security." 1.Availability- It refers to the sufficient food present in particular area. 2.Access- "Having physical, economical, and social access" is what it alludes to. 3. The utilization dimension- Apart from availability and accessible of food it should be ensured that people will get safe and nutritious food. 4. The stability- Food security is "a situation" that should exist permanently and sustainably rather than only for a single instant, day, or season. #foodsecurity #foodsciences #foodtechnology #foodsafety #foodengineering #food #processing

Here are some Advantages and disadvantages of fresh and frozen fruits you be the judge. 🥭🥦🍎 Fresh fruits and vegetables have a higher water content and therefore offer natural hydration that is important for cellular health. Healthful fats. Also because vitamins in the vegetables particularly the water soluble ones such as B vitamins & vitamin C are degraded when exposed to air, heat and light. Some frozen meals are high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues when consumed in excess. Though many frozen fruits and vegetables have no added salt, many frozen meals, like frozen pizza, do add dome Disadvantages of freezing it costs a great deal to buy and maintain a freezer. Also, the size of the freezer limits the amount of storage space, and the freezing process gives some foods an undesirable texture. Chef’s please feel free to add your input about this topic in the comments. #LinkedIn #FrozenVersusFresh #SeekingEmployment #EmploymentOpportunities #OpenToWork American Culinary Federation American Hotel and Motel Association Farmer Lee Jones ACA | American Club Association Worldchefs - World Association of Chefs' Societies Chef Jon Dutton Chefmannyg Gallardo CDM,CFPP Christian Schmidt Frederick Clabaugh Aaron Johnson Karl Peters CEC, HMC Eddie Wilson CEC PCEC CCA AAC Gilbert Rodriguez Charles Barksdale Stephen Wilson Chef Global Chef Walter Hahn https://lnkd.in/dtDcP4Je

While recommendations to reduce sodium consumption align with promoting public health, they may also challenge current food safety uses of sodium in products on the market. The solutions are more complicated than just cutting back on sodium levels in foods like meats and cheeses. 💡Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wOMG8 #foodsafety #foodindustry #sodium

Natural and caloric sweeteners soar as US consumers seek clear health guidance, flags survey. 🍯 A recent survey on low and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) revealed that one-third of consumers adjusted their consumption habits between April 2023 and April 2024. Within this group, 10% reported an increase in LNCS usage, and 6% indicated they had recently started using them. Despite this shift, U.S. consumers continue to show a strong preference for caloric sweeteners, with honey and brown sugar being the most popular choices. The survey, conducted by the International Food Information Council (IFIC), aimed to assess consumer perceptions and preferences regarding sweeteners in food and beverage applications. Do you think the trend toward healthier eating will continue to grow? 🤔 Read more below...