From Protein Craze to Pricing Controversy: How Today’s Headlines Are Reshaping Food | ELLEN’S BLOG

Much is happening with groceries and food prices…

Current events – war, artificial dyes and surveillance pricing – is driving many stories about food and nutrition. Will we see a promised government definition of ultraprocessed food? Target and McDonald’s are lowering prices this spring. Protein, it’s EVERYWHERE. A food industry expert has an interesting perspective on protein options at McDonald’s and read about a few eye-catching examples of protein-forward grocery items. GLP-1s are in the news with new research about how genes affect efficacy. Also, what to know about online health fallacies and an analysis of AI generated teen meal plans.

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A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

The Impact of Current Events on Food

As we see the impact of current events on gas prices, there are impacts on the food we buy now and in the future, such as fertilizer from The Supermarket Guru and shares more about what he calls ‘the grocery storm’. Manufacturers are removing artificial food dyes, but this change opens the door to food fraud around ‘natural dyes.’ Safety concerns delay the approval of 2 natural dyes. The EPA proposes testing water for microplastics. Much attention has been focused on surveillance pricing. Listen to the March 31 episode of the Connections podcast or listen to it online. Federal and state lawmakers are addressing surveillance pricing (1) (2), and yet Walmart continues with rollout plans for digital shelf labels amid concerns and the Food Marketing Institute says electronic shelf labels won’t be used for surveillance pricing. The government has promised an April definition of ultraprocessed food. Two foods get certified for no ultraprocessing. As food prices continue to be an issue, Target is lowering prices this spring and McDonald’s McValue menu, starting April 21, has 10 items under $3. What’s a price block? One grocer is using it to lower prices. The DGAs may be in our rear-view mirror, but you can compare them to the American Heart Association’s new dietary guidance. Front-of-package labeling has long been in the crosshairs of government, and a new study identifies a winning design. Finally, federal legislation takes a toll in Arizona – nearly half of the state’s SNAP participants lost benefits.

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We Have to Talk About Protein…

Phil Lempert, the Supermarket Guru has an interesting take on McDonald’s protein items: is it a way to downsize portions and not lose money? As I shop for groceries it seems I cannot escape the word ‘protein’ on food packages. Here are some of the more eye-popping products I have seen on shelves: Kraft high protein cheese strips…for a higher price; Protein Pop Tarts…dietitian review: much like the old Pop Tarts but with protein; Power Mac w/ fiber and protein; protein ranch dressing; Nature’s Own protein bread ; Cup of Noodles Protein.

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GLP-1s…

Still in the news, new research looks at how genes interact with weight loss drugs’ efficacy. Nutritionists share their take on the meaning of ‘GLP-1 friendly’ when it appears on a food package. GLP-1s are not a passing trend; they are structurally reshaping the food industry yet the proliferation of protein-forward foods may lead to consumer protein fatigue. GLP-1s are reshaping fast food as they ramp up marketing to users and share nutrition data of food options w/customers.

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