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.

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.

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.

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.

Online…stay safe out there with some tips & new analysis…

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• Trending health fallacies 
• Asking ChatGPT health questions: adapt these for nutrition
• AI meal plans for teens fall short
  

Just for fun?…eye-opening products that are real!…

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• Mission MightyMe (toddler trail mix w/dissolvable nut puffs)
• Nutrient infused ice cubes (4 for $9.99) @ Sprouts
• Plant-based sliced milk is headed our way

Much is happening with groceries and food prices…

Conflicting forecasts of what inflation might bring this year and BNPL appearing on credit reports (a heads up for those using it to pay for food). SNAP sees more states receiving waivers and new retailer stocking standards. Walmart is in the news as they serve a record-breaking 190 million Americans each month. In AI news, a study finds higher spending w/Walmart’s shopping assistant and Target tests ads in their ChatGPT (one vendor is a food company). Almost 2 months since the DGAs release: read reactions from experts and dietitians. Learn more about Dr. Helen Zoe Veit’s new book ‘Picky: How American Children Became the Fussiest Eaters in History’. All this and so much more!

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

Groceries/food prices…

 In overall food prices we saw the highest rise in December since 2022 (https://www.foodpolitics.com/2026/02/whats-happening-with-prices-at-the-grocery-store/).  USDA’s forecast for grocery prices in 2026: an increase of 2.5% (https://www.grocerydive.com/news/food-at-home-prices-increase-2026-usda/813359/) but Phil Lempert, Supermarket Guru predicts they will increase between 5% & 8% (https://www.wflx.com/2026/02/27/wholesale-inflation-rises-more-than-expected-expert-warns-food-prices-could-climb-up-8/). Is Walmart the cheapest U.S. grocery store? Nope, a comparison of food prices in 2025 found that it was Costco. And the most expensive grocery? Whole Foods. (https://www.tastingtable.com/2111659/cheapest-grocery-store-us-costco/).  A deep dive into how tariffs impacted food prices and the reality of higher food prices: once food prices go up they are NOT likely to go down (https://phillempert.substack.com/p/three-things-you-should-know-about). A new study finds that state regulations around banned ingredients or new labeling could increase food items (https://www.nationalreview.com/news/state-level-maha-regulations-will-lead-to-spike-in-grocery-prices-study-finds/). The high cost of fast food news…remember when Wendy’s sold hefty baked potatoes for $.99? Not anymore (https://www.tastingtable.com/2106295/wendys-baked-potato-underrated-overpriced/). And higher Subway prices are getting feedback from customers (https://www.tastingtable.com/2110506/sandwich-chain-costs-too-much-subway/).

SNAP…

Four more states receive SNAP waivers, now at 22  (https://www.grocerydive.com/news/usda-approves-4-more-state-snap-waivers/813886/). SNAP retailer stocking standards call for more healthy items to be stocked (https://www.thepacker.com/news/grocery-stores-face-new-usda-nutrition-requirements-accept-snap). How are candy and soda companies sizing up SNAP restrictions in 18 states? (https://www.fooddive.com/news/snap-restrictions-candy-soda-hershey-keurig-drpepper-earnings/813215/). 

Walmart in the news…

Walmart hit a new record: serving over 190 million Americans monthly (https://storebrands.com/walmarts-grocery-penetration-rate-sets-new-record). By the end of this year, all Walmarts will have digital shelf labels (https://www.retaildive.com/news/walmart-expands-digital-shelf-labels-all-us-stores/813654/). 

AI & groceries…

And if you saw this headline – Target to test ads in ChatGPT – and thought it didn’t mean much, think again, because Mars Wrigley, a snack company is one of the vendors involved (https://www.marketingdive.com/news/target-to-test-contextual-ads-in-chatgpt-including-through-roundel/811927/). Higher spending occurs w/Walmart’s AI shopping assistant (https://www.grocerydive.com/news/walmart-grocery-ecommerce-growth-fourth-quarter-fiscal-2026/812568/). Shoppers and educators need to understand AI-enabled algorithmic pricing (sometimes referred to as dynamic pricing) which allows companies to quickly change prices using electronic price tags in stores or online. The article notes that significant food price increases were not seen when dynamic pricing was introduced yet its use needs monitoring (https://www.grocerydive.com/news/promise-peril-artificial-intelligence-driven-pricing-retailers/812037/).

Roundup of grocery-related news…

• Heads up: BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) will start appearing on credit history reports and those that use it to buy groceries need to know this
• Delivery options continue to expand as Dollar General expands rural same-day delivery
• Target will stop selling cereal with certified synthetic dyes the end of May
• Meat sales up in 2025 even amid strong inflation…who is buying?

The DGAs: experts react, school lunch challenges…

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• The food industry view of the DGAs
• 3 T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health faculty members served on the DGA committee & share their views on the final DGAs
• How the new graphic might be interpreted, University of Arizona
• Colorado RDN reacts to the new pyramid, what consumers are asking about it
• The challenges schools face meeting the new DGAs

Health in the news…

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• General Mills removes synthetic dyes from school foods
• Food recalls increasing/a look at the state of FDA today
• Novo Nordisk to cut prices for injectable & pills January 2027
• ShopRite’s wellness kits for those on GLP-1s link groceries, pharmacies and dietitians
• State-by-state comparison: How much more expensive is it to eat healthy food Alternative data sources: US obesity rates higher than surveys
• Just how much of U.S. baby food may be ultra-processed?

On the history of children as picky eaters…

Listen/watch/read a book excerpt: Dr. Helen Zoe Veit, Associate Professor of History, Michigan State University, on her new book – Picky: How American Children Became the Fussiest Eaters in History

Click for online content w/ Dr. Veit

• KQED’s Forum podcast (54 minutes) 
• The Connection w/Marty Moss-Coane (50 minutes) 
• Family Action Network (58 minutes)
• Book excerpt 
• Dr. Veit opinion piece

It’s a Busy Time for Nutrition. What’s Happening

A current labeling change and possible future changes as well as FDA plans regarding botulism in baby formulas. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released a little over a month ago and schools brace for how to address reducing ultraprocessed food. As nutrition educators who teach in schools take note of Pilot Light’s (https://pilotlightchefs.org/) release of food education standards in K12 (https://www.foodpolitics.com/2026/02/weekend-reading-food-education-standards/). GLP-1s continue to be ‘in the news’ with a look at the use of them with teens and in food insecure households. In food news, Doritos and other snacks’ prices are to be cut up to 15% and a grocery item available for 80 years will disappear in April. I continue to be amazed at some products on shelves and I share a few that caught my eye including frozen pops w/electrolytes and an instant meal ready in…3 minutes! Lastly, a ‘just for fun’ section with mostly fun items and 2 nutrition terms you might want to be aware of.

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

The FDA gets Busy…

FDA says TV ads for new obesity pill has ‘false or misleading claims’ (https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/09/fda-novo-nordisk-wegovy-tv-ad.html). The FDA is working on several fronts as they loosen the rule on the declaration of no artificial colors (https://www.fooddive.com/news/fda-loosens-rules-no-artificial-colors-label/811488/). Gluten is on FDA’s radar as they focus on gluten disclosure in food as part of their focus on ingredient transparency (https://www.fooddive.com/news/fda-food-label-policy-gluten-disclosure/810261/) and seek comments (https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-improve-gluten-ingredient-disclosure-foods).The FDA is also seeking feedback about front-of-package labeling by May 16th (https://www.foodpolitics.com/2025/01/fdas-front-of-package-nutrtion-label-open-for-public-comment/) and some may find Canada’s new warning label of interest (https://www.foodpolitics.com/2026/01/canadas-new-food-warning-label/). In addition, the FDA intends to test baby formula ingredients for botulism (https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2026/02/fda-official-says-agency-will-test-infant-formula-ingredients-for-botulism/). Lastly, FDA turns its attention to sugar in food that may include labeling claims, low calorie sweeteners and more (https://www.fooddive.com/news/fda-maha-sugar-food-policy-agenda/810491/).

The Dietary Guidelines and School Meals…

The inclusion of reducing ultraprocessed foods in the DGAs has enormous impact on school meals and the Chef Ann Foundation shares some of the pressure points involved (https://www.npr.org/2026/02/05/nx-s1-5691598/school-lunch-food-pyramid-usda-dietary-guidelines). A recent conference session at a School Nutrition Association conference shares what is known at this time ahead of the rulemaking process (https://www.foodservicedirector.com/k-12-schools/usda-to-begin-rulemaking-process-to-update-school-nutrition-standards-following-the-release-of-the-2025-2030-dietary-guidelines-for-americans). The School Nutrition Association also shares their perspective (https://www.foodservicedirector.com/k-12-schools/moving-the-needle-on-ultra-processed-foods-in-schools-could-take-years) and you can read relevant statistics (https://schoolnutrition.org/about-school-meals/school-meal-statistics/). Lastly, Dr. Marion Nestle’s British Medical Journal editorial in the DGAs is available (https://www.foodpolitics.com/2026/01/my-latest-publication-bmj-editorial-on-the-dietary-guidelines/).

GLP-1s…

As GLP-1s increase in use see a focus on different groups. Teens are one example as the balance between hope and long-term health issues is explored (https://www.smartbrief.com/original/experts-glp-1-weight-loss-drugs-for-adolescents-raise-hopes-and-worries). This is particularly important as we still don’t know much about long-term use (https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/its-2026-and-we-still-dont-know-much-about-long-term-glp-use-2026a10001up). Interviews with caregivers of obese children in food insecure homes explore what goes into decision making around GLP-1s (https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/themes-identified-for-using-glp-1-ras-to-manage-obesity-in-food-insecure-children). Other articles on GLP-1s include a pill form of Wegovy now available, how Ozempic works, future obesity medications and more.

Related News

• Weight returns 4 times faster after stopping Wegovy, Ozempic; faster than diet and exercise alone
• Wegovy pill now available at pharmacies & telehealth
• How does Ozempic work?
• Anti-obesity drugs in the future
• Anti-obesity medications: Will the food industry be the biggest losers?

Food…

Some snack price cuts are coming and a frozen juice around for 80 years will disappear this April. If you’ve seen Zero Sugar Oreos on the shelf, you’ll find a comparison to regular Oreos very interesting. And some new items on grocery shelves include (coming this April) frozen pops…with electrolytes, Pepsi with…prebiotics and instant dishes in…3 minutes!

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• Doritos, other snacks prices to be cut up to 15%
• Minute Maid to discontinue frozen OJ, other frozen juices this April
• Comparing regular Oreos to new Zero Sugar Oreos
• Pops w/electrolytes
• Pepsi Prebiotic 
• Simple So Rice dishes: ready to eat in 3 minutes!

Just for fun & new terms to know…

Food is everywhere and now you can buy a pie at some Ace Hardware locations. Some fun new terms: swangy, swicy, ‘heavy’ soda and seriously, nutritional dark matter (the future of food science) and a related term, foodomics.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• In the ‘double take’ department…some Ace Hardware stores are selling pies
• Swangy & swicy 
• ‘Heavy’ soda
• Nutritional dark matter and foodomics

The New Year is a time to look ahead…for dietary recommendations for Americans and what will be trending in food and physical activity. Yet there is some news from last year that will persist into 2026 such as state SNAP waivers, the cost of food and GLP-1s.

What’s Trending

More states get SNAP waivers and USDA has retailer rules for them. It appears some restaurant items are getting pricier than other items. Grocery affordability is still an issue and some food companies plan to cut prices. And longevity enters the eating out scene.

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

Snapshots…

More states get SNAP waivers, allowing them to restrict certain items and the USDA outlines retailer compliance for state SNAP waivers.

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• 6 more states get SNAP waivers
• USDA’s retailer rules for those states w/SNAP waivers

Food – cost and longevity

Some restaurant items are getting pricier while others aren’t. Some companies say they will cut prices to address affordability. And longevity enters the scene in fast food.

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• 2 restaurant items see higher prices: coffee, wings
• Some food companies cutting prices to address affordability
• Sweetgreen’s limited time menu is a collaboration w/longevity expert

GLP-1s

If you are on weight loss drugs chances are you are buying different food and spending less. There are many ways food companies are being affected by these behaviors.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• 40% of employers offer shared GLP-1 coverage
• GLP-1s effect on packaged food: higher consumption of yogurt/Greek yogurt
• GLP-1 users decreased food spending by 5.3%
• Curated list of articles: how GLP-1s are affecting food companies

2025 – 2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released January 7, 2026 and the graphic might look a little familiar as it is a pyramid but inverted @ https://realfood.gov/. 

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• Dr. Marion Nestle’s assessment: muddled, contradictory, idealogical, retro &; table compares 2025 to 2026 guidelines
• Interview w/Dr. Nestle about DGAs
• Dr. Marion Nestle’s DGA deep dives
  • https://www.foodpolitics.com/2026/01/https-www-foodpolitics-com-2026-01-personal-responsibility-vs-public-health-policy/
  • https://www.foodpolitics.com/2026/01/the-maha-dietary-guidelines-iii-conflicts-of-interest/

Protein food options

Read about the demographics driving the protein-fortified trend. As protein is often mentioned on 2026 trends, here are some items debuting in 2026 as well as 2025 options already on the shelves.

2026 food and physical activity trends

Read more from each group of experts about the trends they predict will drive 2026.

SNAP benefits may have resumed but Dr. Marion Nestle assesses SNAP’s continuing peril @ https://www.foodpolitics.com/2025/11/the-usdas-unrelenting-opposition-to-snap/. Technology continues to impact how we buy food: DoorDash to deliver from Family Dollar and Target looking at ChatGPT for ordering food. New items are available: Doritos & Cheetos (no artificial dyes) as are single mini cans of Coke. A new program to certify foods as not ultra-processed is unveiled. Obesity and GLP-1s continue to be in the news.

What’s Trending

The food landscape is shifting quickly as technology, policy, and consumer behavior collide. SNAP benefits may have resumed, one expert warn the program remains vulnerable, underscoring ongoing instability in food assistance. At the same time, tech-driven shopping is accelerating—DoorDash is expanding into Family Dollar deliveries, and Target is experimenting with a ChatGPT-powered food-ordering app. Food companies continue reformulating products, with dye-free Doritos and Cheetos debuting alongside new single-serve Coke minis at convenience stores. And as the push to define or avoid “ultra-processed” intensifies, a new certification program aims to help shoppers navigate the shelves. Meanwhile, GLP-1 medications remain a dominant storyline, influencing obesity trends, food purchasing, and even forecasts that these drugs could shape more than a third of food and beverage sales by 2030.

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

Snapshots…

Air fryers are now commonplace, how much time we spend eating and being active, cattle numbers the lowest in over 70 years and see how different food categories have increased in price since 2022.

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• Air fryers are in 70% of homes
• How women & men spend their time by time of day & employment status (2022 – 2024)
• Beef prices are soaring; lowest cattle numbers since 1951
• Food prices – one chart provides deep insight

Buying Food…

Accessing groceries widens as DoorDash now delivers from Family Dollar and Target tests a ChatGPT app for food. Although it seems restaurants are pricier, not all menu items have jumped in price. Want to steer folks away from chain restaurants that serve larger portions? There are some chains to avoid. No artificial dyes Doritos and Cheetos hit the shelves as well as single mini Coke can in c-stores.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• DoorDash to deliver groceries & other items from Family Dollar
• Target launches beta ChatGPT app for food
• What restaurant items are getting pricier; those that aren’t
• McDonald’s prices have increased A LOT since 2019
• Chain restaurants serving large portions
• Doritos, Cheetos: no color, no artificial dyes
• Single mini cans of Coke will be sold in c-stores January 2026

The food system…

Safety of the food system takes a hit with fewer foreign food inspections. An interesting look at how 3 parents use AI to help them plan easy, healthy meals. And shoppers will soon be able to more easily choose food that isn’t ultraprocessed with a new certification program for food manufacturers.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• Fewer foreign food inspections being done
• How 3 parents use AI to plan easier, healthy meals
• New program for food companies to certify their product is not ultraprocessed

Obesity/GLP-1s…

A new study finds AI spreads fake and stigmatizing info. Recent data may suggest obesity has plateaued or declined but some are skeptical. Access to weight loss drugs widens: WeightWatchers to offer Wegovy in 2026 and a consumer site will offer Zepbound at a lower price. GLP-1 now & in the future: A new report projects that GLP-1 users will make up 35% of food/drink sales by 2030. How GLP-1s is changing the food environment and an interesting podcast with experts that asks: is there anything GLP-1s can’t do?

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• Study: generative AI often spreads false, stigmatizing obesity info
• Has our obesity rate plateaued?
• Weight Watchers to offer Wegovy in 2026
• Direct-to-consumer site offers Zepbound at lower price
• By 2030, GLP-1 users will make up 35% of sales
• How GLP-1 will continue to shape the food environment
• Wide-ranging effects of GLP-1
• Is there anything GLP-1s can’t do?, Aspen Ideas to Go, Nov. 19, 2025, 67 minutes, listen @ https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/aspen-ideas-to-go/is-there-anything-glp-1s-Umjrt2FOCwq/.