Ellen Schuster, MS – Society of Nutrition Education and Behavior

Holiday Reads: Food Policy, Prices, and What’s Shaping Our Plates | ELLEN’S BLOG

Ellen Schuster, MS — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 04:41:11 +0000

As the holidays approach you may have more time to read, listen or watch online so this post provides some suggestions. Unfortunately, the news doesn’t stop for the holidays so in this post you will read about the latest in SNAP & the shutdown, how some retailers cheaper holiday meals rely more on private in-house brands, California defines ultra-processed for school meals after their legislation passes, and how, in some locations, there are penny shortages…read how McDonald’s is addressing these for cash-paying customers and more. Weight-loss drugs continue to make inroads in America as Medicare/Medicaid will cover them for those with high BMI and certain health conditions and how GLP-1 drugs continue to shape our food shopping and more.

What’s Trending

The food landscape continues to evolve in surprising ways. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Zepbound are reshaping grocery aisles and menus, with retailers and restaurants offering “GLP-1-friendly” options and even one retailer now including a filter for online shopping. Penny shortages highlight the ongoing shifts in how paying cash may mean paying more at retailers like McDonald’s. Meanwhile, the holidays are shining a light on affordability—many major retailers are rolling out lower-cost meals featuring more private-label items. From school cafeterias to supermarket shelves, policy and innovation are intersecting in real time, setting the stage for how we’ll eat, buy, and think about food in 2026.

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

In the News…

Timely news to know: The chaos of funding SNAP benefits during the shutdown continues (and will likely change again when you read this post). Some retailer holiday meals are cheaper because they have private-label items. After legislation passes, California defines ultra-processed for school meals. Depending on where you live, you may pay more at McD’s if you pay cash. If you’re on Medicare/Medicaid, weight loss drugs to be covered in 2026 for some who qualify.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

From School Meals to Smartwatches: Tracking the Latest in Food, Health, and Policy | ELLEN’S BLOG

Ellen Schuster, MS — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:37:04 +0000

In the news…good news: school meal reimbursements will continue during October as the shutdown continues. The Farm-to-School program returns after cancellation. On the flip side of the news, food security data will not be collected after this year. A interesting development in on line food buying: The private label movement rolls on as Amazon debuts its line with many items under $5. New studies: nanoplastics found in edible vegetables, a deep dive into Apple Watch’s hypertension alerts, climate change’s link to drinking more sweet drinks and a retraction of an apple cider vinegar and weight loss study. Looking at the health/food environment, Costco now sells Wegovy and Ozempic and grocery inflation is at its highest level since 2022.

What’s Trending

The latest trends highlight how the food system is adapting under pressure. Convenience continues to reshape grocery shopping as Amazon launches a private label with most items under $5 and Uber debuts grocery delivery perks with freshness guarantees. At the same time, school meals are in the spotlight—from California’s plan to phase out ultra-processed foods to school meal reimbursements will continue during October. On the health front, Costco now sells GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, underscoring how weight management is moving mainstream. Meanwhile, climate and health studies reveal new concerns—from nanoplastics found in vegetables to a correlation between hotter weather and increased consumption of sugary drinks. Add in rising grocery inflation and declining consumer confidence in food safety, and the picture is clear: the U.S. food environment remains in constant motion.

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

School meal reimbursements will continue during October amidst the shutdown. The Farm-to-School program was cancelled but it is back. USDA proposal on SNAP retailer stocking requirements seeks comments through November 24. Food security data will not be collected after this year.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

Food Shifts: Protein Trends, SNAP Debates, and Rising Veggie Prices | ELLEN’S BLOG

Ellen Schuster, MS — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:46:50 +0000

SNAP continues to be in the news… Louisiana’s SNAP waiver gives the OK to soft drinks w/cane sugar. Plus, how grocers may navigate the foods banned from SNAP. Protein is also in the news…do you know what ‘clear protein’ is (hint: it’s trending). Also, the Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that since January 2024 veggie prices have gone up a lot AND veggies are in short supply. And in other news: McDonald’s will lower the prices of some meals.

What’s Trending

Protein innovation is making waves, with “clear protein” emerging as a low-calorie alternative to traditional powders and a surge of protein-packed foods hitting store shelves—from waffles and pancakes to even soda pop. Meanwhile, government data shows a double squeeze on vegetables: prices are climbing while supplies shrink. At the same time, grocery shopping continues to evolve, with Walmart strengthening its market share and more than 60% of U.S. households buying groceries online in July. Add in new stats on sugar consumption, fast food habits, and how social media now rivals doctors as a health information source, and it’s clear the food environment is shifting fast.

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

The USDA, HHS Make Our Children Healthy Again draft report has been released. Clear protein, a low calorie alternative to other protein powders. Protein-added frozen waffles/pancakes, pop hits the shelves joining other protein-added foods such as ice cream and chips. Campbell’s joins other companies removing artificial colors from products. By next summer they will remove synthetic colors.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

From Dessert Bans to Drug Trends: Key Food & Health Headlines | ELLEN’S BLOG

Ellen Schuster, MS — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:32:04 +0000

Weight loss drugs continue to garner attention and shelf space as another company rolls out a product for those on GLP-1 drugs. More states want to ban foods from SNAP benefits but Florida has a twist…they want to ban desserts. The increasing cost of food continues to grab headlines as Hershey’s will be raising the price of chocolate candy by double digits. Health is in the news: a comment period calling for the definition of ultra-processed foods is open through September 23 and read about the administration’s Make Technology Healthy Again effort to track health data.

What’s Trending

From grocery aisles to government agencies, food is at the center of debate this month. Florida is looking to ban desserts from SNAP benefits, joining other states that already restrict soda and candy purchases. Rising cocoa costs are giving consumers sticker shock as Hershey announces double-digit price hikes. Meanwhile, products aimed at people using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are flooding the market, from high-protein snacks to smaller portion packaging. The FDA and USDA are also asking for public input on what exactly counts as “ultra-processed,” a definition that could reshape nutrition labels. And beyond the kitchen, a new federal plan to track health data is raising concerns about how much personal information should be in the government’s hands.

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

Some datapoints you’ll want to know: how many U.S. adults are on weight loss drugs, our confidence in food safety falls, the growing number of states banning foods from SNAP benefits and a complication: states use different definitions for banned foods (note that most states ban sugary drinks and candy, Florida wants to ban desserts too).

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

Snapshots of the Food System: Prices, Policy & What to Watch This Month | ELLEN’S BLOG

Ellen Schuster, MS — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:09:30 +0000

New this month…snapshots from the current food environment. This month’s snapshots focus on artificial dyes, SNAP food restriction waivers, food insecurity, how often the average American eats out and how long patients stay on Wegovy, Zepbound. And as we await the August drop of the 2025 DGAs, experts forecast what to expect. In grocery shopping news, a new app lets you compare online grocery prices in real time.

What’s Trending

The food landscape is shifting quickly this month. Roughly 40% of food companies are voluntarily ditching artificial dyes as the FDA clears more natural alternatives. A new map highlights where states are seeking to restrict SNAP purchases, while food insecurity is back on the rise—now at 15.6%. Americans continue to eat out, but it’s more expensive than ever. Meanwhile, patients on weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound tend to stay on them for about a year. And in grocery news, Walmart is expanding its in-store foodservice, spices are now on the tariff radar, and a new app lets shoppers compare online grocery prices in real time.

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

The food environment changes fast. Here are some quick reference points/snapshots.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

Summer Snapshot: Prices, Policies & What’s on America’s Plate | ELLEN’S BLOG

Ellen Schuster, MS — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:40:39 +0000

Food prices…A new market survey finds that tariffs have not had much of an impact on food prices. Aldi’s summer lower prices; how pricey a Big Mac is across the U.S. and the markup for prepared food at the grocery store. In health news, cereals are getting less healthy. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Dr. Marion Nestle review the administration’s recent health report meant to be a roadmap for its policies. And weight-loss drugs are in the news: doctors are likely feeling more comfortable prescribing them as teen use of Wegovy increases.

What’s Trending

Rising food prices and health trends are making headlines again. Aldi is easing the burden with summer price cuts, while one fast food chain continues to raise its prices—especially for breakfast. Even prepared grocery store meals come with a steep markup. At the same time, cereal for kids is becoming less nutritious, and energy drinks are being rebranded as “wellness” despite expert concern. Weight-loss medications remain in the spotlight, with increased use among teens, broader employer coverage, and ongoing safety concerns tied to ER visits. Meanwhile, TikTok is serving up budget-friendly recipes as households look for ways to save.

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

How are tariffs affecting food prices to date? Aldi announces summer price decreases. Fast food: it’s not as cheap as it used to be…Big Macs are kinda pricey in one location in the U.S. and really, all over. Breakfast: One chain takes the prize for increasing prices A LOT from 2020 to 2025. We all know that prepared food means you are paying for convenience but how much does it generally increase prices? And TikTok shares more low-cost recipes as food budgets tighten.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

This Month in Food: Pricing Pressure, Policy Shifts, & TikTok Diet Trends | ELLEN’S BLOG

Ellen Schuster, MS — Tue, 13 May 2025 16:48:33 +0000

In this post…Salmonella limits in poultry, states seek to remove candy and soda from SNAP benefits and what is actually happening/likely to happen with regard to removing artificial dyes from food? In other health-related news, fewer snack and fast food purchases and social media promote eating greens and “Oatzempic” to lose weight. An insightful podcast episode from On Point looks at how groceries are priced and tariffs in the news.

What’s Trending

Food headlines this month are packed with policy shifts and consumer reactions. The USDA has pulled back on proposed Salmonella limits in poultry, while some states push to remove candy and soda from SNAP benefits. Momentum is also building around banning artificial food dyes—but the full transition may take years. Rising prices are reshaping habits: snack and fast food sales are slowing, while TikTok trends like ‘dinosaur greens’ can be positive or ‘Oatzempic’ which is harmful especially for teens. Meanwhile, tariffs and shipping slowdowns continue to influence how—and how much—we pay at the grocery store.

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

USDA/FSIS had asked for comments on a framework to limit Salmonella in poultry. They’ve decided not to implement this. Some states want to ban candy and soda from SNAP benefits. There are pros to this, but are there cons? Dr. Marion Nestle weighs in. Dr. Nestle also shares what’s behind the headlines with regard to banning artificial food dyes. And what is the realistic timeline to remove artificial dyes from food? One group, the dairy industry plans to voluntarily remove artificial dyes from school meals in 2026/2027.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

Food Costs, Consumer Shifts & What’s Next in Grocery Trends | ELLEN’S BLOG

Ellen Schuster, MS — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:09:37 +0000

Read about the latest updates in tariffs on food, and food prices and the likely hike in prices with the banning of artificial food dyes. You’ll also get a view into the changing food environment with what’s new on shelves to how people are accessing and paying for food.

What’s Trending

Tariff uncertainty is shaking up the food industry, with experts warning that thousands of grocery items could be affected if the pause doesn’t hold. At the same time, momentum is building around a potential ban on artificial food dyes—which could lead to even more price hikes. A troubling Buy Now Pay Later trend continues with DoorDash offering this option, kids are getting Uber Eats deliveries at school, and Michelle Obama is expanding her healthier drink line. Plus, marketers are doubling down on health messaging—from immunity-boosting cereals to slim-can energy drinks meant to signal wellness and sophistication.

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

Although the U.S. tariffs have, for the most part, been paused for 3 months, one can’t predict if that pause will hold. A 26 minute video from News Not Noise’s Jessica Yellin w/Dr. Toni Farmer, University of Pennsylvania, illustrates the far-reaching effect of tariffs on the food system. Phil Lempert, food industry expert, guesstimated that about half of the approximately 40,000 items on shelves would have been affected by tariffs in some way: either by a tariff on the food or an ingredient in the food. Finally, grocers don’t like uncertainty and shoppers will seek the lowest price in the face of higher prices from tariffs, Walmart will likely benefit from this. The banning of artificial food dyes has taken center stage and with it, another likely hit to food prices. The Wall Street Journal looks at which foods will be hit the hardest (and likely cost more) if artificial food dyes are banned.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

Food Prices & Trends: What’s Rising, What’s Changing, and What to Watch | ELLEN’S BLOG

Ellen Schuster, MS — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 20:15:31 +0000

Discover the latest updates on food, nutrition, and health in our regular blog. Stay informed with news that covers a wide range of topics important to the well-being of the audiences you reach.

What’s Trending

The latest trends in the food world is all about wellness and innovation. Pepsi is bringing back Slice soda—but with a healthier, prebiotic twist, while Coke is set to launch its own prebiotic soda this spring. Meanwhile, as weight-loss drugs gain popularity, food companies are strategizing how to cater to this growing consumer base. Some brands are already making moves, with Healthy Meals adding “GLP-1 friendly” labels to packaging and a new pre-meal drink hitting the market, designed to naturally promote GLP-1 response and curb hunger.

CLICK HERE FOR FEATURED NEWS

Trends & Predictions in Nutrition for 2025 | ELLEN’S BLOG

Ellen Schuster, MS — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 19:29:35 +0000

Discover the latest updates on food, nutrition, and health in our regular blog. Stay informed with news that covers a wide range of topics important to the well-being of the audiences you reach.

What’s Trending

As we look ahead to 2025, food trends are expected to focus on diverse flavors, wellness, and nutrition. We’ll likely see more emphasis on reducing salt and sugar, incorporating pre- and probiotics, offering high-protein options, and featuring clean labels. One exciting prediction is the rise of hydration drinks in all kinds of varieties, while another points to a shift toward more home preparation. Plus, Target is set to expand its Good & Gather line, with over half of the new items focusing on wellness.

CLICK HERE FOR FEATURED NEWS