SNAP continues to be in the news…note that Louisiana’s SNAP waiver OKs soft drinks w/cane sugar and 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). A perfect storm: 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.
A reminder of how much we eat everyday, our fast food consumption and a poll that shows we use social media as our major sources of health information. Latest government statistics show how pricey veggies have become and how they are less available. 5 years of stats find Walmart to be a winner with traditional grocers in trouble. And buying groceries online is going strong.
CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS
- How much sugar do Americans eat everyday?
- U.S. fast food consumption, the state with the most fast food places
- Poll: SM is source of health info for majority of Americans
- Veggies are in short supply in the U.S. & they cost more
- 5 years of grocery market share – Walmart wins, traditional stores tread water/decline
- More than 60% of U.S. households bought groceries online in July
Not all state SNAP food waivers are alike. Louisiana allows soft drinks with cane sugar. A heads up for grocers and shoppers (and nutrition educators): grocers may position healthy foods in new ways in response to banned SNAP foods. And a recent On Point podcast features a cardiologist, professor, a SNAP recipient and others offering different perspectives of state SNAP bans of junk foods.
Keep your eye on fast food meals: McDonald’s will lower the prices of some meals. It’s a rocky road….for some plant-based products especially meat options. Dr. Marion Nestle curates articles about how the food industry is addressing the growing use of GLP-1 users.