How Bitcoin Blockchain Technology is Transforming the Food Industry

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Bitcoin is one of the most well-known applications in the field of internet technology and computer science. It is not only used for purchasing items online, but individuals and institutions are utilizing this technology to transform the food industry. The Grass Roots Farmers’ Cooperative, a collective of small-scale livestock farmers in Arkansas, is using a supply chain tracking system called Provenance that is powered by blockchain technology to trace their products. This supply chain tracking system does not have anything to do with cryptocurrency, but it is using the powerful tracking mechanism of bitcoin to smoothen the co-op’s processes.

Provenance is a London-based company founded in 2013. Ever since the company was conceived, it has helped a lot of small-scale companies all over the European Union including fishermen, winemakers, and food manufacturers. It is no surprise that farm co-ops such as the Grass Roots Farmer’s Co-op is also using it to streamline their processes.

How Can Blockchain Technology Help Farm Coops

Many people think that blockchain is a shady technology but it is much more than cryptocurrency, its database is permanent once it is entered, making every transaction traceable when applied to consumer products. According to Jessi Baker, Ph.D. in computer science and founder of Provenance, small food companies who want to trace their products can use blockchain technology as a third-party verification so that they don’t have to undergo expensive auditing processes.

How It Helps Small Farm Co-ops

Blockchains can hold data that is immutable so changing information within the database is very hard to do. The information in the database is put directly in so that people who are involved in the transaction can see it. For instance, if a member of the farm co-op raises chicken for chicken legs, they can put the conditions the chicken was raised in as well as other pertinent information in the database and then delivers the information along the supply chain until the product is sold to the end-consumers.

 

Bitcoin & Blockchain Equals More Transparency

Aside from pertinent information about the product, other information such as certification of their products can also be entered into the database. This makes it easier for consumers to scrutinize the product and it gives people access to a paper trail for transparency. So, when you pick up a bag of apples at your local grocery store, you can scan a QR code on the package, so you can pull all the information that you need about the product that you want to buy.

 

Setting Expectations With Consumers

With elevated product transparency, the blockchain technology also sets expectations to consumers about the condition of the products that they have bought from start to finish. Consumers are guaranteed that they are buying certain products from quality sources. This prevents many food companies from making fraudulent and misleading claims. This increases the credibility of companies that are involved in using this technology. It is definitely a win-win solution for both food manufacturers and consumers.

Inspired by modernfarmer.com

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Low Nutritional Value Foods are Linked to Increased Risk for Cancer

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According to a new study, individuals who often consume low nutritional quality foods have an increased chance of getting cancer. That’s why the study’s authors are urging governments to implement labeling of foods and specifically include the nutritional value.

Britain currently implemented a method where people can look up a food product’s nutritional value. Known as the Nutrient Profiling System, it was developed by the British Food Standards Agency (FSAm-NPS). It can easily be downloaded via BFSA’s website which lets individuals make informed dietary decisions when it comes to picking out foods that are healthier as opposed to those with empty calories.

Likewise, France has also adopted a system similar to Britain’s along with other countries like Belgium.

Nutrient Profiling on Low Nutritional Value Foods

In a new study spearheaded by Melanie Deschasaux of the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research in Paris, they found that consuming foods with low-nutritional content is linked to increased cancer risk. The proof is quite substantial to prod policy-makers to urge food manufacturers and countries, as a whole, to implement nutrient profiling in food labels. This study was printed in the journal PLOS Medicine in collaboration with specialists from various research institutions.

The Study

Data was collected from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, which amounted to 471,495 participants analyzed. A 15.3-year median follow-up period was done wherein the volunteers provided data on their food habits and pertinent medical data like their history of cancer.

Out of the participants surveyed, a total of 49,794 individuals have been diagnosed with cancer. Out of these numbers with cancer, 11.66% have colorectal cancer, 13.55% has prostate cancer, and 24.23% has breast cancer.

The study further postulated that low nutritional quality foods were linked to a higher chance of getting cancer of the stomach and upper aerodigestive tract for males and females. And a higher chance for cancer of the lungs in men. While the increased risk for postmenopausal breast cancer and liver cancer were seen in women, who indulged more on lower nutritional value foods.

According to the researchers, the only study limitation they could see is that most of the data was self-reported by the volunteers and may not be completely spot on. However, the size of the study is vast and a dependable source of data that researchers can access and evaluate.

The Relevance of Nutrient Profiling System

The study authors have further reported that their study is the first study to look into the connection between diseases and the dietary index, FSAm-NPS within a sizeable European sampling unit. Further, the researchers also believe that the research is solid to urge countries to execute enhanced guidelines when it comes labeling of foods.

Accordingly, the researchers further claim that “This study supports the relevance of the FSAm-NPS as an underlying nutrient profiling system for front-of-pack nutrition labels, as well as for other public health nutritional measures.”

Inspired by www.medicalnewstoday.com

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Metabolism Boosting Vitamins & Minerals

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Metabolism is the body’s process by which it uses food to fuel the various bodily functions. Therefore, whatever you put into your mouth that goes down to your stomach fundamentally affects metabolism—whether they are vitamins, minerals or not.

An individual’s metabolism generally slows down as they age. However, with all things equal, some people have a faster metabolic rate which likewise means that they burn calories faster and are less likely to put on weight. At the other end of the spectrum is a slow metabolism which also means a more gradual calorie-burning process.

But, did you know that some minerals and vitamins help boost metabolism? Yes, there are. However, the best form for these vitamins and minerals are whole foods and not necessarily supplements.

So, here are the top 5 minerals and vitamins that will help boost your metabolism:

1 – Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral known for being a catalyst in various bodily chemical reactions. It is an essential mineral for energy production and metabolism. However, a word of caution, do check with your doctor before gorging yourself on magnesium-rich foods as there are health conditions negatively impacted.

Foods rich in magnesium are potatoes, whole grains, halibut, salmon, bananas, spinach, legumes, seeds, and nuts.

2 – Iron

Iron has a variety of roles performed in the body. It carries oxygen in the blood to be transported all over the body. It is crucial for the creation of hormones and proper cell functioning. When the body has low levels of iron, it also follows that low-oxygen muscles are not at their optimum level to burn fat effectively thereby interfering with the body’s metabolic activity.

Good sources of Iron are soybeans, tofu, dark green leafy veggies, nuts, brown rice, fortified cereals, beans, and meat.

And to help the body absorb iron through the diet, the consumption of Vitamin-C rich foods are suggested.

3 – Calcium

Emerging studies point that calcium plays an important function when it comes to blood sugar control and a healthy metabolism. It is already a proven fact that calcium is essential in building healthy bones and teeth.

Foods that are good sources of calcium are almonds, seeds, dark green leafy veggies, fortified orange juice, fortified cereals, yogurt, and milk.

4 – Vitamin D

Studies are suggesting that vitamin D helps improve insulin resistance and control blood sugar in people with diabetes. Although the analysis is still unsure, results of studies show that individuals with less fat have higher levels of vitamin D in the body as opposed to those with higher levels of fat.

Although Vitamin D can be had with exposure to sunlight, some foods contain Vitamin D and they are some mushrooms, fortified breakfast cereals, fortified plant-based milk, fortified dairy, beef liver, cod liver oil, sardines, mackerel, salmon, and egg yolks.

5 – B-Complex Vitamins for Metabolism Boost

A healthy metabolism is fueled by the presence of the vitamin B-complex. A deficiency in one or more of these vitamins can disrupt an individual’s metabolism.

Here is a list of B-complex rich foods like squash, potatoes, spinach, seeds, nuts, watermelon, grapes, apples, bananas, eggs, dairy products, brown rice, seafood, and lean meats. Vitamin B-12 rich foods are marmite, meat substitute, fortified breakfast cereals, nutritional yeast, and fortified plant-based milk.

Inspired by www.medicalnewstoday.com

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Whole Food B-Vitamins Could Help Your Fatigue

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Feeling down in the dumps? On your second cup of coffee, but still struggling to wake up? Or maybe counting the hours until you get home while having a hard time focusing on the task at hand? Could it be due to all those late nights you’ve been spending at the bar or out with friends? Could be… But, if you have been like this for days on end, then you may want to look into your vitamin-B complex intake. Whole food B-vitamins play a crucial role in various bodily functions from the conversion of food to energy, production of red blood cells, neurotransmitters, and hormones. Let’s take a closer look at the important whole food B-vitamins.

Vitamin B1

Also known as thiamine, when you are deficient in this area you experience muscle weakness, memory loss, confusion, and poor appetite to name a few. Consume more tuna, mussels, trout, pork, black beans, and whole grains.

Vitamin B2

With an inadequate intake of Riboflavin or Vitamin-B2, you may experience cataracts, anemia, nervous/reproductive system problems, liver disorders, sore throat, and skin conditions to name a few. Add enriched whole grains and fortified cereals in your diet.

Vitamin B3

For a healthy digestive system function, Niacin or Vitamin B3 is needed by the body in adequate amounts. If deficient, you may experience scaly skin sores, inflamed mucous membranes, digestive problems, mental impairment, and confusion. Foods rich in niacin are enriched bread, fortified cereals, rice, dairy, peanuts, poultry, lean meat, fish, and eggs.

Vitamin B5

 

Pantothenic Acid or Vitamin B5 is essential in the carb and fat breakdown for energy. A deficiency of this vitamin causes loss of appetite, digestive problems, sleeping problems, restlessness, irritability, headache, and extreme fatigue to name a few. Eat more of chickpeas, sunflower seeds, peanuts, whole grains, broccoli, potatoes, milk, eggs, organ meats, seafood, poultry, and beef.

Vitamin B6

Pyridoxine plays a crucial role in over 100-enzyme reactions in the body. A deficit can cause weak immunity, confusion, depression, and anemia to name a few. Vitamin B6 rich foods are fortified cereals, organ meats, fish, poultry, fruits, and starchy vegetables.

Vitamin B7

Another name for this vitamin is biotin and is responsible for healthy nails, skin, and hair. A deficiency of this vitamin causes problems with hair, skin, and nails. Increase consumption of broccoli, spinach, sardines, whole grains, almonds, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, egg yolks, organ meat, pork, and beef.

Vitamin B9

Folate is essential in DNA synthesis, and a deficiency can cause low birth weight, anemia, weak growth, diarrhea, and gingivitis to name a few. Foods rich in folate are rice, enriched flour products, cereals, and other fortified foods.

Vitamin B12

Likewise known as cobalamin a deficiency can lead to tinnitus, a decline in memory and cognition, mood swings, depression, dizziness, shortness of breath, appetite loss, and digestive problems to name a few. Foods rich in cobalamin are milk, eggs, poultry, fish, clams, beef liver, and fortified yeasts and cereals. Our team has also found a way to concentrate vitamin B12 in plants, contact us to learn more!

Looking for Plant-Based, Whole Food B-Vitamins?

Look no further! We developed our GrandFusion products to change the way manufacturers add vitamins and minerals to their packaged foods. Our concentrated fruit and vegetable powders are easy to add without impacting the flavor or texture profile of the end product. If you are just a regular consumer wanting to add the plant-based B-vitamins to your smoothie at home, we have a product for you too! Check out our store to try your favorite GrandFusion product with up 23 vitamins and minerals in one blend.

Inspired by www.wellandgood.com

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Infographic: Clean Label Protein Powder Study Results

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The Clean Label Project, a Denver-based non-profit, was commissioned to study the toxins and nutritional information found in 134 of the top protein powders on the market. Sadly, the results were not good for all of our clean label protein powders. They found that 53 of the 134 protein powders tested with elevated levels of lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and BPA. Interested in learning more? You can check out the infographic below for some of the key stats and you can also visit their website to see the full protein powder rankings.

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Greater Food Brand Loyalty is Linked to Food Transparency

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According to a retail food study, consumers showed a higher incidence of brand loyalty to food products that generate a deeper connection via transparency. As much as 75% of shoppers are more than ready to switch brands when confronted with a product that has a more detailed label. The new study shows that shoppers are getting more demanding when it comes to food transparency.

Inside the Report

The report was developed by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) with the purpose of outlining how shoppers define transparency and how it influences their food buying behavior. The report is known as The Transparency Imperative. According to the CMO, “We titled this report The Transparency Imperative because as we executed the research to bring the key findings of our 2016 studies current, we see clearly that transparency is only becoming more important to consumers.”

The paper looks deeply into the behavior and attitude within shoppers who are health-conscious as well as those who are digitally-active. It also looks into the response of consumers across different ages.

Targeting these varied consumer demographics, the study offers various and needed steps that brands should look into to further show their commitment to transparency; to track the ever-changing scenario of consumer preferences; to meet the ever-increasing expectations of food-buyers; to comprehend the exact needs of essential groups of buyers; and to transmit data over and beyond the list of ingredients.

The Results Show Brand Loyalty for Transparent Brands

 

As much as 86% of the correspondents agree that food retailers and manufacturers that provide a gateway to easily look-up their products’ ingredients definitions are easy to understand and complete—would lead to greater trust from them.

Further, a staggering 80% commented that they would definitely be more loyal to a brand that offers a significant amount of data on their products, more than what’s usually contained in the product label.

Lastly, more than half of the correspondents, 54% to be exact, would pay more for products with this included information.

Defining Transparency

According to Generation X and Baby Boomers, transparency is directly linked to nutritional information, ingredient descriptions, and a complete list of ingredients. Millennials, on the other hand, have a more detailed expectation when it came to transparency. Aside from what the older generations have listed, they are more likely to focus on fair trade and labor practices, animal welfare, descriptions of ingredient usage data, claims and certifications as well as allergen information.

Health-Conscious Shoppers Committed to Transparency

As much as half of the households in America have an individual who follows a health-related diet. Making these households more likely to put a significant importance on transparency. In fact, as much as 89% of shoppers are more likely not to buy a food product when the label is not sufficient to meet their needs.

Further, households that have children have an increased tendency to lean toward transparency. As much as 87% of these households use their smartphone while grocery shopping to check product information while in store.

All these findings point to advocating transparency by food brands can lead to better consumer relationships, brand loyalty and profits. Natural food brands should look for simple ingredients that help create a transparent, clean label. Learn more about GrandFusion fruit and vegetable powders to add real vitamins and minerals to your products.

Mintel Report: Pressed for Time? Mug Cakes for Breakfast!

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Mug cakes, you ask? As its name implies, these are single-serve cakes in a mug that’s baked in the microwave in a jiffy. So, you have a warm, homemade, and healthy breakfast in minutes which makes it one of the most favorable new breakfast trends.

This trend has been growing in popularity over the last couple of years due to delicious taste, convenience, and speedy preparation and cooking time. The product was designed for impulsive indulgence. There’s a lot of room for expansion when it comes to breakfast and baked goodies, which leads to the niche being carved by mug cakes as your breakfast treat.

The Success of Breakfast Biscuits

In Italy, consumption of biscuits is an all-time high which inspired Belvita to offer breakfast biscuits in 2010. It has taken the global market by storm and by far is one of the top product positionings of the decade.

By targeting their message on whole grain, energy release, and convenience, Belvita has made it more acceptable to eat biscuits for Breakfast. On the other end of the spectrum are breakfast cakes, which is a whole new frontier that has a lot of room for exploration where food brands can replicate the biscuits’ success.

 

Improving Health Insights

Just by using the word cake already connotes something unhealthy, which could be the reason behind why food brands are wary of dipping their toes in this market. However, there are ways to meet the demand for variety while not compromising the health of the consumer. This is where vegetable inclusions and flavors come in.

In fact, in a survey held in the UK, half of the buyers are interested in buying cakes other than the ones made from carrots. They want to see beetroot and courgette on their options for mug cakes. Another factor that food brands should look into is the sugar content of the cake, where nearly three-quarters of the consumers agree.

Food brands are also looking at NutriFusion fruit and vegetable blends to add to their mug cakes. The inclusion of these fruit and vegetable powders add essential vitamins without compromising the taste or texture of the end product. Companies are finding innovative ways to make “cake” so much better-for-you with GrandFusion fruit and vegetable nutrient blends.

Mug Cakes For The Most Important Meal of the Day

Time is a precious commodity in any household and people who have the time to spend preparing and making breakfast are lucky in today’s busy world. Breakfast meals that are tasty, nutritious, and fresh are the dream of today’s consumers.

When it comes to mug cakes, there are different levels of convenience to choose from, now isn’t that neat? Some products already include plastic cutlery which is geared towards consumption outside of the home. There are also mug cakes that come in a microwavable cup, and all you need to do is add water and cook it in the microwave. There are those that you need to put in a microwave-safe mug, perfect for people who are wary of plastics. And there are those that need a little bit of preparation by adding milk, water, or egg. Whatever suits your needs and wants, the variety of mug cake products on the shelf are wide. How will brands take advantage of this trend and stay with the better-for-you foods movement?

Inspired by www.mintel.com

Convenience Stores Now Offering Fresh, Better-For-You Foods

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Convenience stores are known to be dark, dusty, and laden with artificial food. But this stereotype is slowly changing as some upbeat convenience stores are offering fresh and healthy meals on the go. The Goods Mart in Los Angeles is setting an example of a new wave of convenience stores. As the brainchild of Rachel Krupa,  The Goods Mart is shaking up traditional models of convenience stores by offering healthy and high-end products from local brands.

Like 7-Eleven But With Better-For-You Foods

Just like the famous and conventional 7-Eleven, The Goods Mart offers a wide variety of products. The only difference is that the ingredients do not contain artificial colors and preservatives.  And while 7-Eleven provides its slushies and coffee self-service bar, The Goods Mart serves coffee and slushies from local companies with responsible practices. Companies like La Colombe and Kelvin Slush Co that help organic products.

But it is not only The Goods Mart that is picking up with the better-for-you foods trend. Another brand of a convenient store is Foxtrot. With five locations in Chicago, the store’s big driver is coffee, wine, and ice cream. It does not look like a convenience store but a  coffee shop. According to co-founder Mike LaVitola, Foxtrot started as an online delivery service for convenience store items like snacks, wine, and coffee. But the need for more organic and better-for-you convenience store items pushed the need for Foxtrot to open its very own brick and mortar stores.

 

Denver-based Choice Market, which opened recently, is banking on its organic bananas as its top seller. But aside from its bananas, it also has a robust made-to-order sandwich, salads, and smoothies. While 90% of the shelves are stocked up with fresh and healthy products, 10% of its shelves are still filled with traditional convenience store CPG brands like Coca-Cola.  Just looking at these three convenience stores, you can see society is embracing a new culture of better-for-you foods.

How The Trend Affects Local Consumers

Customers now have increased expectations of what convenience stores should feel and look like.  The popularity of this new wave of convenience stores is pushing for more competitors to enter the market. Foxtrot, for example, is planning to open more stores in a couple of months because of the high demand for such convenience stores. Other companies are emerging and following suit.

Gone will be the days when convenience stores are notorious for selling items that are artificial and unhealthy.  The new wave of convenience stores are not only inviting as they elevate the experience of their customers, but it also teaches people how to eat healthily. It gives everyone available better-for-you foods to make better choices.  Expect for more stores to open not only in Chicago and Denver but many other parts of the country too.

Inspired by www.newhope.com