More Than 82% of Americans Bought Organic Food in 2016

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Organic food has become more popular over recent years. In fact, more than 82% of American consumers have bought certified organic foods since last year, and the growth is increasing by 3.4% each year.

According to the survey conducted by the Nielsen company and released by the Organic Trade Association (OTA), more than 100,000 households indicated that they had bought organic foods recently. Out of these families, 14.2% of the respondents hail from North Dakota followed by Rhode Island at 12.3%.

organic food nielsen america

There is a growing trend when it comes to the consumption of organic foods. In fact, according to the OTA, the sales of organic produce rose to a record $43.3 billion in 2015 with an estimated growth of 11% annually. This increase has led to the proposal of different research and promotion of more organic products.

In fact, the USDA released a plan to create an industry-funded program called the check-off program that would certify many agricultural products as organic. This program imposes a small fee on each sale made by the producers. The funds generated can be used for research and promotion of organic products.

The Popularity Of  Organic Food

So why are people opting for organic foods? The reason why 60% of American consumers opt for organic foods is for health reasons.  One of the biggest shares of the organic market is organic milk as more and more people are concerned about getting bovine growth hormones from milk obtained from conventional dairy farming practices. Aside from milk, the sale of organic baby food is also increasing.

But what does it take for a product to be considered organic? Aside from being grown in organic means, organic products should also be made without the use of chemicals like fertilizers, pesticides, and hormones.  They should also not contain any preservatives.

The Future Of Organic Foods

While the organic food market is increasing, it still occupies a small segment of the food industry. In fact, it only consumes 2% of the pie in the entire food industry.  Speaking on the future of organic food, even large-scale supermarket chains like Safeway and Target are now providing organic food offerings to their customers.

Aside from supermarket chains supplying organic foods to consumers, there are also many large-scale organic farms in the country. The advantage of such a large agricultural setting is that it tends to decrease the price of organic products as well as improve distribution to consumers. Aside from the benefits for customers, large-scale farmers earn competitive returns from their products.

There is indeed an increasing demand for organic products in the United States, but the market is lagging behind European countries where all supermarkets carry organic brands. Although this may be the case, the United States is off to a good start.

Inspired by www.bna.com

Kale: The Most Popular Ingredient In Your Pantry

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Many types of superfoods are available for consumers and kale is one of them. Kale is considered as the hottest superfood over the past few years.

You can find it in your baby food, vitamins, supplements, and tons of new clean label food and beverage products. The popularity of the green plant has even gone past food. For example, even some nail polish brands are infused with kale essence to strengthen nails supposedly.

Kale-Infused Products Show Increase In Sales

According to a market analysis conducted by Nielsen for MarketWatch, kale is being infused into snacks, pasta sauce, sausages, and even pet food. You can also find it in your favorite desserts like frozen yogurt and even cakes. The sales of kale-infused vitamins and supplements, for instance, grew by as much as 125% over the last year.

kale marketwatch nielsen study products superfood

While kale-infused products are very popular, consumers should not be too swayed. For example, many companies add a small amount of kale in their products even if they are obviously junk foods to look like they are healthy. Unfortunately, kale is used as a marketing ploy to give unhealthy food a health halo.

Marketers Using It To Their Full Advantage

It is not only junk foods that use the green plant as a marketing ploy. Many supplements appear to use kale as ornaments in marketing their products. Kale powders, for example, encourage people to get kale in powder form thus defeating the purpose of eating the real thing.

The idea of taking it in powder or pill form might be enticing to people who are not a big fan of this leafy green. However, they are devoid of fiber resulting in a lot of missing nutrition.

Should You Eat The Real Thing Or Not?

According to Kristin Kirkpatrick from the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute, the addition of kale in food products does not mean that you are getting a full serving of this leafy green. Most of these kale-infused products are often processed with a lot of oil, salt, and sugar to make them taste better than the unadulterated ones.

In conclusion, the best way to get your fix of this superfood is to eat the green vegetable itself. While kale-infused products are an excellent way to slightly supplement your daily needs, they are not enough to meet your daily requirements. Prepare kale in salads, stir-fry, and slaws to get the most out of it.

Inspired by www.marketwatch.com

62% of Americans Drink At least One Cup of Coffee Per Day

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The consumption of coffee in the US for 2015 was 132.3 million pounds. That amount placed the US as one of the top eight countries regarding coffee-drinking. The coffee industry in the United States is stable albeit some weak sales in the past.

One Cup a Day

In a recent survey conducted by the National Coffee Association (NCA) the USA, there is an increasing number of Americans who reach for at least one cup of coffee each day. Chief Executive of CNA, Bill Murray, noted that there is a steady growth for gourmet coffee varieties and this trend has pushed more coffee places to open to cater to the needs of people.

More than 3,000 people participated in the survey. The study revealed that 62% of the respondents noted that they drunk coffee the day before they took the questionnaire. This was interpreted as their daily consumption. The study also pointed out that 37% of the respondents between the age of 13 and 18 years old drank at least one cup a day while 64% of respondents between the age 40 and 59 did.

Gourmet Coffee Varieties Leading Growth

There is also an increasing trend of drinking gourmet coffee varieties. In fact, 24% of the participants noted that they prefer to drink espresso-based coffee more than ever. While the survey pointed out that there is an increasing number of Americans who drink coffee every day, the frequency of coffee drinking has reduced as more and more prefer only to consume a single cup daily and nothing more.

The trend of drinking a single cup of coffee has alarmed those in the coffee industry as this can affect their total sales. In fact, an average American coffee drinker now drinks 1 cup daily compared to three cups of coffee a few years back. One of the biggest culprits of this trend is the popularity of single-cup brewers like Keurig. In fact, there is a rising number of respondents (about 33%) who own their very own single-cup brewers.

The shift towards single-serve coffee means that people are brewing only what they want to drink for the day. Before, people would brew a pot of coffee using their traditional coffee maker. With the popularity of single-cup brewers, they brew only one cup. This trend has affected the coffee industry. For instance, Reuters reported that in February of this year (2017), many American consumers are purchasing less coffee. But the same report also noted that there was an increase in the sales of single-serve brewers.

Coffee Sales Still Healthy

Although the consumption of coffee has reduced regarding volume, the sales of coffee have remained high. Americans spent $11.9 billion on coffee in 2014, and this increased to $13.6 billion last year. The main reason for this is that roasters often charge a lot of money for single-serve coffee makers.

There is an irony when it comes to drinking coffee as the number of drinkers has increased while the frequency has declined. Although this may be the case, the sales of coffee beans are a good indication that the coffee industry is still strong in the United States.

Inspired by www.reuters.com

Frozen Fruits And Vegetables More Nutritious Than Fresh Ones

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There is this old belief that eating fresh fruits and vegetables is better for the body than eating them frozen or cooked. However, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Georgia revealed that frozen fruits and vegetables are as healthy as fresh ones.

The Hurdles Of The Frozen Produce Industry

This is good news as more and more people are buying foods that are frozen due to convenience. Food companies, to increase the shelf-life of their products, opt for different types of preservation techniques including flash freezing. This technique quickly freezes food so that they retain their flavor and freshness longer.

Although flash freezing allows food manufacturers to provide different types of frozen foods to customers, the idea of consuming frozen foods has a bad rap. Many consumers believe that eating frozen foods are less healthy because they are more “processed.” In fact, a report released by the survey company, Packaged Facts, revealed that while 75% of American household consume frozen fruits and vegetables, the sales have remained identical to the 2012 sales.

While the industry of frozen produce has not shown much growth over the last few years, there has been a surge in sales of fresh fruits and vegetables. The report shows that this industry has earned over $62 billion within the last four years indicating that it has a yearly growth of 3.8%.

Frozen vs. Fresh: Fruits and Vegetables

To dispel the belief that fresh fruits and vegetables are way better than frozen foods, the researchers from the University of Georgia worked with the Frozen Food Foundation. The study analyzed the nutritional value of frozen foods and compared it with those of fresh produce.  They inspected food like frozen blueberries, corn, strawberries, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, and green peas.

So what did the study find out? Researchers revealed that frozen foods contain the same, if not greater, amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate than most fresh fruits and vegetables. Researchers found the results staggering and believe that frozen fruits and vegetables are better at nutrient retention than their fresh counterparts.

One of the reasons why frozen fruits and vegetables are healthier is that they are matured properly before freezing. When fruits and vegetables are harvested, they start to lose nutrients. But since frozen fruits and vegetables are frozen shortly after being harvested, they are allowed to fully ripen and retain high amounts of vitamins and minerals that are locked within their frozen cells.

Contrary to popular belief, freezing fruits and vegetables does not destroy the natural nutrients found in food. So the next time you go shopping for fruits and vegetables, make sure that you think about frozen ones too.

Inspired by www.fooddive.com

100% Fruit Juices May Cause Weight Gain in Kids

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Juvenile obesity is a significant concern in the United States.  There are many reasons why American kids are likely to suffer from obesity, and one of the biggest reasons lies in their diet. It turns out that sugar can sneak up into the food that your children eat.

But while many people blame greasy fast-food meals as the cause of obesity, many health advocates have expressed their concerns about the sugar from fruit juices. Yes, even 100% fruit juices are linked to childhood obesity according to the study published in the journal Pediatrics.

Research Results on 100% Fruit Juices

The study noted that consumption of 100% fruit juice is linked to weight gain among children from the age 6 and below. However, no association has been found for children older than seven years.  According to Dr. Brandon Auerbach from the University of Washington, parents should be cautious when it comes to giving fruit juices to children. Instead of giving them 100% fruit juices, they should give them whole fruit, water, or low-fat unsweetened milk.

So, what makes drinking fruit juices unhealthy? Although they may be derived from organic fruits, 100% fruit juices contain high amounts of natural sugar. Fruits contain fructose, which is a naturally-occurring sugar that can also be stored as fat in the liver. Fruit juice is devoid of fiber that slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Aside from weight gain, consumption of fruit juices can also lead to other diseases like cavities and metabolic disease like diabetes.

How Much is Too Much?

How much fruit juice, is too much? Researchers found out that consumption of even one daily serving of fruit can cause weight gain of up to 0.3 pounds. So, if a 5-year old girl consumes 4 ounces of 100% fruit juice for a year, this will translate to a weight gain of ½ of a pound. The research also noted that the effects are also amplified the longer children drank fruit juice, the more weight they gain through time. Overall, the study indicated that serving 8 ounces of 100% fruit juice is associated with an increased body mass index within a year among young children.

But if you must give fruit juice to your kids, make sure that you don’t give more than 6 ounces of juice every day. Try to avoid giving fruit juices to infants. It is a better option to give whole unadulterated fruits to children so that they can maximize their health benefits as they contain more fiber than juice.

The study indicates that children should not be drinking fruit juice particularly in the first six years of their lives. With the result of the survey, the US Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Food Care Program is working to eliminate fruit juices in the diet of younger children to avoid the risk of obesity.

Inspired by www.cnn.com

Mintel: 50% of Americans Look for Vitamins and Minerals in Hybrid Drinks

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Research conducted by Mintel revealed that more consumers are opting for beverages that support their fast-paced lifestyle and their health. This has led to most food manufacturers offering hybrid drinks the combine features from multiple beverage categories.

While juice is considered as the largest non-alcoholic beverage market in the US, sales have only increased by 1.2% since 2016. What’s more, carbonated soft drinks are also losing their share in the market as more and more people opt for healthier drinks. Now, hybrid drinks have become more popular and as a result, saw a 47% increase in sales last year.

What Are Hybrid Drinks?

mintel hybrid drinks beverages vitamins mineralsAccording to Senior Food & Drink Analyst at Mintel, Beth Bloom, hybrid drinks are the new generation of beverages, but they are inherently higher in health benefits, making them more appealing to consumers.  Research showed that most people are looking for vitamins and minerals in hybrid drinks. However, American consumers are also looking at other attributes that include antioxidants, energy, and electrolytes.

Many America customers prefer hybrid beverages as their “pick-me-up” drink. Also, respondents prefer to drink the beverages in the afternoon to sustain their energy during the entire day. This is one of the key reasons why hybrid drink manufacturers create products with convenience and health in mind.

In fact, manufacturers who make these types drinks have a lot of opportunities to develop products that can meet the demands of their consumers. New hybrid juices are made using different juice bases and unique packaging from their conventional counterparts.  They also position their products in specialized retail locations to attract different types of consumers.

The Hurdles of Hybrid Drinks

But more than having more nutrient content, hybrid drinks also provide more opportunities regarding a product trial. Manufacturers produce different types of hybrid drinks to cater to the needs of customers. For instance, they create drinks to meet the demands of consumers who feel bored with their current options and who want to try healthier options.

While hybrid beverages are better options than 100% fruit juices, the industry has experienced some drawbacks as there appear to be more people wary about the price point of such beverages. In fact, 80% of hybrid drink consumers believe that the beverages are more expensive than other types while 57% non-hybrid drink consumers believe that such drinks are just gimmicks to get people to spend more money on frivolous and ineffective beverages.

Although they present more health benefits to people, many consumers are put off when it comes to their price. But this is the only challenge that the industry has to face.

Inspired by www.mintel.com

Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate vs. USDA’s MyPlate

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A few years after the USDA created the new MyPlate, Harvard nutrition experts decided to set up their own Healthy Eating Plate. The changes were made to address the deficiencies in the USDA’s MyPlate, most likely caused by intensive food industry lobbying. The central message of the Healthy Eating Plate is to focus on diet quality vs. broad guidelines like the MyPlate.

For example:

  • The different types of carbohydrates in your diet are more important than a number of carbohydrates. Sources of carbs like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans are healthier than others.
  • Harvard’s plate advises people to avoid all sugary beverages which is one of the leading causes of lifestyle diseases like diabetes.
  • The Healthy Eating Plate promotes healthy oils and does not place a limit of calories from fat. Harvard is promoting the consumption of healthy fats which goes against the low-fat message advocated by the USDA for decades.

 

Inspired by hsph.harvard.edu

Eat 10 Portions Of Fruits And Veggies To Protect Your Health

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If you consume a lot of fruits and vegetables every day, then you are on the right track. Researchers from the Imperial College of London conducted a meta-analysis on 95 studies on the benefits of fruit and vegetable intake. Proponents of the study found that consumption of at least five portions of fruits and vegetables daily can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer.

The greatest benefit of eating vegetables can be obtained by eating at least 800 grams a day that is equivalent to 10 portions of fruits and vegetables combined. The research was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology. And the researchers have estimated that around 7.8 million of premature deaths recorded all over the world could have been potentially reduced if people ate more fruits and vegetables every day.

The Research

Part of the research also noted which types of produce can provide the best protection against different kinds of diseases. According to Dr. Dagfinn Aune, lead author of the study, the researchers wanted to quantify the amount of vegetables and fruits needed to reduce the risk of being sick. The study found that intake of more fruits and vegetables is associated with 33% reduction of stroke, 24% reduction of heart diseases, 28% reduction of cardiovascular diseases, and 13% reduction of cancer. The study also compared those who ate more vegetables to those who don’t.

Currently, the guideline in the UK is to eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, only one in three adults can ever meet this target. This study aims to encourage people to increase their consumption.

portions of fruits and veggies at grocery

How Many Portions Should You Eat?

So how much is enough? One portion of fruits and vegetables is equivalent to 80 grams of produce.  But how do you know if you are eating one portion? In a practical sense, 80 grams of produce is equal to either of the following: a small banana, pear, apple, or orange. It can also be equivalent to three heaping tablespoons of peas, spinach, cauliflower or broccoli.

What is interesting about the research was that the proponents also examined which fruits and vegetables can reduce specific types of diseases. For instance, produce like pears, apples, salad greens, chicory, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbages can mitigate the risk of early death while leafy green vegetables, carrots, and yellow vegetables can reduce the risk of developing cancer. While eating these certain fruits and vegetables look very promising in improving longevity, additional research should be conducted.

The Mechanism To Good Health

But why is eating fruits and vegetables very beneficial to the body? Dr. Aune noted that fresh fruit and vegetables have a complex network of nutrients like antioxidants and vitamins necessary for fighting against DNA damage and improving physiological functions. For instance, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbages contain glucosinolates that prevent cancer. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables can also improve the quality of the gut bacteria thereby improving your health.

There are so many reasons why you need to eat fruits and vegetables and having good health is a great way to encourage you to eat more.

Inspired by www.thegrocer.co.uk