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…

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• 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…

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• 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!

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• 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.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• 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.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• 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.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• 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/.

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

• The SNAP chaos continues
• Retailer holiday meals are cheaper…more private in-house items may be why
• SNAP discounts during shutdown
• California defines ultra-processed foods for school meals
• Paying cash @ McDonald’s? You may pay more at some locations (A sign shows how this works)
• Medicare/Medicaid to cover weight-loss drugs

GLP-1 in the news…

A round-up of GLP-1 news: Helping restaurants offer GLP-1 ‘friendly’ offerings, an online grocer now has a GLP-1 ‘friendly’ filter, a new survey finds the obesity rate falls – is GLP-1 having an impact? and Walmart will offer discount Zepbound.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• App helps restaurants offer GLP-1 friendly menu items
• Thrive Market adds ‘GLP-1 friendly’ filter for online shopping
• GLP-1 friendly tortillas
• Obesity rate falls as more use GLP-1 drugs
• Walmart to offer discount Zepbound access

Snapshots…

McDonald’s is losing low-income customers, cost of living by state and category and a ranking of states by how much food they waste. And if you thought there were way too many ways for people to access food online, here comes one more…ChatGPT!

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• McDonald’s losing low-income customers
• Cost of living by state and spending category
• Food waste in the U.S. – a state ranking
• ChatGPT and buying groceries online

Long reads, online viewing/listening…

First up on longer reads include McAtlas, a beautiful 415 page dive into McDonald’s across the globe with photos, history and pictures/descriptions of cultural foods on the menu. Online deeper dives look at how we got to the current focus on protein, food choice architecture, trust and behavior change, food packaging, who owns your health data and more. If you are looking for some short videos – past and present – that capture wide-ranging nutrition-related subjects from the National Food Museum. Lastly, 3 interesting podcasts: Buy Now Pay Later is a very interesting look at BNPL and the observation about how it targets young women; the 2nd podcast explores the culture of Costco which reminds us that many places people shop for food may have a cultural resonance for them; and a 3rd podcast is an interview with Dr. Marion Nestle.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• McAtlas
• How we lost the plot on protein
• Nudging healthier habits: food choice architecture explored
• Building trust to support behavior change
• Food for thought: which processed foods deserve a spot on your plate?
• The impact of regenerative agriculture
• A look at food packaging
• Who owns your health data?
• Short videos – National Food Museum
• Buy Now Pay Later and how it targets young women, KQED’s Forum, Oct. 23, 2025
• What does Costco mean to you?, KQED’s Forum, Oct. 30, 2025
• What to Eat Now author, Dr. Marion Nestle, November 11, 2025

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

• • USDA to provide school meal reimbursements thru Oct. during the shutdown
  • It’s back after cancellation! The Farm-to-School Program returns
  • USDA proposed rule on SNAP retailer stocking requirements (submit comments by November 24)
  • Food security data will not be collected after this year

Snapshots include California’s 10 year timeline to ban ultraprocessed foods from school meals, Costco now sells Wegovy and Ozempic and food safety confidence falls to new low.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• • California sets 10 year timeline to ban ultraprocessed foods from school meals
  • Costco now sells Ozempic & Wegovy
  • If U.S. school cafeterias were a restaurant they would be the largest restaurant
  • Grocery inflation highest since 2022
  • Our faith in food safety falls to a new low

Buying food looks different as Amazon debuts its private label with many items under $5. Uber grocery shopping debuts weekly food discounts and a freshness guarantee.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• Amazon’s new private label brand with many items under $5
• Uber grocery delivery has new features
• As more states control SNAP buying 3 reports tally how much it will cost retailers

 

Health is in the news with a commentary about school restrictions on smartphones: does it impact students with Type 1 diabetes? A study finds nanoplastics in edible vegetables. A look at the Apple Watch’s track record with regard to hypertension cases.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• School smartphone restrictions impact on students w/Type 1 diabetes
• Study: Nanoplastics can accumulate in edible parts of vegetables
• As the world warms we drink more high sugar drinks
• Apple Watch hypertension alert: what to know
• BMJ retracts apple cider vinegar and weight loss study

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

• The Make Our Children Healthy Again draft report (Dr. Marion Nestle assessment)
• What is Clear Protein? 
• New protein added products hit Target shelves
• Campbell’s to remove synthetic colors by next August

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.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• Louisiana’s SNAP waiver: soft drinks w/cane sugar OK!
• How grocers may address SNAP waivers
• Podcast: Should SNAP pay for junk food?

 

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.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• McDonald’s to lower prices on some meals
• A look at the plant-based market
• Collection of articles about GLP-1’s effect on the food industry

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).

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• ~2% (6 million) of U.S. adults are on weight loss drugs, 137 million (more than 1/2) are eligible for them
• Confidence in U.S. food safety falls to a 13-year low
• 6 more states ban soda & candy from SNAP (WV, FL, LA, CO, OK, TX)
• How much time did Americans spend shopping and cooking in 2024?
• Fibermaxxing, a TikTok trend

The cost of cocoa has gone up so candy will become much more expensive. Target used to price-match Amazon and Walmart prices but this will end. A new yogurt drink targets GLP-1 users.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• Hershey to raise candy prices by double digits
• Target ends price-matching of Amazon & Walmart
• Yet another product aimed at the GLP-1 user

Want to provide comments to the FDA, USDA about how to define ultra-processed foods? You have until Sept. 23. Make Health Technology Great Again is the administration’s new approach to track health data – there are privacy concerns. The FDA adds a kidney injury warning to GLP-1 drugs due to some users experiencing dehydration from G.I. distress (vomiting, nausea, diarrhea).

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• • FDA & USDA calls for input for defining ultra-processed foods through Sept. 23
  • Make Health Technology Great Again wants to track health data
  • One grocer has signed on to the technology pledge
  • Kidney injury warning required for GLP-1 drugs by FDA

Stephenson-Martin succeeds Sarah Colby, PhD, RD, who served as president during the 2024-2025 term. In her new role, Stephenson-Martin will lead the association in advancing its mission to advance food and nutrition education research, practice, and policy that promote equity and support public and planetary health.

“I am honored to serve as President of the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior and build upon the incredible work of my predecessors,” said Stephenson-Martin. “I look forward to working with our incredible leadership team, members, and staff to advance global leadership, research, and collaboration in nutrition education and behavior.”

Susan Stephenson-Martin, MS is currently the director of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

The SNEB 2025 International Conference gathered over 400 nutrition education professionals to inspire action and drive progress within the field.

For more information about the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior or to learn more about the leadership team, visit https://sneb-prod.mod9multimedia.com/.

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Journalists interested in further comment or setting up an interview can reach out to SNEB Executive Director Nicole Brandt at nbrandt@sneb.org or Marketing and Communications Manager Andrew de Bie at adebie@sneb.org.

ABOUT THE SOCIETY FOR NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR

The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior is an international organization of nutrition education professionals who are dedicated to advancing food and nutrition education research, practice, and policy that promote equity, and support public and planetary health. To learn more, visit sneb.dev.mod9multimedia.com/.

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

• A time capsule of how diet, health & the U.S. food system has changed since 1975, Michael Jacobson, founder of Center for Science in the Public Interest
• About 40% of companies have voluntarily agreed to remove artificial dyes as FDA approves natural blue dye, the 4th such ingredient since April
• Status of federal, state, company efforts to remove artificial dyes
• Map of SNAP food Restriction waivers
• How often does the average American eats out? It’s pricey!
• Food insecurity is rising…it’s now 15.6%
• How long patients stay on Wegovy, Zepbound…about a year
• ‘Newstalgia’ is a new food trend term to know

Health is in the news as we await the anticipated August 2025 DGA release. TikTok has banned a diet hashtag, yet other harmful content persists. And a company funded study from Olipop highlights its blood sugar response.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• The 2025 DGAs is expected in August with a super-pared down release
• TikTok bans #SkinnyTok depicting very skinny people pushing diet tips
• Olipop’s néw study makes health claims about blood sugar response

What is on grocery shelves…Dollar General slashes prices, Walmart is preferred with Gen Z, Gen X and millenials and continues to add more foodservice items. Tariffs continue to be in the news…they’ll affect a long list of spices. And a new app lets you compare online grocery prices.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• • Where different demographic groups shop – Walmart has an edge with some groups
  • Dollar General summer food prices drop includes foods
  • Walmart continues to add more in-store foodservice options such as grab ‘n go and hot bars with Indian food
  • There’s a long list of spices affected by tariffs
  • Grocery Dealz, a new app compares online grocery prices in real time