#Consumer goods and services

[worldsportsboats]

Bad boys new Bertram 800 sets a new record pace

Bertram 800: http://wp.me/pzWMi-Fm

[tritonmarketresearch]

Plant-based Food and Beverage Market | Sustainable Types & Substitutes

While many of us associate ‘meat’ with traditional animal products such as steaks and hamburgers, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), responsible for regulating meat and poultry, has a distinct perspective that defines meat as skeletal muscle and edible organs (e.g. liver, tongue) sourced from cattle, sheep, swine, and goats. However, animal-based meat, primarily sourced from muscle, is associated with numerous health issues, which is pushing demand for plant-based meat substitutes. According to Triton Market Research’s report, the global plant-based food and beverage market is expected to reach $84914.17 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.91% during the forecast period.

The increasing popularity of a plant-based diet and growing awareness of meat consumption have led to higher demand. According to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), 65% of Americans surveyed have eaten meat substitutes, with 20% consuming meat-like products at least once a week.

Drivers Surging the Popularity of Plant-Based Meat Substitutes

Shift towards Veganism - The veganism trend is growing worldwide because of proven benefits, including weight loss and higher intake of key nutrients such as magnesium and folic acid. Scientific evidence shows that a vegan diet improves emotional and physical health, alleviates depression, and reduces obesity. In the United Kingdom, 46% of people aged 16 to 75 are considering cutting back on animal products. Also, 15% of consumers in the UK reported reducing or eliminating dairy consumption.

Technological advancements and increasing consumer preference for organic and non-GMO supply chains (GM) have driven the Europe plant-based food and beverage market. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.91% during the forecast period.

Rise in Lactose Intolerance - Lactose intolerance, caused by the inability to digest the lactose in dairy products, results in symptoms such as abdominal pain, flatulence, etc. More than 60% of the world’s population is affected by lactose intolerance. Adults of East Asian origin are most commonly affected (70-100%), followed by Native Americans, Asians, Mediterranean region, and Jews (75-90%). Plant-based alternatives such as almond, coconut, and rice milk have fewer calories and less fat than cow’s milk while providing important nutrients that reduce the risk of diseases. The increasing focus on health and wellness has driven high demand for plant-based food and beverages.

Sustainable Plant-Based Meat Substitutes: Market by Type

Textured Vegetable Protein

Textured vegetable protein are witnessing a rapid surge, especially in meat analogs and substitutes, particularly hamburgers and sausages. The rising demand for ‘free from’ foods and clean living has further increased the popularity of the segment. The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) has a product range of textured soy protein, with 60-80% protein, named Nutrisoy. According to Triton’s report, the textured vegetable protein segment was valued at $4522.51 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.86% during the forecast period.

Tofu

Growing health consciousness among consumers has increased demand for plant-based protein sources. As per Triton’s analysis, the tofu segment is estimated to rise with a CAGR of 10.81% during the forecast period. Recognizing the potential, Tofoo Co has expanded its production capacity at its Yorkshire factory by about 70% by installing new equipment. On the other hand, Tofu King planned to build the largest tofu factory in the UK by 2020 to meet the growing demand.

Tempeh

Tempeh is becoming increasingly substantial due to the growing demand from vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians. It is a convenient and versatile meat alternative with high protein content, suitable for various preparation methods. There is a growing interest in natural, non-GMO, and organic foods for better health. According to Triton’s report, the tempeh segment is expected to generate revenue of $704.89 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 10.63% over the forecasted period. Innovative offerings such as Soy Bean Company’s bright white mushroom-flavored tempeh and Impulse Tempeh in the UK, which has been focused on organic production for 30 years, to sustain in such a competitive market.

Conclusion

The plant-based food and beverage market will continue to thrive, with manufacturers, from startups to dominant leaders, driving rapid innovation by developing novel and sustainable alternatives, leveraging advanced technologies, and responding to evolving consumer preferences. Also, factors such as consumer intolerance for animal protein, a growing vegan population, and increased venture investments, collectively contribute to the steady advancement and expansion of the studied market.

[mrudula01]

Trends to Leverage in the Global Pet Food Market 2023

Pet animal adoption has escalated majorly post 2020, mainly as a result of COVID-19-induced loneliness. Statistics suggest that 85 million families across the world own some kind of pet. This has consequently increased the sales of food products for these companion animals, which is expected to propel the global pet food market at a CAGR of 7.91% in the forecast period 2023-2030.

An interesting trend driving this growth is that of pet humanization, as owners are increasingly treating their pets like family members. And thus, pet care trends now mirror human trends, especially the soaring demand for high-quality food. Also, due to heightened awareness of their pets’ nutritional needs, owners are willing to spend more on health-focused and premium quality food products.

Premiumization Trend underpins Growth Prospects

As the pet humanization trend gathers momentum and disposable income rises, owners are more likely to splurge on luxurious products for their pets. According to FEDIAF, Europeans spent over $20.3 billion on pet food, supplies, and services in 2021, which is reflective of the increasing pet ownership in the region. Increased spending by buyers is expected to drive the Europe pet food market at a CAGR of 7.41% over the forecast period.

Premium pet food is sourced from superior quality ingredients, and has high protein content to cater to the taste buds and health needs of carnivores like cats and dogs. To cater to its growing demand, manufacturers are coming up with innovative products that are free of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, artificial colors & flavors, preservatives, etc.

Japan-based Inaba Foods Co Ltd is one such market player, which has gained prominence as one of the leading brands offering premium dry and wet cat food. Furthermore, several manufacturers have expanded their premium product portfolio with distinct offerings for various breeds, kittens, puppies, and lactating mothers. Organic and vegan pet foods, as well as gourmet and artisanal pet foods, have also emerged as favorites, in line with the premiumization trend.

Physical v/s Digital Stores: How are Distributors Competing for Buyer Attention?

While e-commerce sites have always been a reliable purchasing medium, the pandemic brought about a paradigm shift in the way people shop. Due to the easy availability of pet food online, the e-commerce distribution channel is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.89% during 2023-2030.

In addition to convenience and comfort, online shopping allows buyers to thoroughly research products and compare costs & benefits before making a purchase. With the help of established e-com platforms like Amazon and Chewy, several pet food providers have been able to increase the sales and subscriptions for their products.

However, this has placed a degree of pressure on physical pet food outlets, such as supermarkets and specialty stores, thus pushing them to innovate. In June 2021, Australian retail giant Coles rolled out a “self-serve doggy treat bar” at its physical stores, in a bid to attract customers in light of the growing online competition.

The humanization and premiumization trends are encouraging pet owners to turn to retail stores, especially pet superstores, as they offer specialized care and products that meet increasingly segmented, high-end demand. Store-based distribution channels dominate the market, with the highest revenue of $94947.82 million in 2022.

Countering Challenges with Targeted Solutions

Based on a 2018-2019 study by the American Pet Products Association, an estimated 56 million cats and 50 million dogs are overweight. The alarming statistics are a result of factors like overindulgence of certain foods and treats; sedentary lifestyles of owners and their pets; inappropriate nutritional advice from veterinarians; and a failure to acknowledge the seriousness of even slightly extra body fat.

However, the lack of transparency on nutritional labels of products is also a major contributor to the growing obesity epidemic, which can cause several chronic illnesses. In this regard, therapeutic diets and nutritional supplements are recommended, as their intake ensures adequate nutrient balance for optimum health of pet animals. Supplements containing vitamins, probiotics, fish oil, and even CBD, are becoming increasingly popular, which is contributing to the global animal nutrition market growth.

Call to Sustainability – Manufacturers Aim to Lower their Carbon Pawprint

Humanization has enabled pet owners to have a more hands-on approach towards their fur babies, which has resulted in them becoming more conscious of their purchase decisions. This has enlarged the spotlight on sustainability and compelled market players to rethink all aspects of their offerings, from ingredient sourcing to manufacturing to packaging.

Sustainable packaging is particularly witnessing high demand. And realizing its growth potential, several players in the global pet food packaging market have started offering sustainable solutions. For example, in November 2020, US-based pet food giant, Mars Petcare Ltd, announced its decision to incorporate recycled polypropylene plastic for packaging some of its popular products.

Premium brands stand to largely benefit from the rising ethical consciousness and sustainability demands of pet parents. As the trends of pet humanization and premiumization evolve further in the years to come, the companies that stay informed and adapt to these changes will shape the outlook of the pet food market.

FAQs:

Q 1) What are the revenue estimates for the global market?

Estimates by Triton Market Research suggest that, the global pet food market, which was valued at $124579.70 million in 2022, will reach a revenue of $227690.72 million by 2030.

Q 2) Which are the food types covered in the market report?

Dry food, wet food, and other food types are covered in the market report.

Q 3) Which are the other animals studied in the animal type segment?

Other animals include pets like birds, rabbits, tortoises, lizards, and fish.

[rohittriton]

Cellulite Treatment Market: Advanced Procedures Supplement Growth

In recent years, the demand for cellulite treatments has skyrocketed, and one of the key driving factors is the alarming rise in obesity rates globally. According to WHO, obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, with over 650 million adults classified as obese. As obesity rates continue to climb, individuals are seeking effective solutions to tackle the unwanted dimples and uneven skin texture caused by cellulite. This further widens the scope of the global cellulite treatment market, which as per Triton’s estimates, is set to grow at a CAGR of 9.48% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

Another notable trend is the rise in medical tourism, which has influenced the demand for affordable and advanced cellulite reduction procedures across various destinations. By leveraging medical tourism, players are able to tap into distinct clientele by offering competitive costs, advanced therapies, and skilled professionals.

In this blog, we explore the widely preferred cellulite treatments, along with the initiatives by market contenders.

Combating Cellulite: Revolutionary Treatments Facilitate Reduction

Cellulite is caused by various issues, including hormones, lymphatic drainage, medical conditions, pregnancy, and aging. Although completely removing cellulite might not be possible, several targeted methods and lifestyle changes may help reduce its appearance. Some of the key procedure types include:

Non-invasive procedure type captures the highest share of the cellulite treatment market. Factors like a short hospital stay, quick recovery time, painless procedure, and lower cost significantly elevate the preference for non-invasive therapies. Some widely opted non-invasive methods include radiofrequency, suction massage, cryolipolysis, and high-frequency focused ultrasound. For instance, cryolipolysis freezes and eliminates fat cells, which the body later removes naturally. Whereas treatments like radiofrequency and ultrasound heat skin and stimulate collagen production, which reduces cellulite.

Our analysis shows North America dominated the market with revenue worth $811.68 million in 2022. The rising demand for advanced procedures, disposable income, and technological innovation primarily drives the treatment scope in North America. As per industry sources, in 2020, about 357,938 non-invasive procedures were performed in the US. This further led to various initiatives by key players. For instance, in 2021, Soliton launched RESONIC, a rapid acoustic pulse device, to non-invasively improve cellulite appearance. These factors thus boost the North America cellulite treatment market, directed by the US.

Minimally invasive procedures are gaining immense traction, expected to witness the fastest growth at a CAGR of 9.56% during the forecast period 2023-2030. As the name suggests, this treatment option limits the size of incisions, significantly reducing wound healing time and associated pain. In this regard, subcision is a minimally invasive remedy using a tiny blade to cut the connective tissue holding fat. Further, laser therapy includes inserting tiny laser fibers beneath the skin.

The growing focus on streamlined, cost-effective procedures has supplemented the category’s growth, prompting various strategic launches in recent years. Key examples include:

In May 2022, Revelle Aesthetics unveiled Aveli, a minimally invasive device to temporarily reduce cellulite appearance on the buttocks and thigh in a single session.

AirSulpt Technologies Inc, in August 2022, introduced AirSculpt Smooth, which facilitates the complete removal of stubborn cellulite dimples.

Topical procedures such as vacuum suction have gained significant prominence, mainly to increase blood flow and lower fat buildup. This treatment method includes using various creams containing ingredients such as caffeine, theophylline, and others. Besides this, some creams include minerals and vitamins to treat soft cellulite type. Presently, soft cellulite captures the majority share in the cellulite type segment. The growing demand for topical therapies due to ease of application and availability of a range of products drives the category’s growth.

Cosmetic Appearance: An Expanding Facet

While medical tourism and obesity are key driving aspects, beauty consciousness also widens the scope of the cellulite treatment market. With the rise of social media, consumer focus on their appearance has soared over the past decade. This has soared the number of cosmetic procedures, including cellulite reduction treatments. For instance, in Japan, approximately 174,5621 cosmetic therapies were performed in 2021. The rising medical tourism for aesthetic treatments across India, China, Japan, and South Korea, contributes heavily to the studied market’s expansion.

Additionally, given the rise in beauty consciousness, several beauty clinics are capitalizing on innovative solutions to boost client satisfaction and revenue. For example, Cynosure Inc’s TempSure RF platform delivers monopolar radiofrequency energy via unique massage heads to reduce cellulite appearance. Hence, focus on aesthetic appearance and technological advancements creates novel opportunities for the cellulite treatment market.

[byler-alarmist]

Do people know most paper receipts are harmful to their health?

I'm going to get up on my soapbox for a minute, but do people realize how pretty much everyone is being overloaded with endocrine disruptors like BPA/BPS on a near-daily basis??

I don't think many people understand that ever since most of the world transitioned to thermal paper receipts (cheaper than ink), almost every receipt you handle from the gas station to the grocery store to the Square terminal printer at the local co-op is coated with Bisphenol-A (BPA) or its chemical cousin Bisphenol-S (BPS).

These chemicals have not only been proven to cause reproductive harm to human and animals, they've also been linked to obesity and attention disorders.

Not sure if your receipt is a thermal receipt? If you scratch it with a coin and it turns dark, it's thermal.

BPA/BPS can enter the skin to a depth such that it is no longer removable by washing hands. When taking hold of a receipt consisting of thermal printing paper for five seconds, roughly 1 μg BPA is transferred to the forefinger and the middle finger. If the skin is dry or greasy, it is about ten times more. 

Think of how many receipts you handle every day. It's even worse for cashiers and tellers, who may handle hundreds in a single shift. It is also a class issue, since many people who work retail and food service are lower-income and will suffer worse health consequences over time from the near-constant exposure.

Not only that, receipts printed with thermal ink are NOT recyclable, as they pollute the rest of the paper products with the chemicals.

People don't know this and recycle them anyway, so when you buy that "green" toilet paper that says "100% recycled"? Yup, you are probably wiping your most sensitive areas with those same chemicals (for this reason, I buy bamboo or sugarcane toilet paper as a sustainable alternative to recycled paper).

This page from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has some good links if you want to learn more.

As consumers, we need to demand better from our businesses and from our governments. We need regulation of these chemicals yesterday.

If you are a buyer or decision-maker for a business, the link above also contains a shortlist of receipt paper manufacturers that are phenol-free.

If you work at a register, ask customers if they want a receipt. If they don't and you can end the transaction without printing one, don't print one!

As a consumer, fold receipts with the ink on the inside, since that's where the coating is. Some more good tips here.

And whatever you do, DO NOT RECYCLE THERMAL RECEIPTS

[sizzlingsandwichperfection-blog]

awesomecoffeeclub.com

[canisalbus]

Is it ok if we print some of your artworks? Not to sell them or profit by them in any way, just for decorative reasons.

Also, I know you don't have a shop where we can buy any prints/stickers/anything (if you did I wouldn't even consider printing them by myself) but have you ever thought of actually making one? Maybe, if not your own shop, sign up(?) on inprnt or something?

Sure! If you just want to print out my art so you can stick it on your wall or something, go ahead. (As long as it's just personal non-commercial use and you're not claiming ownership over the artwork or the characters).

I used to have a Society6 shop but I closed it last year, mostly due to changes in their terms of service. They were cutting into artists' already meager profits, and the last time I heard of it, they were planning to add a subscription fee on top of that. It just started to feel a little bit exploitative. (I also had read some reports that the quality of some of their products had gone downhill over the years but I can't attest to that).

I already have an Inprnt account waiting in the wings, but I haven't gotten around to adding any prints to it yet. (Are there any specific pieces you'd potentially be interested in? I know people ask about the 'You cannot eat money' one pretty frequently.)

[novadreii]

i just now realized why umbrella academy s4 feels so much worse than its previous seasons. it's trying to be the boys. it's going for shock value which, if you've seen the boys, is not really that shocking. and it's juxtaposing that with a cringefuckfest of an attempt at humor to try and make it a Dark Comedy. but all we have is a show that is trying to be both scandalous and funny at the same time, while failing at both. the writing and acting is so fucking bad! is everyone ok? there are 2 actors i like on this show (those of viktor and five) and even they are kind of lackluster this season? i will have to hatewatch this whole season.

nothing can be the boys a second time. there's better tv out there but the boys really did a good job nailing down dark comedy. in so many ways. it's a hard thing to do and umbrella academy thought it would try to capitalize on the trend without actually studying what makes dark comedy so good. it just feels like a m*rvel movie but with more gore and killing. boo.

[doyoueverstopandthink]

what does it say about me if i cry about frankenstein’s creature every time i get even slightly tipsy

[blueskittlesart]

your blog has made me so much more competent with zelda lore

my greatest accomplishments with this blog have been making people play the games and making people Understand the games. i want more crazy people in the world so i dont look as insane

[fantasticalleigh]

so glad netflix is in love with adam driver and has so many of his movies otherwise i'd never be able to see them all

in other news blackkklansman is now on netflix and i can finally watch it like four years after it came out lol

[caito-does-stuff]

crying because watcher is gonna be put behind a paywall. i've watched the guys grow from the beginnings of their shows on buzzfeed to finally having their own channel - and yes i'm super proud of them and think they deserve more than what youtube gives them but i literally can't afford to dish out money for streaming each month

[tritonmarketresearch]

Dietary Fibers Market: Fueling Healthy F&B Choices

Across the globe, constipation is a prevalent medical disorder intricately linked to insufficient fiber consumption. According to the World Gastroenterology Organization, the prevalence of constipation varies across countries, ranging from 2% to 30% in the general population. Beans, broccoli, berries, avocados, popcorn, whole grains, apples, dried fruits, nuts, and so forth are excellent sources of dietary fiber and help GI disorders. Thus, the burgeoning awareness surrounding nutrition and health among individuals and the inclination towards nutraceutical products is pushing the dietary fibers market.

Globally, the dietary fibers market is expected to reach $13421.33 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 8.77% from 2023 to 2030.

Dietary fibers possess natural laxative properties that stimulate and promote the frequency of bowel movements. By regulating the digestive system’s rhythmic functioning and preventing stool stagnation in the colon, these fibers actively alleviate the discomfort of constipation. Including fibers in a diet can effectively support regular bowel movements, ensuring optimal digestive health.

A Spectrum of Product Offerings: Soluble and Insoluble Dietary Fibers

Regarding product categorization, the market is segmented into two distinct subcategories, soluble dietary fibers and insoluble dietary fibers. Soluble fibers in food sources such as apples, bananas, barley, oats, and beans offer exceptional nutritional value. On the other hand, insoluble fibers derived from whole grains, various vegetables, wheat bran, and legumes provide an impeccable foundation for dietary enrichment. Premium food skillfully incorporates soluble and insoluble fibers, achieving a harmonious fusion of nutritional excellence.

In 2022, soluble dietary fibers emerged as the dominant segment, with a remarkable revenue of $3764.84 million. Exceptional properties and wide-ranging applications are the top drivers of the segment.

Soluble dietary fibers dissolve in water, forming a gel-like substance that offers various functional benefits. They find extensive applications across the food and beverage industry, allowing manufacturers to enhance the nutritional profile of their products while improving texture, stability, and overall quality.

Few Notable Examples:

Kerry Group PLC offers Emulgold Fibre, a soluble dietary fiber renowned for its digestibility. This product enhances texture and enhances flavor, particularly in reduced sugar systems.

Tate & Lyle produces STA-LITE Polydextrose. This easily utilized soluble fiber imparts minimal color or off-flavor, making it an ideal choice for products aiming to reduce calories and sugar while maintaining desirable texture and taste.

Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies

Developing countries face significant challenges in public health and nutrition, characterized by insufficient access to balanced diets and nutrient deficiencies that impact millions of individuals. However, the food and beverage industry has undergone a transformative shift driven by increasing awareness of dietary fibers pivotal role in maintaining optimal health.

For instance, the Indian Council of Medical Research emphasizes a minimum daily consumption of 40 grams of dietary fiber. Consequently, the country’s population has enthusiastically embraced incorporating fiber-enriched products into their diets, acknowledging their potential to enhance digestive abilities and overall well-being.

Tata NQ’s product FOSSENCE® is a versatile prebiotic dietary fiber supplement. This product, derived from fermented cane sugar, is 100% water soluble. Through clinical studies, the company has demonstrated the positive impact of FOSSENCE® on the gut microbiome, particularly in enhancing the relative abundance of lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Also, a healthy microbiota, supported by FOSSENCE®, can improve immunity, nutrient absorption, lipid transport, and overall digestive and bowel health.

As per our experts, the Asia-Pacific dietary fibers market is projected to exhibit a promising growth rate, with a projected CAGR of 8.69% from 2032 to 2030.

Navigating the Future: A Fiber-Rich World

As the market expands, businesses must stay informed about evolving regulations and compliance requirements. Additionally, consumer education about the health benefits of dietary fibers and their role in a balanced diet is paramount. Food manufacturers are increasingly fortifying their products with dietary fibers. This approach allows them to leverage various fiber sources, including locally available options like carrots, chicory root, asparagus, Jerusalem artichoke, leeks, and whole grains. By incorporating these fibers, they can create food products with elevated fiber content, catering to the growing demand for high-fiber options. This trend extends to the functional food category, where fiber-based supplements are also gaining traction.

Examples of consumer goods manufacturers fortifying their dietary fibers products are:

KIND offers a variety of cereal bars with dietary fibers. They use ingredients like whole grains, oats, and chicory root fiber to enhance the fiber content and nutritional value of their bars.

Nature Valley incorporates fiber-rich ingredients such as whole-grain oats, wheat bran, and inulin to provide a satisfying and nutritious snack.

Fiber One uses a combination of soluble and insoluble fibers, such as chicory root extract and wheat bran, to boost the fiber content of their bars and promote digestive health.

[spill-that-anxietea]

Fuck the post-binge spiral is hitting so hard rn. I am drowning lmao

[byler-alarmist]

Seeing as how my post is getting low engagement, I'm curious:

Bonus: reblog with your answer and if you like, your home country.

[tritonmarketresearchamey]

Exploring the Rising Popularity of Processed Food in Modern Diet

Between 2000 and 2021, UNCTAD reported a remarkable increase of 350% in global food trade, with the total value reaching an astounding $1.7 trillion. Food accounts for about 8% of total global merchandise trade. Evidently, due to a rise in food production and trade, the trade of processed foods has also seen substantial growth.

Processed foods encompass a broad range of items that have been altered from their natural state. This includes simple processes like freezing and canning, as well as more complex processes like adding preservatives, flavorings, and other ingredients. In many developed countries, processed foods constitute a significant portion of daily dietary intake. For instance, in the United States, a staggering 57.5% of daily calories come from ultra-processed foods. This heavy reliance on processed foods is linked to poorer nutritional quality, as these foods typically have lower levels of essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Conversely, they are often high in carbohydrates, added sugars, and saturated fats.

As processed foods comprise a majority of our diets, their nutritional value is a primary concern. Let us examine how companies fortify and enrich processed foods to make them healthier.

Are Processed Foods Nutritious?

As mentioned previously, these foods typically have lower levels of essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This is due to the processing techniques involved in processed foods. These processes cause the original food to lose nutritional value. Here are some specific ways processing affects nutrient content:

Heat: High temperatures used in cooking, canning, or pasteurizing can destroy heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamins C and B.

Light and Oxygen: Exposure to light and air can degrade vitamins A, C, and E.

Water: Water used in boiling or blanching can leach away water-soluble nutrients like vitamins B and C.

While these nutrient losses are often unavoidable, companies are employing methods to enhance the nutritional value of processed foods, such as fortification and enrichment. For example, adding vitamins and minerals to cereals or fortifying milk with vitamin D.

Kellogg’s: Fortifies its breakfast cereals with essential nutrients such as iron, B vitamins, and folic acid.

General Mills: Enriches products like Cheerios and other cereals with iron and B vitamins, contributing positively to daily nutritional intake, particularly for children.

Health Concerns Regarding Processed Food: Everything You Need to Know

While processed foods have become a staple in many diets due to their convenience and are considered as quick meal solutions, their health implications raise significant concerns. The primary health concern associated with processed foods is their contribution to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Studies have shown that diets with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods are strongly correlated with increased caloric intake and weight gain. A study by Dr. Kevin D. Hall and his team at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) found that individuals consuming ultra-processed foods ingested approximately 500 more calories per day compared to when they consumed minimally processed foods. This led to an average weight gain of about 2 pounds during the ultra-processed diet phase.

Another study conducted by various institutions in the Netherlands and the UK found a connection between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in a Dutch cohort. It revealed that a 10% increase in UPF intake raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 25%.

Processed foods are also often high in trans fats and saturated fats, which are known to elevate LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels. This imbalance contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke. High sodium content in processed foods further exacerbates this risk by contributing to hypertension.

Even though these findings are alarming, it is important to note that moderate consumption of processed foods can be part of a balanced diet. Making informed choices and prioritizing minimally processed foods occasionally and in moderation can help mitigate health risks.

The Upside of Processed Food Popularity: Convenience and Nutrient Fortification

Globally, packaged food, processed meats, processed beverages, and frozen foods have become the most popular processed foods consumed by people. In fact, Different types of processed foods are popular in different regions. For example, processed meats and frozen foods are highly popular in North America, while bakery products and packaged foods have high consumption in Europe.

In recent decades, due to the convenience offered by them, especially in developing regions like Africa and Asia, the availability of cheaper processed foods has played a crucial role in reducing overall hunger and improving food security. Higher incomes have enabled increased food consumption and decreased rates of undernutrition.

However, these benefits have come with some challenges, such as a rise in obesity rates, partly due to a significant share of increased food demand being met by processed foods. About 20% of Africans, or more than 250 million people, still go to bed hungry every day. Nonetheless, the reduction in hunger and undernutrition highlights the important role processed foods have played in improving lives across the region.

Future Trends in food processing technology

The upcoming prospects in food processing technology will focus on enhancing methods to address current challenges and drawbacks faced by the processed food industry. Influenced by contemporary movements such as the clean label movement, the goal is to ensure that processing methods and ingredients are more natural, simple, and transparent. A primary concern is mitigating the loss of nutritional content during processing and reducing high-fat content.

Cold Plasma is an emerging non-thermal food processing technology and method that uses ionized gas to eliminate bacteria and extend the shelf life of food without compromising the quality of the nutritional content in the food. It is particularly promising for fresh produce, preserving texture, flavor, and nutritional value better than traditional methods.

Food fortification: This method involves adding essential micronutrients to foods to address deficiencies. Various technologies support this process, such as premixing for even nutrient distribution, extrusion for cereals, and spray drying for powdered products. Companies like Vitaliz Biosciences specialize in nutritional ingredient formulations for various food products, and VitaKey develops a platform for precision nutrient delivery.

With these innovations, food fortification processes will continue to improve, addressing nutritional deficiencies more effectively.

In Conclusion,

The rapid growth of processed foods in global markets reflects both their convenience and the advances in food processing technology that make them appealing to consumers. However, this rise comes with significant health implications, necessitating a balanced approach to consumption. Consequently, the future trends in food processing are geared towards making these products healthier, more sustainable, and better tailored to individual needs.