#Food Container market Trends

[pravalika]

Food Container Market - Forecast (2023 - 2028)

The Food Container Market size is estimated to reach $190 billion by 2027. Furthermore, it is poised to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecast period of 2022-2027. Food storage containers, especially in the refrigerator and freezer, are used to keep food at normal temperatures. Some food products must be kept for longer periods of time, necessitating the use of containers that are exceptionally durable, efficient, and protective. For food preservation, some food containers are subjected to additional procedures. Plastic bags, plastic containers, and glass containers are all options for food storage and made of compounds such as botulinum toxin, perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonate. There are many different types of plastics, but edible grade food containers are made of polyethylene, polyester, and polypropylene. Polyethylene is far more flexible than other options, and the container's exterior is stamped with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The increased demand for packaged food products around the world is likely to drive market expansion. Furthermore, the ease with which these containers may be used to package, carry, and transport food products is a major element boosting product demand in the global market. Ready-to-eat (RTE) meals, RTE convenience foods, frozen dinners, cake mixes, snacks, and desserts are all examples of packaged foods. Manufacturers are likely to increase production capacity in response to rising demand for these items, which will boost demand for food containers over the forecast period. The market grew slowly in 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Report Coverage

The report: “Food Container Market Forecast (2022-2027)", by Industry ARC covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Food Container Industry.

By Material – Paperboard, Metal, Glass, Plastic, and Others. By Product Type – Bottles & Jars, Cans, Cups & Tubs, Boxes, and Others. By Packaging Type - Rigid packaging, Semi-rigid Packaging and Flexible packaging. By Application- Grain Mill Products, Dairy Goods, Fruits and Vegetables, Bakery Products and Others. By Geography- North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, United Kingdom (U.K.), France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, Japan India, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, and Rest of Asia Pacific), South America (Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of South America), and Rest of the World (the Middle East, and Africa).

Key Takeaways

Geographically, North America accounted for the greatest market share of more than 35.5%, owing to Urbanization, as well as ascending interest in packaged food. The market for U.S. is driven by the increasing sophisticated consumer demand for convenient, easy-to-carry, storable and ready-to-eat food packaging. Furthermore, North America is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities to the marketers in the projected period of 2022-2027 owing to a rapid increase in consumption of various food and beverages items along with other spirits. 

In recent years, the growth of packaged food as one of the most profitable divisions of the global food and beverage business has fuelled large-scale advancements across the food container market. However, challenges forging in terms of container’s recyclability and cost implications has hampered the overall market growth.

A detailed analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats will be provided in the Food Container Market Report.

Food Container Market Segmentation Analysis-By Material

The Food Container market based on material can be further segmented into Paperboard, Metal, Glass, Plastic, and Others. Plastic have a large part of the global market share in 2021 Owing to its demand, reusability features, and cost efficiency, plastic accounts for the majority of consumption in the production of food containers. Plastic is also lighter than other materials and requires very little energy to manufacture. Furthermore, when compared to other materials such as metals and glass, it is quite affordable.

However, glass is estimated to be the fastest-growing, with a CAGR of 4.9% over the forecast period of 2022-2027. A plastic cover is commonly attached to glass storage containers to keep them sealed. When compared to other types of containers, glass jars have a higher demand attributed to its capacity to keep food fresh for longer. Over the last few years, there is an increasing trend of transparency in food packaging. Consumers want to see the physical product before they buy it, in addition to the ingredients specified on the label. Many companies, particularly dairy product companies, have begun to offer their products in transparent glass containers to capitalise on this trend. Further, the Paris Agreement provides impetus to the manufacturers, as the agreement aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degree centigrade. 

Food Container Market Segmentation Analysis-By Packaging Type

The Food Container market based on packaging type can be further segmented into rigid packaging, Semi-rigid Packaging and Flexible packaging. In 2021, the rigid packaging segment had the biggest market share. Its strong stiffness, impact strength, and barrier qualities contribute to this. The rigid food containers have a longer lifespan, which is driving the segment's growth over the projection period (2022-2027). Increased demand for packaged food as a result of changing lifestyles is expected to be one of the segment's main growth drivers. The booming beverage industry, which is dominated by products like whiskey and energy drinks, is driving up demand for rigid packaging.

However, during the projection period 2022-2027, flexible packaging is intended to create at the quickest rate, with a CAGR of 5.1%. This is attributable to the increasing relevance of thin-film packaging as a protective medium for extending the shelf life of processed food commodities in the nutritional industry. Owing to rising demand in the food and beverage industries, the flexible plastic packaging market is likely to rise significantly in the future. During the forecast period, rise in modern retailing, high consumer income, and acceleration in e-commerce activities, particularly in emerging nations, are expected to benefit the flexible packaging market sector.

[pareidoliaonthemove]

Where's Mine?

It was a blessed break in rescues, and Virgil was taking the opportunity to restock his personal snack stashes.

The most important ones would be in Thunderbird Two – both in the cockpit and cunningly secured in the various pod bodies. Rescues could be both arduous and time-consuming, and there was rarely the chance for a proper meal. Their ‘official’ ration bars and packs were all well and good, but each of the Tracys had their own preferences.

Scott’s personal snack stashes were aboard Thunderbird One (and Thunderbird Two, Virgil had found them – and occasionally ‘appropriated’ part as a ‘transport tax’). And were, unsurprisingly, apple-pie themed. Apple-pie flavoured protein bars, apple-pie flavoured cakes, apple-pie flavoured chewing gum, apple-pie flavoured fruit/custards, and one time, even mini-apple-pies in a cold box.

Gordon’s snacks were his ubiquitous Celery Crunch Bars, a left-over from his calorie-controlled Olympic training diet. The noxious green bars (as well as their wrappers and crumbs) occupied Thunderbird Four – and Thunderbird Two. Gordon didn’t bother trying to hide his snack stash – nobody else would eat the disgusting things. And that went double for his ‘cheese’ spray cans.

John’s ‘stash’ was no secret. Thunderbird Five’s kitchen pantry was filled to bursting with bagels – and chocolate. Grandma had long despaired of the astronaut’s diet, and had threatened – numerous times – to blockade John’s supply line and only allow whole fruits and vegetables into orbit. John’s vowed retribution of stopping production of her precious soap operas quickly shut down any attempts to interfere with his diet.

Alan’s snacks were a diabetic crisis waiting to happen. High energy, high sugar snacks graced Thunderbird Three (and Thunderbird Two – Virgil was beginning to think his precious ‘Bird was considered as little more than a mobile snack shack), a rotating roster of brands as Brandon ‘The Bear’ Berringer lost and gained new sponsors. The only exception was the venerable ‘Spaceman Food’, based on NASAs food rations in the early days of manned space exploration.

All the brothers had gone through a phase of hoovering up the highly processed ‘snacks’. Virgil had a memory of insisting that his father eat them constantly – thinking that they were what he ate in space, and not wanting his father to be ‘unhappy’ on Earth. Jeff, whose orbital diet was much better than those early pioneers’, choked down the bars to humour his son. Lucy had finally taken pity on her husband, and convinced Virgil’s younger self that when he was in space his father missed ‘Earth food’, but couldn’t take it into space, so when at home he should be left to eat the same as the rest of the family.

Virgil’s own snacks tended to be more varied. Although there was a definite trend towards coffee-flavours, it wasn’t exclusive. At various times, there could be pre-packaged cakes and cookies, protein bars, dried fruits, chocolates, and various sweets. An outbreak of pilfering from Virgil’s stash had been combated by the inclusion of chocolate-covered grasshoppers, candied ants, and meal-worms with various chip flavours. All of which hadn’t been too bad, Virgil thought. His brothers’ disgust was misplaced, food was food, after all. And good food was good.

And Virgil liked trying new things, so he scoured the online market places for small businesses with interesting, shelf-stable snacks to compliment his tried and true favourites. As he sat on his bedroom floor with the various boxes and containers around him, he was pleased with the assortment this time.

He was sharing out the various incoming supplies to boxes to replenish his various snack stashes. Thunderbird Two – the Pods – his Workshop in the Hangars – Studio – and his ‘Official’ stash in the Villa’s pantry.

The klaxon blared, and John’s hologram popped up. “International Rescue, we have a situation.”

Virgil jumped up, grabbed a box at random, and hurried out of the room.

The situation was in Cairo, a massive sinkhole had opened up beneath four residential blocks of flimsy high-rise buildings at approximately breakfast time. The death toll was massive even before International Rescue had been contacted. All that was left to them was to stabilise the edges to prevent it enlarging beyond the six blocks it had consumed by the time International Rescue had taken control of the Danger Zone, before trying to extract the pathetic few lifesigns before they too blinked from existence.

The heat was intense. It was now noon in the middle of the northern hemisphere’s summer, and the temperature had surpassed the 35 degree Celsius mark hours ago.

The air conditioning in the Pods were good, but it had its limits, and Virgil’s gecko pod had reached it over an hour ago. He was hot, tired, hungry, and still had hours of work to be done.

A moment of realisation had him reaching for a compartment built into the side of the pod body, where he had stashed a handful of the snacks he had brought with him.

Without looking he had fished one out, and brought up into his eyeline. It was a freeze dried ice-cream, a ‘Paddle-Pop’ which was apparently an ‘iconic’ Australian treat.

Virgil had had no idea what flavour ‘rainbow’ was supposed to be, but the concept had been intriguing, and he eagerly tore open the packet now, and, considering, decided to start at the top, sticking part of the treat into his mouth.

It was, he decided, a kind of bubblegum flavour, and the sweetness was welcome, even if he wasn’t convinced by the texture. It had a kind of chewy, gluggy marshmallow feel to it, and Virgil quickly decided that he would let it slowly dissolve in his mouth.

He wondered idly if he could break the remainder into bite-sized pieces for future use, as he refocused on what he was doing.

John’s hologram flared into life in front of him. “Virgil–” John performed a comic double-take as he saw the ice cream in Virgil’s mouth. “Uh, do you have an estimate for when we can commence retrieval operation?”

Virgil eyed his readouts, and performed a couple of quick mental calculations. “Another half to three quarter hour,” he said, pulling his snack from his mouth by its stick. “Alan will be able to start pulling large rubble out of the way with Thunderbird Two, Gordon and Scott can reconfigure the pods for gecko lift, and I’ll go in with my exo-suit. Local rescue to standby and receive victims and remains. We’ve just got to finish coating the bottom of the south-west sector.”

John nodded. “I’ll relay those instructions,” he promised, before giving Virgil another questioning look as the snack was stuffed back into his mouth.

Virgil was going to need a lot of energy, and fast.

An undetected weakness in a the section of the sinkhole that still had to be stabilised blew out Virgil’s projected timeline, and it was over an hour later before he climbed out of his pod in the relative coolness of Thunderbird Two’s module alongside Scott.

“Hey, Virgil! What config for the gecko lifts do you …” Scott’s voice trailed off at the sight of the ‘ice cream’ in Virgil's mouth, before deciding there were more important things to focus on. “Uh. Um. Should I set them up for claw or grapple?”

Once again, Virgil pulled the confectionery out of his mouth by the stick. “One of both to start with. If necessary, the other pod can be reconfigured, but until we start picking that mess apart, we won’t know for certain what we need.”

Scott nodded, and jogged over to the holographic controls, but not without giving Virgil a puzzled look as he shoved his treat a back into his mouth and headed towards his exo-suit.

The exo-suit was wrapped around him, locking into position, and he rolled his shoulders, stretching out before he started the physically intensive part of the rescue.

Jogging back towards the internal access, Virgil headed back to the cockpit, grunting in frustration when he couldn’t sit down wearing the exo-suit. He was going to be on his feet too long soon enough, and he would have liked to save whatever energy he could now.

Alan burst into the cockpit and beelined towards the pilots chair without acknowledging Virgil. Great. The kid was in a snit about being ‘left out’ again – Virgil sighed tiredly, Alan really should have learned by now that it wasn’t his age that had put him in the cockpit, it was his lack of specialisation in this type of rescue.

Alan triggered the comms even as he was adjusting the pilots seat. “Thunderbird 2 to Pods. Please update status.”

Scott’s voice came back immediately. “Thunderbird 2; Gecko Claw Pod. Clear.”

“Thunderbird 2; Gecko Grapple Pod. Clear.” Gordon chirped a handful of seconds later.

“FAB, Pods. Thunderbird 2 commencing lift off to take hover station above Danger Zone.”

Virgil was pleased to note Alan’s professional conduct over the comms. Maybe he had been wrong about the attitude? Maybe Alan was just tired.

“Thunderbird 2 in position. Standing by for extraction and to grab and lift designated targets.”

Alan cut the open comm line, before speaking again. “Alright, Virgil; where am I,” he glanced over his shoulder and started. The jolt went right down his arms and into Thunderbird 2’s control yoke, and she bucked enough that Virgil had to grab hold of the overhead grab bar to steady himself. “Shit, sorry. Um. Where am I dropping you off, Virgil?”

“Language,” Virgil said absently, once he had pulled his snack out of his mouth again. He glanced again at the holographic display of the top levels of the debris pile. “Right next to that two story chunk of apartment building in the centre. That’s my first priority location for search and rescue. That looks like it’ll have a high concentration of survivors.” He frowned. “I know solar power is better than any of the alternatives, but in a situation like this, it really messes with our close range sensors. I wish there was a way to remotely stop the battery discharge.”

Alan nodded. “Be careful. I don’t want to be digging you out again because your exo-suit shorted out with you in it.”

Virgil frowned. “Brains and I reworked the entire grounding system after that. It was a one in a billion chance.”

The little brother snorted. “Yeah, well, Scott had to make a supply run to the mainland for hair dye after that. I don’t wanna have to do the same.”

Virgil chuckled. “No chance, kiddo. You have to shave before you worry about that.”

He took two big bites of his treat, tucking the chunks into his cheeks hamster style before returning the snack to its package in his baldric, and setting his helmet in place and striding over to the floor hatch and locking his grasping claw onto the winch-fed safety line.

Alan double-checked their position. “Good to deploy, Exo-Suit.”

“FAB. Exo-Suit away.”

It was five, long, hot and dusty hours later when John finally called the rescue.

They hadn’t found anyone alive for the last three.

Virgil sighed as he hauled himself into Thunderbird Two’s pod to divest himself from the exo-suit.

No doubt there would be the usual recriminations. Why had they taken so long? Why had the spent the time shoring up the sides? Grieving families rarely understood that first the site had to be made safe for the rescuers. All they saw was people letting their loved ones die.

All they would see was the people who were supposed to save their loved ones flying away and leaving them.

Not all the missing had been accounted for.

Scott was going to have to pay PR another bonus after this one.

Virgil groaned as the weight of the exo-suit disappeared from around him, along with its support. It wouldn’t be the first time he hadn’t been able to stand upright once the framework had been removed from around him. He had learned quickly to leave his helmet on until after he knew he could stand upright.

It had taken a considerable bribe to buy John’s silence as to the exact cause of that broken nose.

Satisfied that he would remain upright, he removed his helmet, and took a deep breath. No matter how much Brains protested, the built-in filters gave the air a distinct taste, and it was a relief to breathe the fresh air of the module.

His stomach gave a growl as he stepped into the internal corridors leading to the cockpit. Virgil idly wondered if he could convince Scott to pick up some takeaway on his way back to the Island as he once again pulled the freeze-dried ice cream from his baldric and stuck it back in his mouth.

John was on the comms as he gained the cockpit. “...giving you a heads-up, Alan. Scott’s already told me to remote pilot Thunderbird One home. Given the duration and environmental conditions of this one, he doesn’t want to risk anyone flying alone. You’ll be taking shifts at the controls all the way back to Tracy Island.”

Alan snorted. “Yeah right. Scott and Virgil will have a hissy fight, Virgil will win ‘cause it’s his ‘Bird, Scott’ll sulk in the co-pilots seat, while Gordon and I are sent back to the bunks to ‘rest’, despite having done the least amount of physical work. Meanwhile, you’ll secretly have remote control and will be flying us home anyway.”

John smiled. “Maybe.”

Virgil flopped into one of the jumpsuits, shucking off his baldric and harness before pulling coverall uniform off his torso and tying the arms around his waist. “Nope,” he mumbled around the confectionery. “The Thunderbird Pilot you’re calling is not available. Please call again when he is conscious.”

Alan and John stared at him. “You okay, Virgil?” Alan asked, standing up to try feel Virgil’s forehead.

He batted the hand away. “Fine, Alan. Nothing that a good shower, a good meal, and a good sleep won’t fix. A good massage would be nice, too. Remember that place in Japan, Johnny?”

“I remember. The masseuse literally walked all over your back for an hour. I don’t know how you stand it. And don’t call me Johnny.” There was a question in John’s face as he considered Virgil. “Say, Vir–”

He was cut off as Scott stumbled into the cockpit to collapse groaning into a chair, followed by an altogether too energetic and bouncy Gordon who slammed, performing a comedic double-take when he noticed Virgil.

“What the seven seas, Big Guy? You have ice-cream and you’re not sharing? Dude, where’s mine? I thought these guys were kidding me! Where’d you even get ice-cream from, anyway?!”

Virgil closed his eyes as his three other brothers joined in on the chorus of questions and recriminations.

Maybe keep the freeze-dried ice creams for his studio in future.

Notes:

This one’s been sitting in my WIP pile for the last six months.

A co-worker had brought a freeze-dry set up and set up a little side-hustle selling freeze-dried snacks. I brought a packet of paddle-pops and amused myself at various loading sites, waiting a couple of hours and pulling out a freeze-dried icecream and sucking on it for the next four hours. In 40deg Celsius heat.

It’s the little things that make life worth living.

The standard disclaimers, I do not own Thunderbirds, either the TOS or CGI Series. (Although I do own copies on DVD.)

I do not do this for money, but for my own (in)sanity and entertainment.

[piro-piroooooo]

I was thinking of doing a Miku for the cultural Miku trend... but I'm already quite late and I've been thinking of some things...

I'm Mexican (hehe <3), but I don't see any point in drawing another adelita Miku, or a Miku dressed in any Mexican indigenous attire. I'm not part of any indigenous group, I don't understand those attires. I grew up and live in a poor small industrial city. Of course there is culture in here, but it doesn't look pretty. It isn't pretty colorful dresses, dances, rituals or an ancestral connection to our land and the gods that inhabit it. That can be found in the rural towns that surround my city, the ones that get tourists.

There is no specific cultural attire I can claim or use to represent my cultural experience. What should I dress my Miku in? The local soccer team shirt? The vests the local politicians are often seen wearing? Sure, I could do that I guess.

I'm not saying any of this to complain. Actually, quite the opposite. I love my ugly city. I love my ugly-looking culture. My culture looks like make-shift tents that house weekly farmer's markets. Children making memories of school in classrooms with cement floors and decades old equipment. Neighborhoods coming together to make anniversary parties for holes in the streets. It's showering with a bucket of water you heated on the stove and a recycled yogurt container because the government refuses to do anything about the water shortages. And there's a lot of happiness that can be found in this kind of life.

I used to be very bitter about the way my culture came to be. My way of life was created by a history filled with violence, colonization, and death. Me and the people around me are the result of europeans mixing with the native population. Our poverty and lack of indigenous cultural identity was caused by the explotation of this land and its resources.

Today the independence of my country is celebrated. I have a lot of feelings about it and at the same time I feel nothing. Of course, I'm bitter and angry about the history of my country and its current state. But also, today I went out to buy some groceries we needed to prepare pambazos and passed by a festival. People were eating good food, smiling, creating happy memories. There's joy to be found in this ugly small industrial city.

Maybe I will just draw Miku in my middle school uniform. Carrying that backpack too big for her, y una torta de buebito para comerse en el recreo.

Feliz día de la independencia de México :^)

[barbielore]

A really charming part of Barbie history is all the tiny accessories for Barbie to use. There's something that just HITS about a tiny object.

In 2017, a number of accessory packs hit the market for Barbie. This is nothing unusual: Mattel frequently cycles through different portrayals of tiny objects or outfits to match what is currently on trend or what hasn't been in the Barbie line lately, to encourage new purchases. This particular run of accessory packs included food items for "gourmet stories".

The Breakfast pack, for example, had bacon and eggs, a pan and a waffle iron. (Note: although the outside of the waffle iron contains the Barbie logo, the inside doesn't. This is a missed opportunity to print the Barbie logo directly on the waffles. Mattel, I am trying to help YOU out here.)

I'm quite fond of these, for a number of reasons. First and foremost, I love a tiny object - but also I like some of the details. I like how the cup measures are shaped like hearts in the baking set. I like that the pasta set comes with a colander!

The downside, though: as far as I can tell the sets are hard molded plastic and you can't e.g. use the tongs. This is really disappointing and Mattel could do better.

But I would be remiss in not pointing out the taco party pack.

Why does this one stand out to me? Well, first of all, I love tacos. But second of all, it features a green margarita glass.

Maybe Barbie is drinking soda out of it, but you can't tell me that ISN'T a margarita glass.

I support Barbie drinking responsibly.

[beardedmrbean]

A Canadian TikTok creator whose viral cucumber salad recipes have received millions of views and shares is being blamed for a shortage of the vegetable in Iceland, the BBC reported. 

TikTok creator Logan Moffitt, who shares videos with his 6 million followers under the username "@LogagM," started making cucumber salad content in July. 

He told Fox News Digital he suspects his videos are popular because they're "super-simple, easy-to-follow and fast recipes," he said via email. 

WOMAN MAKES SOURDOUGH BREAD MID-FLIGHT IN VIRAL TIKTOK VIDEO: SEE IT

His recipes mainly follow the same basic steps. Moffitt holds a cucumber to the camera and says, "Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber. Let me show you the best way to do it." He then slices the cucumber into a deli container, using a mandoline slicer. 

In some videos, Moffitt references the "demure" TikTok trend and reminds viewers to "be mindful" of their mandolines. 

Moffitt, who is in his 20s, then inserts various ingredients into the deli container before closing it and shaking it. The videos end with him taking a bite of his salad. 

Moffitt told Fox News Digital he'd been making cucumber salads for a while, but "just recently started posting them" in an attempt to experiment with different types of content.

They're seasonal, too, as summer is "the perfect time to have some cucumber salad," he noted. 

While many of his cucumber salad variations are inspired by Asian foods, Moffitt said he's been inspired to transform other foods into salads, too. 

"I usually think of ideas for the salads from pre-existing food: jalapeño popper cucumbers, chipotle cucumbers, sushi cucumbers," he said. 

His favorite, he added, is the "salmon cream cheese" cucumber. 

One variation of that recipe has received more than 32 million views on TikTok in the month since it was posted.

Rather than use specific recipes and ingredient amounts, Moffitt relies on his cooking experience to craft his salads. 

"I think through a lot of practice and time spent in the kitchen you grow to learn what quantities are important for your own taste," he said.

He said that he "cooked dinner every day for my family and watched a lot of YouTube chefs throughout my childhood." 

For Moffitt, "focusing on your taste, rather than an exact recipe, makes cooking super fun." 

Said one TikTok user in response to Moffitt's "salmon bagel cucumber" recipe, "You've somehow romanticized cucumbers and I love that for you."

"I don't even like cucumbers but still find myself watching the whole video every time," said another TikTok user.

The popular recipes are partly to blame for a shortage of cucumbers in Iceland, the BBC reported in late August. 

The Horticulturists' Sales Company (SFG), Iceland's farmers' association, told the BBC that there were shortages of the vegetable and that farmers "have been unable to keep up with spiraling demand" for cucumbers. 

One Icelandic supermarket chain told the BBC that cucumber sales had doubled since the salad recipes became popular. 

The sales of other ingredients used in Moffitt's recipes, including sesame oil and chili oil, have also increased, the BBC reported. 

The cucumber shortages in Iceland should resolve themselves before too long, the BBC also noted.

Kristín Linda Sveinsdóttir, who works in marketing for the SFG, told the BBC that the viral cucumber salad trend came at the same time that many farmers are not producing large amounts of cucumbers. 

"Everything is happening at the same time," Sveinsdóttir told the BBC. "This is the first time we have experienced something like this." 

There likely would not have been a shortage had the cucumber salad TikTok recipes gained popularity earlier in the summer, Sveinsdóttir told the BBC. 

Moffitt himself posted about the shortages in an Aug. 26 TikTok video.

"A lot of you guys have been asking me how many cucumbers I buy in a week, so let's count them out," he said in a video captioned, "Cucumber haul!"

In the video, Moffitt revealed that he had purchased 17 cucumbers that week.

"Seventeen cucumbers," he said, holding the vegetables.

"This is why there's no cucumbers left in Iceland. I bought them all," he joked. ____________

that's a good way to get people to eat their veggies, now if they can get enough cukes to them to keep the salads going.

[sleepingsun501]

Chapter 1: Eyes Do Not Lie

Characters: Commander Fox, OC Keeda Ionza, OC clone troopers

Summary: Commander Fox rescues a young woman, Keeda Ionza, from a disastrous date.

Rating: Explicit 18+, no smut

Warnings: SA threat (just the threat, nothing further), graphic depictions of violence, one use of r-word.

Word Count: 3.2k

Ao3 link

A/N: CHAPTER 1 UPDATED: 03/30/2023. Hello and welcome to the updated version of Sweet True Lies. It has been reworked into 3rd person and will follow my OCs and canon characters POV's from here on out. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy it!! This chapter contains graphic depictions of violence and an SA threat (just the threat, nothing further), so if you're not ok with those, don't read. A huge thank you to @rexxdjarin and @wild-karrde for being my amazing beta readers!!

Next Chapter

Eyes Do Not Lie

Keeda sipped at her wine, slouching back into the luxuriously plush chair of the over-the-top restaurant overlooking Coruscant’s skyline. She already disliked coming to these kinds of establishments for her mother’s charity functions, so coming to one for a date was not exactly her idea of a fun evening. Sighing purely out of boredom, she crossed her legs and gazed out the glass wall beside her table.

Having grown up with an abundance of wealth from her late father, a bitter taste was left in her mouth when it came to the upper classes of the Core Worlds. The posh lifestyle and the overinflated sense of self-importance most of her socialite friends—if Keeda could really call them friends—possessed was off-putting, to say the least. She had never been one to buy the most expensive clothes and trinkets or follow the latest trends that made their way through the materialistic society, and she glumly wished that one of them were here to take her place.

Tonight, she would have rather been down in the night markets, eating steaming food straight from vendor stalls and watching various street performers—things she remembered doing with her father before he died. He taught her the true value of wealth from a young age, how to maintain it, and how to use her fortunate position in life to help others.

After her father was gone, she had spent the majority of her free time volunteering and working for the charity organization her brilliant surgeon mother had founded in his memory. She even earned her university degree in finance to prepare herself to take over the charity someday.

Keeda had met people of all different species from all different places across the galaxy through her work, and her workload had only doubled since the Clone Wars had started. So, on a rare night off, she had somewhat hoped to be swept off her tired feet for a change.

She gazed out the window at the darkening sky, the towering skyscrapers, and the speeder traffic as she mused in her memories, barely listening to her date anymore. It’s so beautiful here at night. she thought, swirling the pale, bubbling liquid in her glass. The glittering skyline itself never failed to dazzle her—something her date was currently failing at.

“And I also have—well, my father has—a summer home on… And one time I… Did I mention that I…” her date rambled.

Maker, he just doesn’t shut up about himself. she grumbled inwardly, taking another sip of the expensive, sparkling white wine. Keeda was certain the sweet, crisp flavor of the fruity alcohol and the promise of a buzz were the only things that would get her through the evening as the young man seated across from her babbled on and on.

It seemed that he never recounted a story or even spoke a sentence unless it was about himself, and it was always after he had taken a bite of his over-priced gundark steak. She had barely gotten a word in edgewise between his stories, he never once asked her anything about herself, and anything she said may as well have been fuel for his ramblings.

She continued sipping at her wine—her own steak barely touched thanks to his obnoxious, open-mouthed chewing—as she analyzed him, wondering what her mother’s friend could have possibly seen in this tall, lanky, self-involved governor’s son. He was not unattractive, with dark hair and sharp features, but his attitude had canceled that out straight away. If she were being honest with herself, she was so disinterested that she could not even remember his name.

Her mother’s friend had meant well when she had set up the date for her, but even her mother had done a double-take at her when she had agreed to go. Keeda was not normally one to go on a blind date, and this experience was only reinforcing that she never would again. Finally tired of his incessant chatter, she downed her wine and signaled a passing waiter droid so she could pay the tab and be done with him.

“Eager to get going?” he asked, smirking at her around a mouthful of food.

“Something like that,” Keeda muttered blandly, inserting her credit chip into the droid. Her skin crawled while she waited for the payment to process. He had looked at his dinner the same way he was eyeing her now, like a piece of meat.

The droid beeped a few times to signal that the payment had gone through, so she quickly grabbed her wool-lined coat and practically sped to the exit.

“Well, I’m not gonna say no to a lady who likes to treat,” her date laughed. He tossed his napkin over his leftover food as he rose, bumping the table less than gracefully, and quickly followed after her.

Fighting the urge to roll her eyes, Keeda stepped into the turbolift that took her swiftly to the practically deserted streets below. Although Coruscant did not technically have seasons, it had been uncharacteristically chilly for the past few days in her district, keeping the normal foot traffic away. She cringed a little from the feeling of her date’s eyes still on her, and it made her stomach churn.

“Listen, I’m really not feeling all that well, tonight,” she said over her shoulder, trying to gauge just how close he was. The air in the small lift was becoming rather thick, making her feel boxed in. “I think I just need to go home.”

He ignored the implied sentiment completely, his hands coming up to grip her upper arms as the turbolift came to a stop. “Bet I could make you feel better, babe,” he said, his voice low and slippery.

A potent anger began to swell in her chest and pulsed up her neck. Just get out of here. she thought. Utterly disgusted by his behavior, Keeda shrugged out of his grasp before he could come any closer. “Please, don’t touch me.”

“Hey, come on now!” he protested bluntly as she nearly launched herself out the opening doors.

The chilled air felt like a blessing after the short lift ride, and she hastily started toward a cab stand further down the lamplit street to call for a ride.

“What? You don’t want to have some fun?” the man called after her.

So, he’s going to be like this. Lovely. Keeda groaned internally, thoroughly pissed off now. She scowled darkly as she turned to face him. “Seriously? I just said I don’t feel very well and you’re coming on to me? What is the matter with you? For an official’s son, your manners are severely lacking.”

His eyes narrowed and he immediately lost all of the poorly practiced suavely mannerisms. She had struck a nerve, and he took a purposeful, dangerously slow step toward her. “All right then, babe, maybe I won’t show you a good time. Maybe I should just take you somewhere nice and quiet and show you how I’d use that smart little mouth of yours.”

Every bit of instinct she possessed was screaming at the threat he now posed, but she stood her ground. Her lifelong martial arts training kicked in, and she subtly widened her stance. Even with the alcohol in her system, she knew she was more than a match. Still, she wished the street had not been so deserted.

“Don’t even try it. I could knock you cold,” she said boldly, attempting to put him off trying anything. The adrenaline was spiking through her now as he came ever closer, sharpening her focus and her anger, but just as she was anticipating, he lunged at her.

“You little bitch!” he snarled, infuriated by her threat. He wildly grabbed at whatever part of her he could reach, and she deftly ducked away.

“Hey!” a deep, modulated voice shouted in the distance.

But she was too focused on planting the heel of her palm into her assailant’s nose and her opposite fist into his throat to hear the voice. He immediately coughed and sputtered, but managed to take hold of her arm and pull her off-balance as he doubled over. While she struggled against his grip with a loud snarl, she heard several sets of heavy boots racing toward them.

“Hey, enough! Leave her be!” the modulated voice shouted again. Keeda had heard that voice hundreds of times.

Clone troopers.

Suddenly, the assailant was knocked away from her and flat on his back by two massive blurs of red and white armor. The three of them landed together in a heap of limbs, leaving Keeda to stumble back into someone else’s arms. The adrenaline and fury racing through her system made her lash out, swinging herself around to shove whoever it was away. Her hands met more armor—redder than that of the other clones.

“Get off me!” she shouted, pushing the clone away. As the initial shock wore off, she realized these were not ordinary clones. They were Coruscant Guard officers. Well, at least the one who had caught her was. He wore kamas and a helmet vizor along with carrying two DC-17 pistols—items she knew only officers were allowed.

“Easy, miss. I—” he began, but she was already stalking away toward the cab stand again. “Miss, wait! Are you hurt?” he called after her.

Readjusting her form-fitting coat, Keeda turned sharply to face him. “I’m fine. Just leave me alone,” she spat. She had to admit her tone was not warranted, but she could not bring herself to care. All she wanted was to go home and forget this whole horrible night had happened.

The officer held his gloved hands out placatingly, “Please, I’m only—”

“I know!” she interrupted, huffing and trying to collect herself. “Look, you saw what he did to me, and if you need a statement I’ll send one to CSF tomorrow.”

“Boss?” one of the guardsmen called. The assailant was struggling in their steel-like grips even with his hands now in binders, adamantly demanding to be released.

“Hold him there, Rydar. Be there in a minute,” the commander called back, his modulated voice deep and rich. He raised his hands to his helmet after a moment, pulling it off to reveal his face.

Even though Keeda was so aggravated, she stopped to take in his features, a little surprised at how different he looked from the average trooper. She had seen this face dozens of times, and his beautiful bronze skin was complimented by his red and white armor, but his other features set him apart, and she thought he was rather ruggedly handsome.

His hair, a little longer than regulation on top and greying at his temples, looked like it would have normally been neatly styled if he had not just taken his helmet off. The long, lightly greying curls on top of his head fell haphazardly onto his forehead along with a few others breaking loose around the evenly-faded sides.

There was also a scar on the left side of his bottom lip, as though it had once been badly split and not healed properly, and a light layer of dark, grey-laced stubble dusted his cheeks and jaw. He was massive—tall, broad, and burly, and Keeda suddenly felt very small. That was when she noticed he had managed to take a couple of cautious steps toward her, and she immediately backed away.

“Please… I-I just want to leave,” she choked out, a lump rising in her throat. She could feel her eyes widen in fear and prickle with tears as she looked back at her assailant. He was being held on his knees by the two other clones and glaring hatefully at her now. The chill that ran down her spine had nothing to do with the cold air, and she promptly looked back to the commander, who was watching her carefully. Those sharp brown eyes did not seem to miss a thing.

Holding her frightened gaze, he nodded. “Okay, that’s fine. At least let me call a ride for you,” he said soothingly, searching her face and stopping his advance. He changed course over to the cab stand, pressing several buttons on the keypad and a few more on his vambrace. In less than a minute, a long, sleek blue speeder arrived.

That’s not a normal cab. Keeda thought to herself. That’s a senatorial transport vehicle.

A sharply dressed Mirialan driver hastily stepped out of the speeder, tipped his cap, and opened the door for her, ignoring the rest of the scene entirely.

“Take her anywhere she wants to go,” the commander said, the crisp authority in his tone telling the driver everything he needed to know.

“Yes, sir,” the Mirialan replied, nodding to the commander and waiting for her.

Her jaw dropped open unceremoniously, her head swiveling between the red-armor-clad commander and the posh speeder. She felt frozen in place, stunned by the gesture, and she was suddenly unsure of whether or not to take the ride as the knot in her stomach clenched.

The commander gave Keeda a soft smile and a nod. His expression may have been calm, but his dark eyes were shining with urgency. “Go. This is on the Republic.”

Swallowing thickly and tearing her gaze away from his, she muttered a small, “Thank you,” and slid into the back seat of the speeder. She looked back at the clone commander one last time as the door slid shut. He was still gently smiling at her, and his posture had relaxed marginally now that she was in the vehicle.

“Where to, miss?” the driver asked, setting the speeder in motion.

She told the driver her mother’s address, not wanting to go back to her own apartment to be all alone. She was still looking out the back window as the speeder rose into the sky—the commander grew smaller by the second, his armor the only distinguishable part of him as the distance between them increased.

The sinking feeling in her stomach and the numbness in her limbs only became more prevalent as her adrenaline rush subsided, and she suddenly felt guilty about how she had snapped at him. She hugged herself and gnawed at her lip when she realized just how horribly she had treated him. After all, he and his men had come to her aid, and he had been very cognizant and understanding of her feelings. Although Keeda doubted she would ever see him again, she hoped he did not think badly of her.

Commander Fox watched the speeder fly off, keeping that poker face on until she was well out of sight. Behind him, he could hear his men holding her assailant down, just as he had ordered.

His blood boiled with rage at the dark-haired man trapped in Rydar and Jonor’s grips. He had rounded the corner just in time to see this shabuir lunge for the young woman, and every cell in his body had propelled him forward to help her.

He could not blame her for how she had reacted to him catching her after his boys had knocked the assailant to the ground. She had done an admirable job of defending herself in the situation, and he was impressed with how fierce she had been, but now that she was safe, he could get to work.

A dark scowl crept across Fox’s features as he turned and strode back to his men, slipping his bucket back on and cracking his knuckles. He was so very glad the street was deserted because this pompous asshole was going to learn a lesson.

Without a word, he motioned for Jonor and Rydar to follow him down a nearby alley. The assailant kicked and thrashed and growled, but his slight frame barely phased the two clones.

Stopping a few yards from the back wall of the alley, Fox pointed to the ground in front of him. His boys came around him, tossed the assailant to the filthy duracrete in a heap, and took their places flanking their commander.

“Don’t you know who I am?!” the man shouted indignantly, pushing himself to his knees.

Fox did not hesitate. He lunged forward, and in two swift strides, he locked his massive hand around the assailant’s neck, lifting him straight off the ground and slamming him into the wall. He did, in fact, recognize him as the son of a prominent Coruscanti governor.

The tall, dark-haired man instinctively clawed at Fox’s vambrace, trying desperately to loosen the hand cutting off his air supply, but the Marshal Commander of the Coruscant Guard was taller, stronger, and far angrier.

“You’re the son of Governor Baylo Gargeli,” Fox said evenly, despite the situation. “You must think you’re something special, don’t you? You think you can just take whatever you want. You threatened to rape her, I could see it in her eyes.”

The man tried to choke out some defensive response, but the terror in his eyes gave away the truth.

“I sincerely hope you reevaluate your morals after tonight,” Fox said, the rage slipping into his tone. He quickly released the man from his binders and dropped him to his feet, stepping back a pace.

As soon as the assailant had caught his breath, he snarled in a rage and threw an unskilled punch at the commander. He was promptly backhanded to the ground by Fox, who had been fully prepared for the possibility of retaliation. As the assailant scrambled to his feet again, Fox’s fist found the underside of his jaw, nearly lifting him off the ground once again only to land in the grime.

Fox knew he could have knocked the man out if he had wanted to, but he knew his own strength, and he wanted this hut’uun to feel it.

The marshal commander stepped back again and looked at the two vode beside him. Jonor and Rydar were little more than shinies, still a little skinny and trigger-happy, but he could see them on their toes. He tipped his bucket toward the assailant, who was now groaning in agony, giving the boys the green light.

“If he’s stupid enough to swing again, you get ten seconds. Leave him conscious and let him walk home,” Fox said over his shoulder, giving them veiled instructions not to break any bones. This guy is out of his mind. he thought to himself, hearing the moment the assailant decided to try his failing luck against Jonor and Rydar.

The sounds of grunts, groans, and punches grew quieter as he walked back to the entrance of the alley, counting down in his head. When he got to ten, he whistled, and the boys came jogging to his side to continue their patrol. “Not a word.”

“Yes, sir,” they said in unison, picking up their discarded blasters and falling in step.

As they continued their patrol, Fox could not help but think of the young woman. She had been so fierce, beautiful, and strong, and he did his best to push the fear of what could have happened to her out of his mind. Instead, he thought of how she had shoved him back when he had caught her, and he had been a bit surprised that she was capable of such force. Her eyes had shone with both fear and determination in the darkness, ready to fight him off, too. He quietly hoped she had made it to wherever she needed to go, and that she would recover quickly from her ordeal.

Next Chapter

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[harshnews]

IBC Cap Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth and Competitive Analysis

"IBC Cap Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2028

Global IBC Cap Market, By Product Type (Flange, Plugs, Vent-in Plug, Vent-out Plug and Screw closure), Type (Plastic IBC, Metal IBC and Composite IBCs), Material Type (Plastics, Metal, Aluminium and Steel), End Use (Chemicals & Fertilizers, Petroleum & Lubricants, Paints, Inks & Dyes, Food & Beverage, Agriculture, Building & Construction, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals and Mining), Application (Food And Drinks, Chemical Industry, Oil and Agriculture), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Belgium, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, U.A.E, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2028

Access Full 350 Pages PDF Report @

The global IBC cap market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period due to the increasing demand for intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) in various industries such as chemicals, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and others. The IBC caps play a crucial role in ensuring the safe storage and transportation of liquid products. The market growth is also being driven by technological advancements in IBC cap designs, such as tamper-evident seals and spouts for easy dispensing. Additionally, the growing focus on sustainability and recyclability of packaging materials is further boosting the adoption of IBC caps made from eco-friendly materials.

**Segments**

- Based on material type, the IBC cap market can be segmented into plastic, metal, and others. Plastic caps are widely used due to their lightweight nature and cost-effectiveness. - By cap type, the market can be categorized into screw caps, snap-on caps, and flip-top caps. Screw caps are preferred for their secure sealing properties. - On the basis of end-user industry, the market can be divided into chemicals, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and others. The chemicals segment is anticipated to hold a significant market share due to the widespread use of IBCs for storing chemical products.

**Market Players**

- TPS Industrial Srl - Schuetz GmbH & Co. KGaA - Mauser Packaging Solutions - Time Technoplast Ltd - Berry Global Inc. - THIELMANN UCON AG - Precision IBC, Inc. - Peninsula Packaging LLC

These market players are actively involved in strategic initiatives such as product launches, partnerships, and acquisitions to strengthen their market presence and expand their product offerings. The competitive landscape of the IBC cap market is characterized by intense competition, prompting companies to focus on innovation and quality to gain a competitive edge.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness substantial growth in the IBC cap market, driven by the rapid industrialization and the increasing adoption of IBCsThe Asia-Pacific region represents a significant growth opportunity for the global IBC cap market due to several key factors. With rapid industrialization and the expanding manufacturing sector in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia, there is a growing demand for efficient storage and transportation solutions, including IBCs and their associated caps. The increased focus on chemical production, food processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing in the region further fuels the need for reliable packaging solutions like IBC caps. As these industries continue to grow, the adoption of IBC caps is expected to rise, driving market expansion in the Asia-Pacific region.

Moreover, the emphasis on enhancing safety standards and ensuring product integrity is a crucial factor contributing to the growth of the IBC cap market in Asia-Pacific. Regulations regarding the safe handling and transportation of hazardous chemicals and pharmaceuticals necessitate the use of high-quality caps that can effectively seal and protect the contents of IBCs. As companies in the region strive to comply with stringent regulatory requirements, the demand for advanced and secure IBC caps is projected to increase significantly.

Additionally, the shift towards sustainability and eco-friendly practices is another trend shaping the IBC cap market in Asia-Pacific. With growing environmental concerns and increasing awareness about plastic pollution, there is a rising preference for IBC caps made from recyclable and biodegradable materials. Market players in the region are focusing on developing sustainable packaging solutions to meet the evolving consumer demands and align with global sustainability goals. This shift towards eco-friendly IBC caps not only addresses environmental concerns but also presents market players with opportunities to differentiate their offerings and attract environmentally conscious customers.

Furthermore, the competitive landscape of the IBC cap market in Asia-Pacific is characterized by the presence of both local manufacturers and international players. Local companies often have a strong understanding of regional market dynamics and customer preferences, giving them a competitive advantage in catering to specific industry needs. On the other hand, multinational companies bring technological expertise and a wide product portfolio, which can appeal to a broader customer base seeking innovative and**Global IBC Cap Market, By Product Type**

- Flange - Plugs - Vent-in Plug - Vent-out Plug - Screw closure

**Type**

- Plastic IBC - Metal IBC - Composite IBCs

**Material Type**

- Plastics - Metal - Aluminium - Steel

**End Use**

- Chemicals & Fertilizers - Petroleum & Lubricants - Paints, Inks & Dyes - Food & Beverage - Agriculture - Building & Construction - Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals - Mining

**Application**

- Food And Drinks - Chemical Industry - Oil and Agriculture

The Global IBC Cap market is experiencing significant growth due to the rising demand for intermediate bulk containers across various industries. Plastic caps are increasingly preferred for their lightweight and cost-effective nature, driving market growth within the material type segment. Screw caps, known for their secure sealing properties, dominate the cap type category. The chemicals segment is anticipated to hold a substantial market share among end-user industries, attributed to the widespread use of IBCs for chemical storage. The market players in the industry are focusing on strategic initiatives like product launches and partnerships to enhance their market presence and offerings. The competitive landscape is intense, spurring companies to innovate and prioritize quality for a competitive advantage.

In Asia-Pacific, the IBC cap market is poised for robust growth fueled by rapid industrialization and the expanding manufacturing sector, particularly in countries like China,

Countries Studied:

North America (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, United States, Rest of Americas)

Europe (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Rest of Europe)

Middle-East and Africa (Egypt, Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Rest of MEA)

Asia-Pacific (Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Taiwan, Rest of Asia-Pacific)

Key Coverage in the IBC Cap Market Report:

Detailed analysis of IBC Cap Market by a thorough assessment of the technology, product type, application, and other key segments of the report

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market along with CAGR calculation for the forecast period

Investigative study of the market dynamics including drivers, opportunities, restraints, and limitations that can influence the market growth

Comprehensive analysis of the regions of the IBC Cap industry and their futuristic growth outlook

Competitive landscape benchmarking with key coverage of company profiles, product portfolio, and business expansion strategies

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part 01: Executive Summary

Part 02: Scope of the Report

Part 03: Research Methodology

Part 04: Market Landscape

Part 05: Pipeline Analysis

Part 06: Market Sizing

Part 07: Five Forces Analysis

Part 08: Market Segmentation

Part 09: Customer Landscape

Part 10: Regional Landscape

Part 11: Decision Framework

Part 12: Drivers and Challenges

Part 13: Market Trends

Part 14: Vendor Landscape

Part 15: Vendor Analysis

Part 16: Appendix

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About Data Bridge Market Research:

Data Bridge set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.

Contact Us:

Data Bridge Market Research

US: +1 614 591 3140

UK: +44 845 154 9652

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Email: corporatesales@databridgemarketresearch.com"

[crazy-pages]

They do measure inflation based on the most commonly purchased goods like bread and eggs, not just consumer goods in general. It’s called the market basket, and it’s what the consumer price index, the most common measure of inflation, is based on.

(Sending this as an ask because it’s not the main point of the reblog chain.)

Yes...

The consumer price index does have subsets based around certain good categories, and it assumes that certain consumer goods like bread and eggs make up a certain fraction of consumer purchases. It is a weighted average, not just a naive average and I might not have made that clear.

But...

These subsets are not actual measurements of what people are literally taking out of the store in their grocery baskets. They are weighted averages of groups of goods which represent reasonable mock-ups of the kinds of things people typically purchase. The weighted averages do not change to reflect changes in purchasing habits in real time.

If people start eating more eggs because eggs are relatively cheap, and the price of eggs increases dramatically, the CPI will not accurately model the actual increase in food cost borne by people. If people stop consuming certain luxury foods and those luxury Foods drop in price to compensate, the CPI will actually register that as driving inflation down. Which is what's technically happening ... but if you think that represents anything positive for people's living situations and economic anxiety, I have a bridge to sell you.

The CPI is also is not an economic measure which contains information about how much food people are purchasing or the strain their food budget puts on their finances. So if CPI inflation goes up very high and then stabilizes, the CPI will not tell you if people handled the price increase well, or if they are outright buying and consuming less food to compensate.

So...

In other words, the CPI is good for creating a simple model to capture general trends in food price during normative periods where people's eating habits remain constant. It is an inadequate model for understanding economic stresses in highly non-normative periods during which consumption habits change rapidly, let alone the psychology of how people respond to that.

This is not to say the CPI cannot still be useful in such times, only that we must be careful how we use it. For example-

This still uses the CPI food index to capture food price information. But you will note that measured spending on food (adjusted for a general measure of inflation) remains relatively stable, while the CPI food index (again adjusted to be relative to a general measure of inflation) skyrockets. If the CPI food index was actually an accurate measure of what people are buying during this period of time, those two values would be matched. They are not.

What this tells us is that there is a substantial change in consumer purchasing habits from more expensive to less expensive food stuffs and/or towards buying less food in general, in a way that the static CPI food basket is not capturing.

Now there's two ways for the CPI to deal with this, but both of them represent flaws in trying to use the CPI to capture economic stress information. First, the CPI can of course just choose to continue using its existing weighted average. This would contain information about price increases of the things people used to buy in the proportions they used to. This is useful, but means you're missing out on the reality of what people actually buy now. If the food basket gets too out of date, the CPI measure of inflation might even become completely incorrect.

Second, the CPI could renormalize the food basket so its ongoing measures of inflation reflect the actual reality of consumers. But this would be burying information about the extent to which price increases forced behavioral changes, which is just as much a measure of economic stress as net expenditure changes. Either way it is an insufficient measure of financial stress during times of rapid changes in patterns of consumption.

The CPI in the context of other measurements is valuable, but is inadequate in its own right. And to fully capture quantitative measurements of economic food stress, you would need to use more detailed economic measures. These would be things like what fraction of people's budget is made up by food (food burden), and more subjective measurements like asking people about the degree of financial pressure they feel at the grocery store or how constrained they feel by grocery prices.

A better measurement of the economic anxiety people experience in response to rising food prices would then not be comparing the CPI and wages, but identifying value classes of food and their proportional consumption, or comparing a recent average of temporal variance in CPI food index prices with a recent food basket as a percentage of after-cost-of-living spending budgets. You know, the things people actually experience economic anxiety through, eating cheaper food and fretting over if they'll be able to pay the bills next month.

[vezlayfood1]

Vegan Products for Beginners: Tips, Brands, and Nutritional Insights

Introduction to Vegan Products

Hey there! Have you ever wondered what all the buzz about Vegan Products is? Well, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the world of vegan products, which are items that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Veganism isn’t just a diet; it’s a lifestyle choice that prioritizes compassion and sustainability. Whether you’re a curious newbie or a seasoned vegan, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about vegan products.

History of Veganism

Early Beginnings

The roots of veganism can be traced back to ancient civilizations that advocated for non-violence towards animals. However, the modern vegan movement began in 1944 when Donald Watson coined the term “vegan” and co-founded the Vegan Society in the UK. This marked a significant shift in how people perceived and practiced plant-based living.

Evolution Over the Decades

Since the 1940s, veganism has evolved from a niche dietary choice to a mainstream movement. The rise of environmental awareness, animal rights activism, and health consciousness has propelled veganism into the spotlight, leading to a surge in demand for vegan products.

Types of Vegan Products

Food and Beverages

Plant-based Proteins

Gone are the days when vegans struggled to find protein sources. Today, plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, and seitan offer delicious and nutritious alternatives to meat. Brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have revolutionized the market with their meat substitutes that mimic the taste and texture of traditional meat.

Dairy Alternatives

Whether it’s almond milk in your coffee or cashew cheese on your pizza, dairy alternatives have made it easier than ever to enjoy creamy, delicious products without the guilt. Oatly and Daiya are just two of the many brands offering fantastic dairy-free options.

Personal Care Items

Vegan Skincare

Looking for cruelty-free beauty products? Vegan skincare brands like The Body Shop and Herbivore Botanicals ensure that you can pamper your skin without harming animals. These products often feature natural, plant-based ingredients that are gentle on your skin and the environment.

Haircare Products

Vegan haircare is another booming industry. Brands like Lush offer shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that are free from animal-derived ingredients and harsh chemicals.

Clothing and Accessories

Vegan Leather

Say goodbye to leather made from animal hides. Vegan leather, often made from materials like polyurethane or innovative alternatives like pineapple leaves (Piñatex), offers a stylish and ethical option for fashion lovers. Brands like Matt & Nat lead the way in chic, sustainable vegan accessories.

Sustainable Fabrics

Sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp are making waves in the vegan clothing industry. These materials are not only eco-friendly but also incredibly comfortable and stylish.

Household Products

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning your home can be ethical too! Vegan cleaning supplies from brands like Seventh Generation and Method ensure that no animals are harmed in the process of keeping your space spotless.

Home Decor

Vegan home decor is an emerging trend, with products like cruelty-free candles, plant-based paints, and sustainable furniture gaining popularity among conscious consumers.

Benefits of Using Vegan Products

Health Benefits

Nutritional Advantages

Vegan products often pack a nutritional punch. Plant-based diets are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and overall health.

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

Studies have shown that a vegan diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. By choosing vegan products, you’re not just being kind to animals but also to your body.

Environmental Benefits

Lower Carbon Footprint

Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. By opting for vegan products, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help combat climate change.

Conservation of Resources

Producing plant-based foods requires fewer resources like water and land compared to animal agriculture. This means that choosing vegan products helps conserve vital resources and promotes sustainability.

Ethical Benefits

Animal Welfare

One of the primary motivations for many vegans is animal welfare. By using vegan products, you contribute to reducing the demand for animal exploitation and cruelty.

Human Rights Considerations

The vegan movement also intersects with human rights issues, advocating for fair labor practices and the ethical treatment of workers in the supply chain.

Challenges of Vegan Products

Accessibility and Availability

While vegan products are becoming more mainstream, they may still be hard to find in some areas. Rural or less-developed regions might have limited options compared to urban centers.

Price Differences

Vegan products can sometimes be more expensive than their non-vegan counterparts. This price disparity can be attributed to various factors, including production costs and market demand.

Mislabeling and Greenwashing

Not all products labeled as “vegan” are truly vegan. Some companies engage in greenwashing, using misleading claims to appear more eco-friendly than they are. It’s essential to research and verify product labels to ensure authenticity.

How to Identify Authentic Vegan Products

Reading Labels

Become a label detective! Look for clear indications that a product is vegan. Ingredients lists and allergy information can provide clues about the product’s contents.

Recognizing Certifications

Vegan Society Trademark

The Vegan Society Trademark is a reliable certification that ensures a product is free from animal ingredients and has not been tested on animals.

PETA-Approved Vegan

PETA’s certification is another trusted mark that guarantees the ethical standards of vegan products.

Top Vegan Food Brands

Beyond Meat

Beyond Meat is famous for its plant-based burgers that taste incredibly similar to beef. Their products are a fantastic way to enjoy familiar flavors without compromising on your values.

Oatly

Oatly offers a range of oat-based dairy alternatives, from milk to ice cream. Their products are delicious, sustainable, and perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

Tofurky

Tofurky provides a variety of plant-based meats that are perfect for everything from sandwiches to holiday feasts. Their products are a staple in many vegan households.

Daiya

Daiya specializes in dairy-free cheeses that melt, stretch, and taste like the real thing. Their products are great for anyone craving cheesy goodness without the dairy.

Top Vegan Personal Care Brands

The Body Shop

The Body Shop is a well-known brand offering a wide range of vegan and cruelty-free skincare, haircare, and makeup products.

Lush

Lush is renowned for its handmade, ethical cosmetics. Their vegan products are fresh, fragrant, and perfect for pampering yourself.

Herbivore Botanicals

Herbivore Botanicals combines natural ingredients with luxury skincare. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged in eco-friendly materials.

Top Vegan Clothing Brands

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney is a high-fashion brand committed to sustainability. They offer stylish, cruelty-free clothing and accessories made from innovative materials.

Matt & Nat

Matt & Nat are pioneers in vegan leather goods. Their bags, wallets, and accessories are not only chic but also environmentally friendly.

Vaute Couture

Vaute Couture focuses on creating high-quality vegan fashion. Their products are designed with both ethics and aesthetics in mind.

Incorporating Vegan Products into Your Lifestyle

Transitioning Tips

Making the switch to vegan products doesn’t have to be daunting. Start small by gradually replacing non-vegan items with their vegan counterparts.

Meal Planning with Vegan Foods

Meal planning can simplify your transition. Explore vegan recipes, plan your meals for the week, and make a shopping list to ensure you have all the ingredients you need.

DIY Vegan Personal Care Recipes

Why not try making your own vegan personal care products? There are plenty of DIY recipes online for everything from face masks to shampoo.

Debunking Myths About Vegan Products

Nutritional Deficiencies

One common myth is that vegan diets lack essential nutrients. However, with careful planning, you can get all the nutrients you need from plant-based sources.

Taste and Texture Issues

Many people believe that vegan products don’t taste as good or have a strange texture. Thanks to advancements in food technology, this is no longer the case. Many vegan products taste just as good, if not better, than their non-vegan counterparts.

Limited Options

The notion that veganism limits your options is outdated. The market is brimming with a variety of vegan products that cater to every need and preference.

Future Trends in Vegan Products

Technological Advancements

Technology is playing a crucial role in the vegan industry. Innovations like lab-grown meat and advanced plant-based proteins are set to revolutionize the market.

Emerging Markets

Veganism is gaining traction worldwide, with emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America showing significant growth in vegan product demand.

Innovations in Food Science

Food science continues to push the boundaries, creating vegan products that are more delicious and nutritious than ever before. From cultured dairy to plant-based seafood, the future looks bright.

Vegan Products and the Economy

Market Growth

The vegan market is experiencing exponential growth. As more consumers embrace veganism, the demand for vegan products continues to rise.

Job Creation

The growth of the vegan market has led to job creation in various sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing to retail.

Economic Impact

The shift towards veganism has a positive economic impact, promoting sustainable practices and ethical business models that benefit society as a whole.

How to Support the Vegan Movement

Advocacy and Awareness

Spread the word! Share information about the benefits of veganism and vegan products with your friends and family.

Supporting Vegan Businesses

Put your money where your mouth is by supporting vegan businesses. This helps promote ethical practices and encourages more companies to adopt cruelty-free methods.

Personal Actions and Lifestyle Changes

Every small change counts. Whether it’s adopting Meatless Mondays or switching to vegan skincare, your actions can make a big difference.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, Vegan Food Products offer a plethora of benefits, from health and environmental advantages to ethical considerations. While there are some challenges, the growing market and increasing accessibility make it easier than ever to embrace a vegan lifestyle. So why not give it a try? Start incorporating vegan products into your daily routine and be part of the change for a better world.

[waitmyturtles]

Impressions of the third episode of Moonlight Chicken:

1) It’s was the little things of this episode that carried me. Li Ming looking at the world around him while he was on the bike, after learning the diner would be sold. Looking at his world, mostly the old culture world, the seaside culture he grew up with. All after Li Ming said to Jim that he didn’t plan on inheriting the diner. Jim looking at the Work and Travel brochure. Change is being forced on everyone.

I liked this juxtaposition a lot because I think it connects to another theme that Aof may be hinting at: how, exactly, does historic culture survive in modern times? Ms. Hong suggests to the Marina project team that the area that contains Jim’s diner be turned into a historic market. Young people inherit the businesses that their parental generations operated, and, maybe, turn them into something of their own. (This reminds me of the story of Nom Wah Tea Parlor in New York Manhattan’s Chinatown, a restaurant that’s been operating for over 100 years. It was famously inherited by the third generation, a chef named Wilson Tang, who’s expanded the business while keeping the heart of the restaurant pumping.)

2) And besides the younger generations carrying historic culture with them -- as we see Gaipa committing to with his mom during the Loy Krathong festival, as they push flower baskets together in water -- we have to admit that change is really hard! Change is hard. Behavioral change is really hard. All of the guys who will be affected by the diner’s closure and demolition are in a head space. Jim’s navigating that with Wen, Wen is navigating his own double-layered guilt. He’s trying to assuage that guilt and figure out his purpose in life. Jim’s saying he’s not carrying anger at Wen, but Iiiiiii wanna see more background to that. These guys are all transitioning to a new phase of life, along with their actual physical locale, which may be radically differentiated outside of their own control. It’s unsettling.

3) I took notes on a couple more examples of the young folks carrying historical culture, and want to make sure I get them down quickly before I move on: I loved that Li Ming prayed, and encouraged Heart to pray, before launching their basket for Loy Krathong. I loved the visit to the shrine by Jim and Wen, and the recollection of memories of Jim and Beam (#jimbeam lol) at the temple. (Actually, I’d venture to say that engagement with spirituality vis à vis prayer is a trope to old culture that Aof is leaning on -- BUT, I don’t have nearly enough educational background in Thai Buddhism to say that for sure. I’ll welcome other commentary on that point!)

Also: Li Ming and Heart dancing after launching their basket. Oh my god. I REALLY LIKE THESE TWOOOOOO. I LOVED THAT THEY DANCED. 

Li Ming is caught in the MIDDLE of old and new culture. He wants to move to the US to figure out his life. But so much of his life is rooted in Pattaya, and he shows Heart a little of that background when they’re together, alone. MEEP.

4) Gotta squee for a second: KHAO. IS. SO. GOOD. SO. GOOD! SO. GOOD. His acting is SOOO GOOOD. His little head shakes, GAH! I just want to wave my arms and push him and Earth together and just LEAVE THEM BE. I’d be fine with that! I’m bucking a trend. I’m okay with that! #earthkhao, a girl can dream.

5) I’m going against the fandom trend again! I am going to ENJOY JEALOUS ALAN. I’m going to ENJOY VILLAIN FIRST. He looks great as a jealous weenie. I’m EAGERLY waiting to see how First and Mix manage a complicated and crumbling relationship. I rub my hands together in GLEE.

The Khao Man Gai Appreciation Rating for episode three is at 🐔🐔: we didn’t get money shots of food for this episode (sad), but Jim donating KMG to the shrine warmed my heart. 

*Quick request, if anyone out there is reading this and planning on doing this post: I’m curious if there’s any more significant background to Loy Krathong being in this episode and possibly connected with the title of the episode (”The Dream of the Eternal Moon.”) If anyone writes any analysis of this, I wonder if you could tag me so I don’t miss it. I just don’t know the history of this festival and all of the lunar connections. Thanks!

**EDITING TO ADD: Oooooh. Oooooh. Reading that Wikipedia article about Loy Krathong. I did NOT realize all the intersections between Buddhism and Hinduism in Thailand. I think I knew that Hinduism was one of the major religions of Thailand, but I’ve never given myself time to think or research about the intersections of Hinduism and Buddhism in Thai culture (I’ve always focused on Malaysia and Singapore in SE Asian cultures). Oooooh. Rabbithole!

[anthonybialy]

Economic Accomplices

Bitching about problems they cause will surely lead subjects to maturity.  Negativity that reflects their own decisions is the specialty of adult children whose tantrums affect everyone else in the supermarket.  You’d think moaning as policy wouldn’t be profitable, and you’d be correct in every life aspect except in politics.  Enjoy the millionth reason to reduce the power of politicians until figuring out how parking meter apps work becomes voluntary.

Everything falls apart when Democrats are in charge, which really makes it hard for them to repair everything.  Take how crime somehow skyrockets when those who obey laws are the only ones treated as criminals.  It’s really unfair that old-timey shoplifters grabbed the few items in stock just when their hobby was legalized.

The economy seems to relapse into addiction every time Democrats indulge their regrettable tendencies.  Utterly cruel corporate raiders made life unaffordable just to spite selfless liberals who they oppose for trying to remove profits.  Accusing demonic sellers of making money off suffering is rich from those who totally don’t have said notion baked in their platform.

Vacant carts and bare cupboards create roominess.  Groceries are for the rich.  An elite item category is brought to you by perspicacious Democrats who thought we were losing perspective.  Wise leaders reduced ingratitude by making everyday items unobtainable.

Diners partake daily despite no food mandate.  Some ravenous types even engage in the tasty hobby multiple times per day.  Thanks to efforts to make life affordable, the multiple meal hobby has become exotic.  People are thankfully more likely to dine today than require medical treatment.  Don’t suggest a right to eat to Democrats who might not get that they’re being mocked.

The human energy acquisition process only became prohibitively costly when everything else did, namely when Democrats decided the cure for poverty was handing out free money.  The item used itself for purchases somehow became less valuable, which you’d think might offer a lesson about things bought with money as well.  Can’t people run on solar?

Smaller portions aren’t merely a path to better health: they’re the only way to also afford a gallon of fuel that month.  Downsizing is a popular trend as seen both in erstwhile ice cream pints and restaurant plates with lots of china visible.  Do you feel thinner?

Fighting obesity the North Korean way has made the Biden era even crankier.  Americans and humans have every right to eat a bag of Doritos that could block out the Sun for dinner.  The health conscious could choose a lesser container, but those with more robust metabolisms don’t presently get the option to indulge.

Consumers never thought about the supply chain before.  Nobody had to on account of how it worked.  The system of responding to needs broke as soon as Democrats decided it needed mending.  A band of meddlers has been punished for their hubris.  The problem with their pushy ideology is that the verdict is inflicted on everyone else, too.  These truly are communal times.

The place with the sleeping quarters and ideally a roof where you presently reside will have to suffice.  The thought of ever buying a home is as incomprehensible as simultaneously owning two bread loaves.  The dream just happened to cease after your kindest politicians did everything they could to make homes affordable.  I blame some cruel conspiracy by diabolical conglomerates to keep customers from having money.

The inability to afford a dwelling or things to put in it is certainly not the fault of a government that has racked up 14 figures of debt.  Involvement in every life aspect only made each of them complicated by coincidence.

Start an education by learning why it’s so costly.  Tuition became suspiciously unaffordable as soon as government decided it must be subsidized to become cheap.  That’s one way to learn about markets.  Universities should offer a class in competition, but they don’t want to cut off their scholarships.  Discovering how the rotten private sector expects results as they seek to protect their cash flow would ruin the whole racket.

It’s important to not notice the pattern of education becoming a struggle once government got involved.  That would count as learning, and what’s the point without earning credits?  Keeping the feds away from education would make students smarter.  Brats can’t get any dumber.

Teach the young people about liberty by removing states and localities, as well.  Private schools only sound snotty.  If paying for school sounds expensive, wait until you hear what free costs.  At least graduates are no smarter.  Public schools are the perfect government institution, which their fans realize is not a compliment if they attended better institutions.

Whippersnapper babysitting services would have to compete without a monopoly provided by the same entity that controls them.  Note who has a problem with your decisions.  The same involved planners who think you don’t know what kind of car to buy demand subsidies to save Earth.  Idling is their plan to make the planet’s existence eternal.

Democrats want start them off wrong young.  Being horrified at the idea of parents paying for their own children is good training for a lifetime of treating the state as a guardian.  Those who are biologically in the same family could savings in taxes, which would allow for donating to schools by pious coercion fans who can’t seem to figure how to click donate buttons.

We should get government as far away as possible precisely because the task is important.  Necessity is the same reason we should allow market interactions between health customers and providers.  Advanced leaders inform us we can’t get by without them hunched over us while moving our hands before telling us we’re bad at it.

[sac-bestsupplements]

Exposed: Money Waste? What Multivitamins REALLY are & Should You TAKE Vitamins at all? Do This Before Wasting Your Money...

Discover the Best Multivitamin Supplements for Men: https://super-achiever.com/best-multivitamin-for-men

#multivitamins #multivitamin #vitamins

Hello, Health Enthusiasts! 🌟 Today we're tackling a topic that's everywhere: Multivitamins. Are they the magical pills for health, or just an overhyped trend?

Before we dive into the vitamin vortex, make sure to subscribe and hit the bell icon so you never miss our health hacks and facts. Now, let's dissect the multivitamin mania! Decoding Multivitamins: What’s Inside the Bottle? Multivitamins, affectionately known as "multis," come in various forms: pills, gummies, powders, and liquids. But here's the catch – there's no standard recipe! Each brand could have a different concoction of vitamins and minerals, making the landscape a bit murky. Over half of American adults are popping these supplements, but the million-dollar question is: do they really need to? 🤔💊 In places with diverse food availability, severe vitamin deficiencies are rare, thanks to enriched foods and varied diets. Sure, multivitamins can be lifesavers in certain scenarios, especially for those with specific nutritional needs. But for the average Joe and Jane, is it an essential or just an added expense?

The Multibillion-Dollar Question: To Spend or Not to Spend? The supplement industry is massive, with brands vying for your attention (and wallet). Yet, splurging isn't necessary; even basic, store-brand supplements can meet your needs if they contain the Recommended Daily Allowance of essential nutrients. A pro tip: look for the "USP" seal, ensuring what's on the label is what's in the bottle, tested for purity and safety. 🏷️🔍 The Great Multivitamin Debate: Miracle or Myth? Here's where opinions diverge. Some champion multivitamins as dietary gap-fillers, while skeptics argue they're just leading to fancy urine. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force steps in with a reality check – there's insufficient evidence to claim these supplements prevent cancer or heart disease. And while we're busting myths, let's talk alternatives: organic compounds like Shilajit might offer what multivitamins lack, but that's a story for another video (check it out if you haven't!). Navigating the Vitamin Verbiage: Hype vs. Health Beware of bold promises like enhanced brain health, boundless energy, or flawless skin.

These claims are often more about marketing than measurable benefits. If you're contemplating the multivitamin route, a chat with a registered dietitian could illuminate your actual needs versus what's just vitamin hype. 🧠✨ Your Turn: Vitamin Voyages and Tales Now, we want to hear from you! Have multivitamins been a game-changer in your wellness journey, or do you consider them unnecessary? Share your vitamin ventures in the comments below.

Stay tuned, as our next video will delve deeper into the benefits of multivitamins – are they truly beneficial, or is it all just a placebo effect? Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on this vital vitamin verdict. Until then, keep striving for your healthiest life, and goodbye for now! 🍏👋

[nickgerlich]

And Ye Shall Marvel

Show me an effective digital campaign, and I will show you one that has high levels of user engagement. It’s one thing to pull all the levers and be everywhere, but it is quite another when you invite people into the campaign to reach for a little more.

And that is exactly what Coca-Cola is doing with their new Marvel joint promotion. It brings two powerhouse brands together to coincide with the late-July release of yet another Marvel movie. The promo includes special cans and bottles bearing Marvel super hero images, along with scannable QR codes. Once scanned, users are whisked away to AR content to supplement and support the messaging provided on the packaging.

There’s somewhat conflicting information online about exactly how many characters will appear, and where they will appear. It looks like Coca-Cola Classic and Coke Zero will share center stage, although I did read one story implying there could be more. Also, the number of characters ranges from “more than 30” to as high as 38.

That’s a lot of opportunities for engagement!

It’s also a page from an old playbook in the beverage industry, minus the QR and AR aspects. Starting back in the 80s, beverage makers started releasing sets of cans to coincide with a cross-promotion of another brand, or to promote something for which the beverage company had an exclusive affiliation, like the Olympics. As a long-time collector of beverage industry memorabilia, I can attest to how intense things can get trying to find every one of the items in a set. Because an incomplete set is just that: Incomplete. No bueno.

The current promotion will be in more than 50 countries, and already eBay is filled with cans from across the globe. Collectors alone will probably ensure the success of the campaign, but once you factor in the casual consumer just scanning the can they happened to get at the local c-store, this has the potential to be massive in impact. Maybe.

The movie doesn’t come out for another 3 1/2 months, and already supermarket shelves are filled with the initial shipments of Classic and Zero. The cardboard 12-pack packaging reinforces the campaign, and stands out nicely on shelves. Visual appeal is high.

The campaign comes at an important time for Coca-Cola, as well as all soft drink manufacturers, because consumption is down. Per capita consumption peaked around 2000, with about 50 gallons apiece. It has dropped steadily ever since, and now sits at just under 43 gallons per person. Stir in the Ozempic craze, and it is possible that food and beverage makers selling less-than-healthy products may continue to see sales declines.

But that decline started long before silver bullet products like Ozempic were ever available, meaning that changes in consumer behavior have been ongoing. I honestly could not tell you the last time I actually sipped a soft drink, although I still buy—and drain—cans I need for my collection. Can the current promotion reverse this downward spiral? That’s a tough call, because the trend line is clear. Coca-Cola needs it. Oh, and Disney, who owns Marvel, could also use a big boost at the box office. Misery loves company perhaps?

There’s another interesting aspect at play here as well. Quick! Show me a product that used a QR code before COVID. I’ll wait. I might be waiting a while, though, because I bet you can’t think of one. But show me a product available today whose packaging doesn’t contain a QR code, and I bet you would be equally hard-pressed. They became ubiquitous during the pandemic, and marketers and consumers alike finally realized their value.

I use the word “finally” because QR codes have actually been in existence since 1994, although they did not get a bump until about 2010. It’s just that there were still too few people with smartphones then to be able to scan them, and they landed with a thud. Worse yet, you had to download a QR-reader app. At least phone manufacturers finally figured out they could build that into their native camera app, and they could be used in myriad applications.

I saw them in China in 2019 as a payment gateway in restaurants. How many of you have paid your tab with a QR code here in the States? It is starting to gain traction, and I love it, if only because I do not have to surrender my card to a total stranger, who disappears with it for five to ten minutes.

As for marketing engagement, they are the best we’ve got these days. Not too many years ago the best we could do was invite people to visit a website. That took too many steps, though. A scannable code makes it easy, and I suspect that both parties to this promo are going to be exclaiming “Marvelous” before it is all over. One can hope.

Dr “Who’s Your Super Hero?” Gerlich

Audio Blog

[another-dr-another]

ok go and follow otori..keep an eye out for any clues in the kitchen!! -iris

Maeda, narrating - How are we going to get the food to everyone anyways…

Maeda - We’d have to bring food to Tomori and Kobashikawa, and likely, to Tsurugi and Uehara as well…

Maeda - …Is Tsurugi going to feel up to eating?

Maeda - Oh, and we’d probably need to track down Taira… Maki and Hatano are nearby, but-

Maeda - …Honestly, I wonder who is feeling like breakfast…

Maeda - Maybe we should focus on breakfast foods we could take into the trial room?

Maeda - … That’s a bit too dismal to linger on.

~*~

Ōtori, muttering - Jesus…

//Ōtori  and Maeda are now in the kitchen, Maeda standing awkwardly by the door as Ōtori flits around the kitchen.

Maeda- …Sorry, Ōtori. 

Maeda - It’s not that I don’t trust you! I just think we should be sticking to having two people in areas that could have clues, at least for the first look at them.

Maeda - I didn’t see a reason for one person to be by themselves, not if we have the people available to accompany them.

Ōtori - It’s fine.

Maeda - Mm…

Maeda - …

//Ōtori is still muttering.

Maeda - …Plus, I really am happy to help with breakfast.

Maeda - So, really, there was no reason why I shouldn’t come with you, y’know? 

Maeda - Which, like, I’m sure you get that, I just-

Ōtori -  Maeda, I told you it’s fine.

Maeda - !

Maeda - Okay…

Ōtori - …

//Ōtori stills- before he goes back to looking around.

Ōtori - It’s fine, Maeda, really… I’m not upset with you.

Ōtori - If anything, I’m just- I mean, I don’t know-

Ōtori - Maybe I’m a bit messed up over everything that’s happened!...

Ōtori - I mean, ten minutes ago! I was trying to work out what I’d do for breakfast!

Ōtori - Now look at what’s happened- two people are dead, Hatano is-

Ōtori - …

//Ōtori stills once more, then turns, looking back at Maeda.

Ōtori - ….Maeda, she’s doing bad.

Ōtori

Ōtori - …God, and then finally, right when I’m really getting fucking worried- after there was a second BDA, mind you-

//Ōtori turns and continues to pull things from the shelves.

Ōtori - Maki comes stalking in, telling me that Higa’s dead, and Tsurugi’s lost his shit, so now he’s out of commission, which means Uehara is too,

Ōtori - And it’s just…

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - ……….

Ōtori - I can’t think of a singular breakfast food right now.

Ōtori - Maeda, I’m putting that on you to handle. What are we having?

Maeda - Uh-

Maeda - I don’t know, I don’t usually make anything for breakfast-

Maeda - Haven’t I told you that I get my food from your chain of stores?

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - …It’s predicted that oats are going to see major growth in the Japanese market between this year and next.

Ōtori - Lets- let’s be on-trend, let’s see if there’s instant oatmeal here…

Maeda - Sounds great…

Maeda - I’m just happy he has something to do that isn’t “try to manage Hatano”. Maybe thinking about his job will help him calm down-

Maeda - …No the fuck it will not, he is stuck in a killing game, and cannot do anything for his company.

Maeda - Very noted, I should not be pushing him towards that distraction.

Ōtori - …Okay-

Ōtori - …How many people are we even cooking for, now?

Maeda - Oh… uh-

Maeda - You and me, Maki and Hatano, then Tomori and Kobashikawa, and Taira, and Tsurugi and Uehara.

//Ōtori nods slightly.

Ōtori - …Do you think Hatano will eat? Or Tsurugi?

Maeda - Uh… I’d be more worried about Hatano than Tsurugi-

Maeda - We should just make enough bowls for everyone- that’s what, nine bowls?

Ōtori - Mhm… four duos-

Ōtori - Where’s Taira?

Maeda - I… do not know.

Ōtori - Mmm…

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - So Taira can run off to God knows where, but-

Maeda - Is this what you were looking for?

//Maeda had taken to going through cupboards, and found a container of quick oats. 

Ōtori - Ah… yeah, those should work- thanks.

Ōtori - Maeda, do you think you could measure out- 

//He murmurs under his breath for a moment.

Ōtori - Five cups of oats?

Maeda - Mhm… 

Maeda - …Can I just toss them in a bowl, or…

Ōtori - Sure, Maeda, that’ll work. As long as it’s big enough for you to measure out the five cups, it’ll work.

Maeda - …Oh, I need to ask Ōtori if he knows where the mixing bowls are…

//Maeda turns- then watches Ōtori as he grabs… what seems to be a full pot of coffee, and brings it towards the sink.

Maeda - I didn’t realize you’d already made coffee, Ōtori.

Ōtori - …Oh.

//Ōtori stills- as he stops, a bit of coffee falls to the floor.

Maeda - !

Maeda - Yesterday, when Taira and I were doing dishes, I think I saw some dishrags in one of the drawers…

Ōtori - Oh, you need a bowl, huh-

//Ōtori sets the pot of coffee down on the countertop, then sets to work.

Ōtori - Lemme grab one for you, they should be just over here.

Maeda - Mmm…

Maeda - …

Maeda - …Wait-

Maeda - Did you make the coffee earlier? Before Maki showed up?

Ōtori - Uh… no- I actually didn’t make this, like… at all.

Ōtori - It must be from yesterday- it’s cold to the touch.

//Maeda walks by Ōtori, and grabs a rag from the drawer.

Maeda - …That’s odd.

Ōtori - Mhm… 

Ōtori - What are you doing, anyways?

Maeda - Oh- 

Maeda - A bit of the coffee spilled earlier, I’m just wiping it up real quick.

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - Got it. Good eye.

//Ōtori continues his search for a bowl, as Maeda makes quick work of cleaning up the coffee.

Maeda - Did I get it all?

Maeda - Uh… no, there’s a bit left… let me use a clean part of the rag, so I don’t just spread it around.

//Maeda flips the dirty part of the rag away, letting it rest on the back of his hand while he cleans up the last bits of the coffee.

Maeda - There!

Ōtori - Great- think you can come get the oats, now?

Maeda - Yeah, just lemme put this by the door so we don’t forget it…

//Maeda walks towards the door, and sets the rag down on the countertop.

Maeda - …

//He rubs gently at the back of his hand… 

Maeda - …It feels… weird-

//Maeda moves towards Ōtori, while starting to rub at his hand more aggressively.

Ōtori - Great- it’ll take a second to get fresh coffee brewing, so if it isn’t done by the time you’re done with the oats, do you think you could get started on cooking a batch, if I walk you through it?

//Ōtori is waiting for the pot of coffee to finish draining out.

Maeda - Sure, sounds fine-

Ōtori - …?

Maeda - …

Maeda - One second, my hand is bothering me.

Ōtori - Hm?

//Maeda lifts his hand up-

Maeda - Gh- Fuck!

//The back of his hand is already covered in pink splotches.

Maeda - What the hell!

Ōtori - Maeda? What’s going on- 

Ōtori - …Come here, let me see.

Maeda - I-

//Maeda goes to the sink, and turns on the water. He tries to stick his hand under the water, but Ōtori grabs his wrist, and tugs at it, inspecting Maeda’s hand.

Maeda - It burns!

Ōtori - …Jesus-

Ōtori - I- 

Ōtori - My room has a bunch of random shit- I’ll be right back, I’m gonna find something to help, okay?

//Maeda just hisses, and finally, as Ōtori lets go, gets his hand under the cold water.

Maeda - Oh my Goddd…

Ōtori - Just- hold on.

//Ōtori runs out of the kitchen.

Maeda - Hhh… I can’t tell if it’s getting wor-

Maki, muffled - Ōtori?!

Ōtori, muffled - Be right back!

Maki, muffled - What’s going on- Ōtori!

Maeda - …

//Maeda wants to laugh at the thought of Ōtori sprinting past Maki, just minutes after they finished arguing about Ōtori being alone in the kitchen- but the pain is too immense.

Maeda - Aagh… 

Maeda - I mean seriously, what the hell!

Maeda - I didn’t use any chemicals to clean, only the rag… and it was dry, so I wouldn’t think there’d be anything on it.

Maeda - …Was it the coffee itself? Or maybe there was something residual on the rag that reacted with it?

Maeda - Hm- Aaaah…

//Maeda turns his hand a bit, trying to get the water to actually do anything to help.

Maeda - …

Maeda - If Ōtori doesn’t show up in the next two seconds, I’m just gonna get a grater and take the skin off my fucking hand, 

Maeda - I seriously can’t cope with this, I swear to God I am going to do it-

Ōtori - Maeda!

Maeda, weakly - Help…

Ōtori - Jesus-

Ōtori - Okay, just- stay there.

//Ōtori rushes over to Maeda, grabbing a dry cloth from the drawer as he goes. He flicks at the rag, getting it to sprawl open, while his other hand tosses a small jar onto the counter. Once the latter hand is free, it reaches for Maeda’s, grabbing at his fingers, and pulling it closer once again. Immediately, the cloth is thrown over the back of Maeda’s hand,

Maeda - Kh-!

//With Ōtori ignoring Maeda’s protests, and pushing down at it.

Ōtori - …

//Ōtori unscrews the jar, as Maeda begins to tap his foot, then bounce his leg, doing anything he can to distract himself from the pain, and the signals his brain is getting, yelling at him to take the irritant off his hand.

Maeda - Shit, shit shit shitshitshit-

Ōtori - Just a second, wait just a second…

//Ōtori reaches into the jar, using two fingers to scoop out what seems to be a salve. His free hand holds Maeda’s wrist, keeping his hand in place as the other begins coating the rag with the salve. Once it’s spread out, a consistent layer covering an area approximately equal to that of Maeda’s hand, Ōtori grabs one of the ends of the rag, and uses it to flip the rag over.

Maeda - Ah-!

//On impact, Maeda yelps, expecting it to hurt… but instantly, the pain in his hand starts to soothe away.

Maeda - …

Maeda - Oh…

Ōtori - See? It’s fine, you’re okay.

Ōtori - Stay still, lemme fix it.

//Maeda does as he’s told- wincing a bit as the rag is slid around, the sensation uncomfortable- but Ōtori works fast. Quickly, the rag is adjusted so Ōtori can tie two of it’s ends together, forming a knot at the palm of Maeda’s hand.

Ōtori - If you’re worried it’s going to fall, or slide off, you can use this end, and your fingers, to pinch it in place, yeah?

//Ōtori takes the corner he was gesturing at, and rests it along Maeda’s knuckles.

Ōtori - Better?

Maeda - Way better.

Maeda - …What is that?

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - Okay. If I say that it’s a product we technically don’t sell because it’s currently not legal-

Maeda - Ōtori.

Ōtori - Then I would be misleading you! Yeah, we don’t sell it, but it’s perfectly safe, it’s just that patenting takes forever. It’s passed all the safety trials, it’s just not available for consumer purchase.

Maeda - …

Ōtori - Seriously, I wouldn’t be using this if I was concerned.

Ōtori - It looks like you came into contact with some sort of chemical, and got burned-

Ōtori - We could’ve sat here and have you rinse your hand off periodically for the next half hour,

Ōtori - Or, we can use this. It’s meant to pull the chemical from the affected area, working to both… neutralize it- doing the same thing as water, but quicker,

Ōtori - And, it starts to heal the wound- in part, by protecting it from further damage.

Ōtori - The salve will act to stop any more damage, and- like aloe on a burn, it’ll start to soothe what damage has occurred.

Ōtori - I’ll cook the oats, you can hang out, and let me know if it hurts,

Ōtori - Then, when I’m done, we’ll rinse off the salve that’s been applied, put a light layer on your actual skin, and once that’s absorbed, we can bandage it, to keep it safe while it heals.

Ōtori - Okay?

Maeda - …Alright.

Maeda - What did I even get into, anyways?

Ōtori - Hm…

Ōtori - Maybe it was something on the cloth, like, it didn’t get cleaned properly?

//Maeda looks at the rag he was using, abandoned on the floor.

Maeda - I don’t know… wouldn’t the tips of my fingers be burned, then?

Ōtori - It’s possible the skin on the back of your hand was just more sensitive, Maeda.

Ōtori - Like… your fingertips interact with more things, right? And the back of your hand has less padding, it’s closer to veins and bones.

Ōtori - Whatever you came into contact with, it’s likely that your fingers didn’t get exposed enough to be injured.

Maeda - …Hm.

//Ōtori starts to prepare breakfast, while Maeda stares at the rag over his hand.

Maeda - …

Maeda - Hey, Ōtori?

Ōtori - Yes?

Maeda - Do you think this could’ve been what killed Iranami?

Ōtori - …Huh?

Maeda - I haven’t looked at the Monofile yet, so maybe I’m way off- but couldn’t that make sense?

Maeda - Like, if Iranami was exposed to a high quantity of something that burned her?

Ōtori - I don’t know… I didn’t see any external injuries on Iranami-

Ōtori - And I can’t think of any chemical that would cause bleeding from the eyes.

Maeda - …She was bleeding from her eyes?

Ōtori - I mean, it seemed like it; there was blood pooled around her head, and it has to have come from somewhere, right?

Maeda - Could she have had a head injury? On the side of her head that was against the table?

Ōtori - That’s true… but, I thought I saw blood on her face.

Maeda - Huh.

Maeda - I didn’t really get a good look at her before I left earlier… I guess we’ll have to see where the blood came from later.

Ōtori - Mhm…

Maeda - …

Maeda - Still, I’m going to make note of the fucking- of the whatever that burned me. People will see the rag and ask, and it’s best to note down what happened while it’s still fresh in my mind.

Maeda - Plus, if someone else was in this situation, and I found out what they’d experienced, I’d be pissed if they didn’t mention it.

Ōtori - Mmm…

//Ōtori continues to cook as Maeda logs information about what happened.

Maeda - It’s weird…

Maeda - Maybe I got into something earlier? And this is just a delayed reaction?...

Maeda - …Yeah, that’s stupid. Too much of a coincidence.

Maeda - But still, what the hell!?

Maeda - …We should do something about the rag I used.

Ōtori - Oh, right…

Ōtori - Think you could grab some spare cloths, and use those to pick up the one you were using?

Maeda - Mhm.

//Maeda carefully pinches the rag using a new, clean rag, then uses a second one to completely cover the dirty rag. Ōtori continues to cook.

Maeda - …Also, do we have another coffee pot? I don’t think we should be using the old one.

Ōtori - …I completely forgot about the coffee-

Ōtori - If you’re worried, you can run it under hot water, that’ll kill anything on it.

Maeda - …

Maeda - Are you sure? I mean, we don’t even know what burned me, or when; I think we should be a bit more careful-

Maeda - Unless we’re going to be using the coffee pot to make Kool-Aid for everyone… 

Ōtori - …

Maeda - Y’know?

Ōtori - …Oh, yeah, I get it.

Ōtori - I haven’t seen a spare coffee pot anywhere, but it’s fine. We’ve got other options for caffeine.

Maeda - …A drawer of nothing but dishcloths, but there’s only one coffee pot?

Ōtori - If I hear the words “coffee pot” one more time, that Kool-Aid joke is going to become real.

Ōtori - But, anyways- you’re welcome to look for another one, if you want.

Maeda - Hm…

//Maeda spends some time searching, lacking anything else to do as Ōtori cooks- but he’s unsuccessful. He does, however, find a pack of bottled cold brew.

Maeda - …Want a coffee?

Ōtori - …Ew, no.

Ōtori - Sorry- those just taste metallic to me.

Maeda - ‘S fine…

//Maeda sits on the floor, and drinks his coffee. Ōtori is still cooking a class’s worth of oatmeal.

Maeda - …

Maeda - I… completely forgot about my hand. It really doesn’t hurt anymore…

Maeda - Well- that, or, Ōtori’s fucked up medicine slurry has burned my hand away to the bone, and killed all my nerves.

Maeda - …

//Maeda gently lifts one edge of the rag tied around his hand, checking the state of his hand underneath.

Maeda - …Can’t see shit, but it looks like it’s still there, at least.

Ōtori - …I’m almost done- once I’m finished, we can reapply the salve.

Maeda - Oh!

Maeda - Alright- Thanks, Ōtori.

Ōtori - Mhm…

//Time passes.

Ōtori - Alright- go ahead and take the cloth off, yeah? 

Maeda - ‘Kay…

//Maeda’s a bit hesitant, but still, he slowly unties the knots holding the rag in place.

Maeda - …Oh!

//His hand is fine- still tinted a bit pink, yes- but everything is all there, without so much as a blister to be seen.

Ōtori - How does it look?

Maeda - Ah- Fine!

Maeda - It looks great, I mean.

//Ōtori hums.

Ōtori - That’s good, then…

Ōtori - Give me a second to finish up these last bowls, then I’ll put more of the salve on-

Ōtori - Go ahead and wash off your hand, alright?

//Maeda nods before quickly standing, and going to the sink.

Maeda - …You already finished everything else for breakfast?

Ōtori - Making ten servings, one minute per serving, but I’m cooking two at once, so that halves the time it takes.

//Maeda hums, and starts to wash off his hand.

Maeda - …Oh, the coffee pot is still on the counter…

Maeda - I guess it’s fine to leave it there- no one will be able to get in without Ōtori seeing, and he’ll warn them not to use it.

//Maeda finishes rinsing off his hand, and uses the time before Ōtori finishes cooking to further inspect it. The edges of his hand seem fine, but the majority of the back of his hand is pink. He squints at it, and thinks he could see a few darker splotches he recalls seeing earlier… but can’t tell if he’s only seeing them because he thinks he should be.

Maeda - It really doesn’t hurt at all…

//Maeda pokes at his hand.

Maeda - !

Maeda - Definitely sensitive though.

Ōtori - …Do you take anything on your oatmeal, Maeda? Plain oatmeal is a bit boring…

Maeda - …Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever had oatmeal before.

Ōtori - Makes sense- it really isn’t popular here.

Ōtori - …I should ask everyone what they want…

Ōtori - We should’ve done that before hand, so we could evaluate who’s up to eating.

Maeda - …

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - Well. No changing what’s been done.

Maeda - Hindsight is 20/20…-

Maeda - Do you think we’ll celebrate New Years here?

Ōtori - At the rate we’re going, I’d be surprised if we made it to October with anyone still alive.

Maeda - …

Ōtori - …Sorry.

Ōtori - Let’s…

Ōtori - …Let’s let the food cool down… I’ll go ask everyone what they’d like in their bowl, then I’ll pass things out…

Maeda - …

Maeda - My hand?

Ōtori - Oh!

Ōtori - Right- yeah, that’s right. Lemme help you.

//Ōtori comes over to the sink, and starts to re-dress Maeda’s hand.

Maeda - …

Maeda - Y’know, it’s just applying salve.

Maeda - I probably could have done this myself!

Maeda - But, it’s kind of Ōtori to take care of it for me…

Maeda - And I wouldn’t have known how much to use, so…

Ōtori - There.

Ōtori - And you said your hand was feeling fine?

Maeda - Mhm… it’s a bit sensitive, but it isn’t burning anymore.

Ōtori - Good…

Ōtori - You’ll likely see some light blistering after the salve is completely absorbed- 

Ōtori - Just the natural response to your body trying to fight off any infection, and grow back the light bit of skin that got taken off.

Ōtori - But… we can check on it again after the trial, and see what should get done.

Maeda - Okay-

Maeda - Should I take the bottle though, for now? In case Monokuma gets rid of it while cleaning?

Ōtori - Ah- yeah, that’s probably a good idea.

//Maeda screws the lid back onto the container, and pockets it.

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - Why the hell did I choose to make oatmeal…

Ōtori - Whatever.

Ōtori - I’m going to go start asking everyone what they want- stay and guard with Maki, yeah?

Maeda - Okay-

//Ōtori nods, and immediately leaves the kitchen.

Maeda - …

~*~

Maeda - I hope my hand heals up alright.

Maeda - …God, I hope that ointment is seriously okay to use.

Maeda - Wait-

Maeda - Should I be going with Ōtori to ask everyone what they want?

Maeda - If nothing else, it’d be less for him to memorize.

Maeda - Either way I should- probably be following him.

{Go to the Dining Hall}

~*~

New Truth Bullet: Maeda’s Burns

[beardedmrbean]

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s new president announced an agriculture plan Tuesday that could make the country’s food production and distribution look a lot more like it did in the 1980s, when meals in Mexico were dominated by tortillas, beans, instant coffee and cheap hot chocolate.

Four decades ago, the ingredients for those meals were often bought at government stores that stocked a few basic goods.

President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged Tuesday to revive those often shabby, limited government stores and continue efforts to achieve “food sovereignty.”

“It is about producing what we eat,” Sheinbaum said of her policy, whose main focus will be on increasing bean and corn production.

Sheinbaum appears to have a deep interest in boosting beans. On Monday, she said, “It is much better to eat a bean taco than a bag of potato chips."

Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué said the focus would be on guaranteeing prices for farmers who grow corn used for tortillas and lowering tortilla prices by 10% after prices jumped a couple of years ago.

The government aims to boost bean production by about 30% in six years to replace imports of beans, and will set up research centers to supply higher-yielding bean seeds.

“Self-sufficiency in beans is a goal the president has set for us,” Berdegué said.

The government will also focus on supporting coffee production, but mainly for instant coffee, which it claims is used by 84% of Mexican households. The plan will also seek to support cocoa production, but mainly for powdered baking and hot chocolate, not fine chocolate bars.

The policies appear to run counter to market trends and what Mexican food sales look like today, when consumption of most of the old basics has fallen.

Most Mexicans today shop at modern grocery stores, and consumption of fresh ground coffee, not instant, has increased enormously, accompanied by a boom in specialized coffee chains and shops.

Meanwhile, bean consumption has been dropping precipitously for decades in Mexico. According to the government's “2024 Agricultural Panorama” report, Mexicans consume only about 17 pounds (7.7 kilograms) of beans annually. That's less than half of the 35.2 pounds (16 kilograms) consumed per year in 1980.

A combination of factors, including the time it takes to cook dried beans, may be behind this. Amanda Gálvez, a researcher at Mexico's National Autonomous University, wrote that “we look down at beans because it is considered ‘the food of the poor,’ and we are making a serious mistake,” because beans are a good source of protein.

However, the health benefits aren't clear: The most common bean recipe in Mexico — refried beans — often contains a considerable dose of lard.

Tortilla consumption has also fallen from nearly 220 pounds (100 kilograms) per capita annually in 2000 to about 165 pounds (75 kilograms) in 2024. Consumers have increasingly taken to buying bread and other bakery products instead of tortillas.

Apart from the challenge of trying to change consumer habits, the policy also runs counter to market trends. While some countries are trying to encourage high-value varietal and specialized chocolate strains, Mexico is focusing on the cheapest products.

While chocolate was first exported to the rest of the world from Mexico, Mexico's own production has fallen dramatically because of plant diseases and a lack of investment. It dropped from almost 50,000 tons in 2003 to about 28,000 tons in 2022.

And while most Mexican homes may have a jar of instant coffee in their cupboards, that's not where the tendency — or consumer spending — is headed. According to a Technavio industry report, instant products accounted for only about 37% of the sales value of coffee in Mexico.

Sheinbaum's focus on self-sufficiency in oil, energy and foodstuffs is a holdover from her predecessor and political mentor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who left office on Sept. 30.

López Obrador also appears to have passed on his nostalgia for a 1970s-style Mexico — including passenger rail service, state-owned industries, tight-knit families and small corner stores — to Sheinbaum.

The agriculture plan comes one day after Sheinbaum announced a complete “junk food” ban on salty, fried, processed snacks or sweetened beverages and soft drinks in schools, starting within six months.

But the government's track record in actually changing consumer behavior is poor, columnist Javier Tejado wrote Tuesday in the newspaper El Universal. He reminded readers that the government banned junk food advertisements aimed at children in 2014.

“The result after ten years of prohibitions?” Tejado wrote. “Things are worse than when they started in 2014; Mexicans have decided to keep consuming things they like.”

[fitnessthought]

Is Sourdough Bread Good for Weight Loss? - A Healthier Choice

Sourdough bread, a staple in many cultures for centuries, has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. But beyond its unique taste and texture, there’s growing interest in its potential health benefits, particularly regarding weight loss. This report delves into the making of sourdough, its health and fermentation benefits, nutritional profile, and expert opinions to answer the question: Is sourdough bread good for weight loss?

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Making of Sourdough

Sourdough’s simplicity is one of its key attractions. Traditionally, it’s made from just three ingredients: flour, water, and salt. This simplicity is a stark contrast to many commercially produced breads that contain a plethora of additives. The slow fermentation process of sourdough, where natural yeasts and bacteria interact with the dough, is what sets it apart. This process not only imparts a distinct tangy flavor but also influences the bread’s health properties.

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Sourdough Health Benefits

Sourdough’s health benefits are closely tied to its fermentation process. Priya Tew, an award-winning dietitian, explains, “Genuine sourdough bread can be more easily digested and can be lower in glycemic index than some shop-bought bread.” This lower glycemic index means sourdough doesn’t spike blood sugar levels as sharply as other breads, which is a crucial factor in weight management.

Gut Health: The fermentation process increases prebiotic and probiotic-like properties, which can improve gut health. Sourdough made with whole grains offers additional fiber, enhancing these gut-friendly benefits.

Digestion: Sourdough might improve the digestion of gluten due to changes in wheat enzymes during fermentation. While not suitable for people with celiac disease, those sensitive to gluten might find sourdough easier to digest.

Healthy Aging: Sourdough, a staple in the Mediterranean diet, is linked to healthy aging. It has antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, and FODMAP-reducing qualities.

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Sourdough Fermentation Benefits:

The fermentation process in sourdough bread leads to an increase in prebiotic and probiotic-like properties, which are beneficial for gut health. A 2021 review in the journal Microorganisms highlights this, noting that these properties help improve gut health. Additionally, the fermentation process enhances the bioavailability of nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and iron, making them more accessible to the body.

Nutritional Profile:

A slice of sourdough bread typically contains about 84 calories, 16 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 3 grams of protein, and 1 gram of total fat. Laura Tilt, a registered dietitian, points out, “White sourdough is a source of carbohydrates, calcium, iron, vitamin B1, and B3, forming part of a healthy diet.” However, she advises opting for wholewheat varieties for higher fiber content.

Facts about Sourdough Bread

Historical Popularity Surge: Sourdough’s recent popularity isn’t just a modern trend. Its global market value skyrocketed from $298.7 million to a staggering $2.4 billion in 2018. This surge reflects a growing awareness and appreciation of sourdough’s unique qualities and health benefits.

Enhanced Taste with Health Benefits: The fermentation process in sourdough not only contributes to its health benefits but also enhances its taste. Priya Tew notes that fermentation produces amino acids that add extra flavor, despite a decreased salt content in the bread. This means you get a tasty bread that’s also good for you.

B12 Enrichment: The fermentation of plant-based foods like sourdough can lead to the enrichment of vitamin B12. This is particularly noteworthy since B12 is typically associated with animal-based foods, making sourdough a valuable addition to vegetarian diets.

Impact on Blood Sugar Levels: Sourdough bread’s fermentation process results in a lower glycemic index compared to regular bread. This means it has a less dramatic impact on blood sugar levels, making it a smarter choice for those managing diabetes or looking to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.

Variety in Sourdough Types: The diversity of sourdough bread is vast. From traditional white sourdough to wholewheat and rye varieties, each type offers different nutritional benefits. For instance, rye sourdough is known for its higher fiber content, while traditional white sourdough is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.

Expert Opinion of Sourdough Bread on Weight Loss:

Experts agree that sourdough can be part of a weight loss diet. Tilt reminds us, “All foods can be part of a weight loss diet; it’s about balance and portion size.” She suggests pairing sourdough with nutrient-dense foods like eggs or nut butter for a balanced meal. The high fiber content in sourdough, especially in wholegrain varieties, is linked to feeling full for longer, which is beneficial for weight management.

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FAQs around Is Sourdough Bread Good for Weight Loss?

Can sourdough bread help in weight loss?

Yes, sourdough bread can be part of a weight-loss diet. Its high fiber content, especially in wholegrain varieties, helps you feel full longer, which can aid in managing calorie intake.

Is sourdough bread lower in calories than regular bread?

Sourdough bread’s calorie content is comparable to many other types of bread. However, its nutritional composition, particularly its lower glycemic index, makes it a healthier choice that can fit into a weight loss diet.

Does sourdough bread cause blood sugar spikes?

Sourdough bread has a lower glycemic index compared to many other breads, meaning it causes a slower and less dramatic rise in blood sugar levels. This makes it a suitable option for those managing blood sugar levels.

Can I eat sourdough bread every day if I’m trying to lose weight?

Yes, you can include sourdough bread in your daily diet while trying to lose weight. Remember, balance and portion control are key. Pairing it with nutrient-dense foods can make your meals more satisfying and nutritionally balanced.

Is sourdough bread better than whole wheat bread for weight loss?

Sourdough and whole wheat breads each have their benefits. Sourdough’s fermentation process can make it easier to digest and lower in glycemic index, while whole wheat bread is typically higher in fiber. Your choice may depend on personal dietary needs and preferences.

Does the type of flour used in sourdough affect weight loss?

Yes, the type of flour affects the nutritional content of sourdough bread. Wholegrain flours are higher in fiber and nutrients compared to refined flours, making them a better choice for weight loss.

Is sourdough bread gluten-free?

No, traditional sourdough bread is not gluten-free as it is made from wheat flour. However, the fermentation process can break down some of the gluten, making it easier to digest for those with mild gluten sensitivities, but it is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease.

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Sourdough bread, with its unique fermentation process and nutritional profile, offers several health benefits that can support weight loss goals. Its lower glycemic index, coupled with a higher fiber content, especially in wholegrain varieties, makes it a healthier choice compared to many other breads. While sourdough alone isn’t a magic bullet for weight loss, it can be a valuable part of a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. Variety and moderation are key to a healthy diet and effective weight management.