NPM under review
The UK government has indicated it plans to review the nutrient profiling model that is currently used to determine whether food and drink is more or less healthy. Such a review, trailed as part of its new 10-year health plan, is likely to spark intense debate about how ‘healthy’ should be defined. [Source: The Grocer]
UPF confusion
Just 12% of Brits feel very confident they could identify ultra-processed foods based on packaging, a new survey has found. 61% say defining what is and isn’t UPF is more confusing than doing their taxes. [Source: Daily Mail]
Focus on weight loss
37% of UK consumers say losing weight is a top health priority for them, according to research from Levercliff. A further 33% say maintaining a healthy weight is key for them. [Source: Food Manufacture]
Return of the public diner
The UK government is trialling two state-subsidised restaurants as part of efforts to tackle food inequality and poverty. The trial, in Dundee and Nottingham, will commence in 2026. [Source: Foodservice Footprint]
Rise of luxury fruit
Super-premium fruit, often imported from Japan, is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, specialist retailers report. Greater health consciousness is thought to be a factor. The trend is already well established in the US. [Source: The Times]
New snack trends
Emerging trends seen at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York include savoury versions of breakfast foods such as porridge as well as use of cupuaçu as an alternative to cocoa in confectionery. [Source: Bon Appetit]
Question marks over regenerative
An analysis of 20 global food companies by US non-profit As You Sow suggests many are making claims about regenerative practices but have little data or substantive evidence to support them. [Source: Sustainable Views]
A restaurant run by AI
A new restaurant in Dubai called WooHoo will open in September and be run largely by AI, including for customer service and menu creation. The food itself will be assembled by humans for the time being. [Source: The Independent]
Sandwich boom at Waitrose
The retailer says searches on its website for ‘sandwiches’ and ‘sandwich fillings’ are up a respective 110% and 98% year on year. Consumers are experimenting with new sandwich formats and an emerging trend is dinner foods being ‘sandwiched’, Waitrose says. [Source: The Grocer]
And a viral sando at M&S
Marks & Spencer’s limited-edition strawberries and creme sandwich, inspired by Japanese fruit sandos, has taken social media by storm. It has attracted hundreds of thousands of view and reviews on TikTok and temporarily become the retailer’s best-selling sandwich, selling more than 100,000 since launch. [Source: M&S Instagram]
