Cutting back on dining out: 38% of Brits eat out less than they did a year ago, a YouGov survey has found. High prices are the biggest reason. [Source: The Guardian]
Regular treating remains: Despite concerns about the cost of living, 43% of consumers are still treating themselves regularly. However, they are finding ways to do it on a budget, for example by making home-made treats. [Source: Barclays]
Rise of ultra-premium: In the wake of launches including Charlie Bigham’s Brasserie range and Tesco’s Finest Chef’s Collection, The Grocer flags ultra-premium ready meals as a booming category. [Source: The Grocer]
Cholesterol-lowering foods: The Portfolio Diet, originally developed in 2002, remains one of the most effective ways to lower cholesterol without statins, an article in The Economist suggests. The diet focuses on adding plant protein as well as nuts and seeds, among others. [Source: The Economist]
Brits getting more adventurous with their meals: 65% of shoppers are experimenting with their cooking, says NIQ, which is contributing to growing interest in world foods. NIQ is also seeing strong interest in scratch-cooking more generally, focused on healthier meals and cost saving. [Source: The Grocer]
…and with their seafood: Aldi says sales of basa are up 50% year on year, with mackerel and yellowfin tuna also seeing increased demand. [Source: Food Manufacture]
Cocoa-related shrinkflation on the rise: A new report from Which? suggests chocolate products have been hit especially hard by shrinkflation, largely due to high cocoa prices. In some cases, products can no longer claim to contain chocolate because their cocoa content has been slashed so much. [Source: Which?]
Sainsbury’s shines a light on food poverty: Sainsbury’s is launching a video podcast series hosted by Hairy Biker Si King to raise awareness of food poverty in the UK. ‘A Recipe For…’ is produced in partnership with Comic Relief. [Source: Grocery Gazette]
Attractive food smells: The foods we eat could affect how attractive we appear to others, emerging research suggests. Garlic, for example, looks to make people’s armpits smell better. [Source: BBC Future]
A pineapple that tastes like pina colada: Fresh produce company Dole has bred a new type of pineapple that reportedly tastes like the iconic cocktail. The Colada Royale took 15 years to develop. [Source: Food Manufacturing]
