A thirst for functional health: 24% of Brits say they look for functional benefits like added vitamins, minerals or fibre when deciding what to drink, up from 13% in 2024, according to data from Field Agent. [Source: The Grocer]
Focus on wellbeing: 51% of UK consumers say they are focusing more on wellbeing this year than in previous years, according to research by Barclays. 49% have bought high-fibre foods and snacks in the past 12 months. [Source: Consumer Spending Report]
Enjoying your food: Mindset around food – including how much we enjoy what we eat – can have a big impact on appetite and our ability to lose weight, experts say. What’s more, labelling healthy foods to emphasise taste and enjoyment can make them more desirable. [Source: BBC Future]
Rise of the luxury breakfast: London restaurants are giving the first meal of the day a high-end makeover in the form of breakfast tasting menus and buttermilk waffles courtesy of Michelin-starred chefs. [Source: The Times]
Sniffing out food waste: An ‘artificial nose’ developed by researchers at Newcastle University could help slash food waste. Waste-Not! is a sensor that can be put in fridges to detect if perishables are on the turn. After completing pilot projects, it’s now moving to larger-scale trials. [Source: NCL]
Global ube craze: Purple sweet potatoes from the Philippines have become a global sensation thanks to their vibrant colour and sweety, nutty flavour. But growing demand is starting to put a strain on supplies. [Source: CNBC]
Record whey prices: The protein boom has caused whey powder prices to rise in Europe. Market analysts DCA Market Intelligence say whey is no longer just a by-product but a strategically important ingredient for the food industry. [Source: Agriland]
End of the house wine? Soaring costs could force restauranteurs to take more affordable wines off the menu, The Telegraph reports. It says the cost of an average glass of wine is already up 37.6% in the past six years. [Source: The Telegraph]
Stolen chips taste better: A research experiment investigating whether “moral transgression might enhance gustatory pleasure” has shown that stolen food does indeed taste better. “The more daring the pilfering felt, the more enjoyable the fries were reported to be.” [Source: The Times]
Eggs, cracked: Eggs are getting the spotlight they deserve, with experts highlighting their role as “nature’s multivitamins” thanks to nutrients including choline, omega-3s, lutein, vitamin D and protein. A recent study also linked eating eggs five times a week with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s, though experts note they’re best viewed as part of a balanced diet rather than a standalone solution. [Source: The Times]
