Convenience drives the modern food industry, with new products constantly emerging to make cooking faster, easier, and more cost-effective. Products like tinned soup, powdered stock, instant sauces, and meaty marinades are grocery store staples that consumers enjoy without a second thought. Where do these foods get their hearty flavor from? The answer lies in thiazoles. […]
People have been using plants to make perfume for centuries. Today, these ingredients are known as essential oils, which are 100% natural and plant-based. They are essentially liquified leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. High-quality essential oils contain the same plant compounds as the plants themselves, lending them to medicinal use. Isolates, conversely, are more […]
Cocktail culture has exploded in recent years, sparking an entirely new type of tourism. Although the idea behind blended drinks is relatively simple, its presentation is anything but plain. The most theatrical parts of these sugary, colorful concoctions are often the bright, aromatic ingredients that garnish them. Today, we explore the world of over-the-top cocktail […]
Chocolate is one of the Western world’s favorite sweet treats. The delicious cocoa-based candy comes part and parcel with birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and celebrations of all kinds. However, the demand for chocolate slowed for the first time during the pandemic when many consumers actively avoided unhealthy luxuries. Although the chocolate market has since recovered, […]
Winter brings low temperatures and an increased chance of seasonal viruses such as colds, flu, the latest strain of Covid-19, and other flu-like infections. According to WebMD, high levels of these and similar infections are being reported1. These ailments mean resting and self-care using over-the-counter (OTC) remedies or a trip to the doctor for […]
Americans love desserts! From a fruit salad to a tiramisu, we always have space for our favorite sweet treat after a meal. Among America’s top dessert choices are pie, cobblers and crumbles, cheesecake, banana, cupcakes and cakes, ice cream, S’mores, lemon squares, and cookies. Moreover, even with heightened awareness of the health risks associated […]
Our beef is typically wet-aged, where steaks are sealed in a bag to retain moisture. Another method of maintaining freshness is dry aging. In this more time-consuming process, beef cuts are aged for several weeks or months, allowing moisture to evaporate and causing the meat’s natural enzymes to break down connective tissue. Both approaches allow […]
Salt is essential for life and an indelible part of our lives. Saltiness is one of our six basic tastes, and the mineral features in many of our favorite dishes and snacks. Naturally found in seawater and rock crystals, from where it is evaporated and mined, the humble sodium chloride compound has played a significant […]
Interest in supporting vitality and extending longevity through nutrition is growing. The trend reflects a broader and expanding focus on well-being, including healthier, more natural ingredients and cleaner labels. Studies validating the essential role a well-balanced diet plays in promoting health highlight the need for the following: Nutrient-rich foods: Nutrient-dense vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, […]
In October 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the California Food Safety Act (AB 418). The act, which comes into effect in 2027, makes California the first state to prohibit manufacturing, selling, or distributing foodstuffs containing Red Dye No. 3, propylparaben, brominated vegetable oil, and potassium bromate. Sounds good. However, what are these dyes and […]
