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Food companies are implementing strategies to address consumer dissatisfaction with high prices while still maintaining profits. Restaurant chains are offering deals and discounts to entice customers back, while food manufacturers are introducing new products and rolling out more discounts. Despite the high prices, food companies have seen significant profit growth in recent years. However, many consumers and politicians are critical of these profits and believe that companies are overcharging. Food executives argue that they need to maintain profit margins to fund new products and cover rising expenses. [Extracted from the article]

Scientists at Harvard University's Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering have developed a new technology that could make sugar healthier. They have created an enzyme that can be added to food, reducing the amount of sugar absorbed into the bloodstream and converting it into fiber. The goal is to reduce the harmful effects of sugar without eliminating it completely. Other companies are also working on similar methods, such as a drink mix containing microscopic sponges that soak up sugar in the stomach. However, these technologies are still in the early stages and face challenges such as cost and regulatory approval. [Extracted from the article]

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering requiring food manufacturers to put new labels on the front of packages in an effort to improve American eating habits. These labels would flag certain health risks, such as high levels of salt, sugar, or saturated fat. The food industry is pushing back, claiming that there isn't enough evidence that labels can significantly change consumer behavior. However, research has shown that front-of-package nutrition labels in countries like Chile and Mexico have led to changes in consumer choices and even prompted food manufacturers to make their products healthier. [Extracted from the article]

The Wall Street Journal reports that the cost of groceries has risen significantly in the past five years, with a 36.5% increase in the price of commonly purchased items. Some items, like eggs and sport drinks, have seen increases of over 40%. Food companies have raised prices to compensate for rising costs in ingredients, transportation, and labor. Lawmakers and the Biden administration have criticized these companies for tactics like shrinkflation. In response, consumers are finding ways to minimize their grocery bills. The article also discusses the relationship between inflation and the economy, highlighting a recent inflation report that has led to questions about the need for a rate cut by the Federal Reserve in June. The article mentions the positive impact of brisk hiring on the Fed's cautious approach to rate cuts. It also touches on the issue of poverty and the limitations of $100 in today's supermarkets. [Extracted from the article]

Americans are changing their eating and shopping habits to cope with record food inflation. Strategies include eating rice and beans instead of meat, planning meals in advance, and growing food in backyard gardens. Some consumers are limiting eating out and using coupons at grocery stores. While some changes in eating habits have made consumers feel healthier, others are making difficult sacrifices. [Extracted from the article]

The food industry is rallying to defend ultra-processed foods as concerns grow over their impact on health. Manufacturers fear that the term "ultra-processed" could infiltrate U.S. food policy and deter consumers. Scientists are still studying the health effects of these foods, and any potential U.S. policies are years away. However, opposition to ultra-processed foods is gaining steam worldwide, and they are under review ahead of the next dietary guidelines. Big food companies and their allies are pushing back, arguing that processing has made food safe, convenient, accessible, and affordable. The term "ultra-processed" becoming synonymous with unhealthy eating is a major concern for the industry. [Extracted from the article]

Food companies are capitalizing on the popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy by developing natural alternatives or companion products for patients. Nestlé and Abbott Laboratories are among the companies working on creating companion products that can help patients maintain muscle mass and nutrition. General Mills is also developing products with higher protein content. Many food executives believe that any significant impact on calorie consumption is still years away, giving companies time to adapt their portfolios. Some startups, like Supergut, are marketing their products as natural alternatives to weight-loss drugs. [Extracted from the article]

Oreo fans have expressed concern over the amount of creme filling in the cookies, with some claiming that there has been a decrease in the filling's quantity. Mondelez, the snack maker that produces Oreos, denies making any changes to the cookie-to-creme ratio and attributes any perceived differences to manufacturing variations. Some consumers have turned to social media to voice their complaints and have even started testing other brands. Mondelez maintains that it is committed to improving its products and welcomes feedback from fans. [Extracted from the article]

A couple who ran a driving school in Brooklyn for more than a decade pleaded guilty on Wednesday to concocting an elaborate scheme to help non-English speakers cheat on written [...]

At 11 a.m. on Sunday two things will happen: in London, around 100 of the world's fastest men will launch themselves onto the 26.2-mile Olympic marathon course, dashing from Buckingham [...]

U.S. food giants are offering deals and promotions as consumers continue to face high food prices. While grocery stores are selling more food on promotion than in 2019, shoppers are still paying over one-third more than they did then. Restaurant visits benefiting from deals have returned to pre-pandemic levels, but diners are still paying about 40% more per fast-food order than in 2019. Consumers are becoming more cautious and are cooking more meals from scratch, working down pantry inventories, and eating more leftovers. Concerns over declining sales volumes are impacting food companies' stock prices. Food makers are responding by offering deals and promotions to attract customers. [Extracted from the article]

Big food companies and investors are closely watching the rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, which suppress appetite and have gained popularity in the US. These drugs could potentially impact consumer behavior and raise questions about how people will eat. It is projected that nearly 7% of the US population, or 24 million people, will be taking weight-loss medications by 2035. These drugs could lead to a significant reduction in daily calorie consumption, potentially affecting sales for food and beverage companies, particularly those that produce high-sugar and high-fat snacks. However, some analysts and food industry consultants believe that the drugs may not pose a significant risk due to their high cost and potential side effects. Food companies may respond to changing consumer behavior by developing new products or smaller packaging sizes. [Extracted from the article]

Keywords: wsjcorp; photo-commission; a-hed; Food/Beverages; Bread/Bakery Products; Breakfast Cereals; Savory Snack Foods; Soft Drinks; Beverages/Drinks; Consumer Goods EN wsjcorp photo-commission a-hed Food/Beverages Bread/Bakery Products Breakfast Cereals Savory Snack Foods Soft Drinks Beverages/Drinks Consumer Goods N.PAG N.PAG 1 04/24/23 20230420 NES 230420 Trix, Ding Dongs, too, hunt for a fresh angle by shrinking. Wsjcorp, photo-commission, a-hed, Bread/Bakery Products, Food/Beverages, Breakfast Cereals, Savory Snack Foods, Soft Drinks, Beverages/Drinks, Consumer Goods Ms. Belew said her son had eaten mini Trix and other smallish cereals before without incident. [Extracted from the article]

"Pushing back on Ethan was very hard". Founder and CEO Ethan Brown has struggled to manage growth, some current and former employees say. [Extracted from the article]