Lewis Wallis and Dr Samuel Dicken summarise the major developments from 2025 and reflect on what we might expect in the next year as science and policy continue to evolve around ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and foods high in fat, sugar and/or salt (HFSS). Reflecting on a year of UPF and HFSS Over the past year, …
European Commission grants final approval for Mars’ $36bn Kellanova acquisition, creating a global snacking powerhouse with nine billion-dollar brands. Mars, Incorporated has secured final, unconditional regulatory approval from the European Commission for its $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, allowing the two global snacking businesses to close their long-planned takeover on 11 December 2025. The approval …
Cross-party MPs and Paul McCartney urge EU to drop plant-based naming ban, warning it risks confusion, higher costs and climate progress. A cross-party group of UK MPs has urged the European Commission to reject proposals to ban commonly used terms such as “burger” and “sausage” for plant-based foods, arguing that the move would mislead consumers, …
Scientists in Singapore have developed two natural processing techniques that significantly improve carob flavour, offering manufacturers a climate-resilient alternative to cocoa. Associate Professor Liu Shao Quan (left) and Mr Manfred Ku from the NUS Department of Food Science and Technology developed novel methods to improve the taste of carob-based chocolate alternatives. Credit: NUS Faculty of …
Five alliances representing 160 organisations urge UK ministers to legislate for healthier diets, sustainable farming and long-term food system reform. Five leading food and farming alliances representing more than 160 organisations have urged the UK Government to legislate for a “strong and fair Food Strategy” that secures accountability on health, sustainability and affordability across the …
The company aims to strengthen long-term supply chain resilience by 2030, supporting farmers to adopt climate-smart techniques that improve yields sustainably Mars has announced a $20 million investment to accelerate sustainable rice sourcing by 2030, aiming to protect global yields and farmer livelihoods as climate volatility intensifies. The decade-long commitment, delivered through the company’s new …
Heineken’s global study finds consumers confidently choosing low- and no-alcohol drinks, reflecting a powerful cultural shift toward moderation and responsible consumption. Heineken has reported a major cultural shift towards moderation in attitudes to alcohol, with new global research showing most consumers no longer feel obliged to justify choosing not to drink. The study, conducted across …
New study finds iron-fortified hemp biochar sharply reduces PFAS forever chemicals entering radishes from contaminated soil, offering food producers a promising mitigation tool. Iron-fortified hemp-derived biochar reduces per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances bioaccumulation in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Credit: Trung Huu Bui, Mandeep Kaur, Nubia Zuverza-Mena, Sara L. Nason, Christian O. Dimkpa, Jasmine P. Jones & …
Aldi recalls its Dairyfine Salted Caramel Filled Gonks Christmas chocolate treat after discovering it may contain peanuts, triggering an allergy safety alert. Aldi recalls its Christmas chocolate after issuing an urgent alert that the seasonal treats may contain peanuts, sparking immediate allergy concerns ahead of the festive rush. The supermarket has withdrawn its Dairyfine Salted …
Unilever will sell Graze to Katjes International in a deal placing the healthy snacking brand under the growing Candy Kittens group. Unilever has agreed to sell healthier snacking brand Graze to Katjes International, a move that will bring the west London-based business under the rapidly expanding Candy Kittens group and further consolidate the UK snacking …