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Taste crucial to students’ support for climate-friendly school meals

Students' attitudes toward climate-friendly school meals were positively associated with considering climate important when choosing food, eating vegetarian food at school more often, and the food tasting good. Mixed attitudes toward modified recipes and all-vegetarian days were observed, with reducing meat in recipes being more accepted.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAppetite·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2026

Overall diet quality key to heart health

The American College of Cardiology emphasizes a plant-forward diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease. Consensus recommendations include a focus on overall dietary quality and sustainability over individual nutrients or trends.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 30, 2026

Higher UPF intake linked to heightened risk of multiple chronic health issues + death

A pooled data analysis of 51 prospective cohort studies found that higher ultra-processed food (UPF) intake is associated with greater risks of multiple chronic health issues, including cardiovascular events, cancer, obesity, metabolic syndrome/diabetes, and death. Consuming extra 100g of UPFs correspondsingly increases risks.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 22, 2026

AI as a tool in flavor research

Researchers developed an AI-based method to predict bitterness of peptides, enabling de novo design of bitter peptides for improved flavor control. The method used a combination of a protein language model and an artificial neural network to analyze structural data, resulting in the identification of new bitter-tasting peptides.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·Journalnpj Science of Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2026

First-ever healthy checkout policy shows promise for reducing soda sales, increasing healthy snack purchases

A new study implemented in Berkeley, Calif. supermarkets, drug stores, and mass-market retailers in 2021 found a link between a healthy checkout ordinance and a notable decrease in soda sales overall and small-package candy in supermarkets. The study also found that greater enforcement of the policy is essential for sustained public he...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2026

Smoky off-flavors in cocoa aren’t caused solely by smoke

Overfermentation of cocoa beans can cause smoky, leathery, and cheesy off-flavors, with elevated concentrations of short-chain carboxylic acids and phenols detected. A simple measurement using test strips can help detect the onset of overfermentation, preventing the development of off-flavors.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2026

Study of 5132 app users finds consistent food-tracking a strong predictor of clinically significant weight loss

A 6-month study of 5132 MyNetDiary users found that consistent food-tracking, even with fewer than 2 days per week, is associated with better weight loss outcomes. Users who tracked food 6-7 days per week lost an average of 11.33% of their body weight, while those who tracked only 2-3 days per week lost 7.35%.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateAug 25, 2026

Reusing liquid pickle waste to produce omega-3 fatty acids

Hiroshima University researchers demonstrate that food processing liquid waste can be reused to produce omega-3 fatty acids by cultivating Aurantiochytrium sp. The study shows that three types of pickle seasoning waste can be utilized by the thraustochytrid to produce DHA and EPA. Reusing the waste medium also produces DHA and EPA, but...

SourceHiroshima University·JournalLWT·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Study of behavior-related digital dieting apps finds different effects of persuasion-related features

A study of behavior-related digital dieting apps found that photo-informed expert feedback increased app use and improved meal recording, while photo-based peer observation reduced engagement and did not affect food choices. The findings provide practical guidance for designing effective digital health apps.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalInternational Journal of Information Management·DateAug 18, 2026

Teen diets drive highest climate emissions, but older people fuel global surge

Teenagers and young adults have the highest individual environmental impact from their diets, producing the highest per-capita food-related GHG emissions worldwide. Meanwhile, population ageing is contributing to an increase in global dietary greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to older people living longer and having fewer children.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2026

A tiny gene edit makes rice safer without reducing harvests

Researchers identified a precise gene edit that lowers cadmium in rice grains while maintaining yield and essential mineral nutrients. The OsNramp5 I441T mutation selectively limits cadmium translocation, reducing grain cadmium by 48% without compromising zinc or manganese uptake.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2026

Large-scale European study indicates link between ultra-processed foods and higher levels of ‘bad’ fatty acids in the blood

A large European study found a correlation between ultra-processed food consumption and increased levels of harmful fatty acids in the blood. The study, which analyzed data from 15,200 participants, suggests that ultra-processed foods may contribute to metabolic stress and potential health risks.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateJul 6, 2026

Americans hungry for information, policies around ultra-processed foods, study shows

A survey of nearly 1,000 Americans found that information-based policies on ultra-processed foods are widely supported. Restriction-based policies, such as limiting UPFs in schools, also gained majority support. However, taxation of UPFs was the only policy that did not achieve majority support.

Postbiotic foods for improving gum health

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo found that postbiotic foods can improve gum health in adults with mild gingivitis, reducing gum bleeding and inflammation. The study suggests a simple way to support oral health without altering oral care habits.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Periodontology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

New study shows: Standard tests do not always detect all gluten residues in barley beer

A new study has found that standard antibody-based tests can fail to detect all gluten residues in barley beer, leading to concerns about the safety of gluten-free products. Researchers developed a new mass spectrometry method to identify celiac disease-active peptides, which were found in some 'gluten-free' beers.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalApplied Food Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2026

Teaching with food boosts preschoolers’ science knowledge and vocabulary

A new study by North Carolina State University found that teaching with food can increase preschoolers' understanding of scientific concepts four times more than traditional methods. The 'More PEAS Please!' program also improved vocabulary skills, with a 20% increase in the group that received the intervention.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2026

Study shows use of obesity drugs alongside behavioral intervention is associated with reduced “food noise”

Research by Dr. Hanim Diktas at Pennington Biomedical Research Center shows that combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with behavioral intervention leads to a greater reduction in 'food noise', a persistent thought about food disrupting daily life and healthy behaviors. The study found significant decreases in food noise for participants u...

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2026

Over half of parents in England frequently pestered by their children to buy junk food while food shopping, national survey suggests

A national survey in England found that over half of parents are frequently pressured by their children to buy unhealthy products, leading to almost three-quarters of these purchases. The study suggests the current food environment influences these requests, driven by instore and media marketing.

How fresh is this fish?

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a mathematical model that can measure fish freshness in real time. The model uses the degradation pathway of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in fish muscle after death to estimate current freshness and predict changes over time.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Food Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2026