Xtalks Food Industry Podcast

What is Fried Rice Syndrome? + Why the US is Set to Ban Brominated Vegetable Oil

In recent times, fried rice syndrome has become a trending concern, especially after a TikTok video highlighted a tragic incident from 2008 involving a 20-year-old student. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about fried rice syndrome, which refers to food poisoning caused by a bacterium called Bacillus cereus. It poses a significant threat when introduced to specific foods that are not adequately stored post-cooking. Such foods commonly include starchy items like rice and pasta, but even cooked vegetables and meats can be vulnerable. One distinct characteristic of B. cereus is its ability to produce spores — cells exceptionally resistant to heat. Therefore, while reheating might eliminate other bacteria, it might not be effective against B. cereus in food. When these spores find the right conditions, they can grow and produce the toxins responsible for fried rice syndrome. The team highlights the importance of properly storing and reheating leftovers and notes that meat isn’t the only food susceptible to foodborne illness.Also in this episode, Sydney talks about why the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to remove brominated vegetable oil from its list of approved food additives. The move comes after the FDA National Center for Toxicological Research, the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and Toxicologic Pathology Associates in the US uncovered new evidence pointing to brominated vegetable oil’s potential harm. Originally sanctioned for use in measured doses, brominated vegetable oil has been used to keep citrus flavors from separating in some beverages. The reassessment of brominated vegetable oil’s place in the food industry aligns with the FDA’s obligation to base regulatory actions on scientific findings and risk assessments. A recent study connects brominated vegetable oil intake to heightened concentrations of bromine within bodily tissues, with a notable focus on thyroid health implications. The team posits this ban will be easier to implement since brominated vegetable oil has been largely phased out.Read the full article here:Fried Rice Syndrome: A Disturbing Reminder About the Dangers of Bacillus CereusBrominated Vegetable Oil Concerns Prompt FDA to Propose BanFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepageFollow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

How Weight Loss Drugs Could Impact the Food Industry + Heavy Metals in Dark Chocolate

As weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic continue to gain traction across the US, Americans could potentially reduce their purchases of high-calorie snacks and fast-food. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about how these weight loss drugs work and how the food industry has slowly but surely become aware of the potential impact of these drugs. For example, Walmart’s US CEO recently revealed that consumers using Ozempic tend to purchase fewer groceries. Shares of Mondelez International have fallen nearly 11 percent over the past six months. Food giant Nestlé has seen a 15 percent dip in the same period and even announced plans to develop products similar to Wegovy and Ozempic amidst concerns that they could reduce food consumption and impact profitability. While the team believes it’s too early to tell what the impact could be, they are intrigued by the possibility of these two worlds colliding.Also in this episode, Sydney talks about Consumer Reports’ (CR) revelation that dark chocolate could contain cadmium and lead, metals known to cause health issues. While cacao is the heart and soul of chocolate, giving it its characteristic taste, it’s also where these heavy metals predominantly reside. With dark chocolate usually having a higher cacao content, it’s more susceptible. In its pursuit of clarity, CR tested 48 different products spanning seven categories, namely cocoa powder, chocolate chips, milk chocolate bars, dark chocolate bars, brownie mixes, chocolate cake mixes and hot chocolate. Out of seven dark chocolate bars tested, five, or 71 percent, surpassed CR’s thresholds for cadmium, lead or both. The team posits that most people won’t need to worry about heavy metal consumption from dark chocolate, but it should encourage consumers to stay informed, choose wisely and enjoy in moderation.Read the full article here:Are Wegovy and Ozempic a Threat to the Food Industry?Cadmium and Lead in Dark Chocolate: A Sweet Treat with Bitter ConcernsFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

What are McDonald’s Boo Buckets? + Why Campbell’s Acquired Rao’s Sauce

Boo Buckets have always been synonymous with Halloween festivities at McDonald’s, embodying a tradition that many look forward to as October rolls around, but what are they? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about these ghost-themed pails and the various iterations since they debuted 1986. McDonald’s introduced a whimsical twist to its Happy Meal offerings by packaging them in Halloween-themed buckets, which could also serve as trick-or-treat pails for kids. The evolution of Boo Buckets over the years reflects McDonald’s attempt to keep the Halloween excitement alive. Given the substantial pre-release publicity surrounding the Boo Buckets, a swift sell-out is highly probable. These coveted pails will be available through Halloween, or while supplies last. The team commends McDonald’s for its marketing tactics, especially when they can combine nostalgia with contemporary touches. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about Campbell’s acquisition of Rao’s sauce owner Sovos Brands for a staggering $2.7 billion. Since 1992, Rao’s has become the leading brand of high quality pasta and pizza sauces, but its offerings also include dry pastas, soups and frozen entrées. In fact, Rao’s accounted for nearly 70 percent of Sovos Brands’ 2022 sales, or $837 million. At $8 per jar, Rao’s sauces come at a much higher price point than fellow Campbell’s brand Prego. Despite the premium price tag, the brand has gained a cult following thanks to its inclusion of high quality ingredients and successful word-of-mouth marketing. When the acquisition was announced, was online resistance, especially from devoted Rao’s enthusiasts, but Campbell’s committed to maintaining Rao’s sauce’s signature taste. The team reflects on the seemingly high price tag, positing that homemade sauce would cost just as much, if not more than a jar of Rao’s. Read the full articles here:Boo Buckets Return to McDonald’s for Halloween 2023Why Rao’s Sauce Is Worth Billions, According to Campbell’sFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Coop’s Smart Chicken Coop + Foodborne Illness from Raw Milk

In today’s smart-tech era, the chicken coop might not be the first item one would consider in need of an upgrade. Yet, an Austin, Texas-based startup called Coop is revolutionizing this concept, launching its $2,000 smart chicken coop to enthusiastic “early bird” customers. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about how Coop is redefining backyard farming. At the heart of the design is a sophisticated AI system the pair lovingly named “CluckWatch.” This intelligent system has been trained with over seven million images, honing its ability to identify potential predators that might wander into a backyard. Coop’s vision is to bring the freshness of eggs laid the very same morning to every household. This not only guarantees better taste and nutrient density but also has broader environmental and economic implications. The team admires the idea of a smart chicken coop but points out that some regions do not allow backyard hen rearing. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about two recent foodborne illness outbreaks from raw milk consumption. These outbreaks come at a time when raw milk is growing in legality. State legislation regarding the sale of raw milk is witnessing a shift, with 27 states now permitting the sale of raw milk directly to consumers. Many individuals believe that raw milk offers superior health advantages over pasteurized milk. However, this choice is not without its dangers since foodborne illness from raw milk is a real risk. Nutrition specialists warn that consumption of unpasteurized milk can be potentially fatal in certain situations. A prevailing reason many opt for raw milk is the belief that it’s a healthier and more nutritious alternative to pasteurized variants. However, most experts believe this notion is exaggerated. The team stresses that just because something is natural, doesn’t mean it’s safe.Read the full article here:How a Smart Chicken Coop Is Redefining Backyard FarmingFoodborne Illness from Raw Milk On the Rise For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

How ZENB Popularized Yellow Pea Pasta + A Nutritional Breakdown of RXBars

With its rich nutritional profile and palate-pleasing texture, yellow pea pasta is becoming the preferred alternative to traditional pastas. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about ZENB, which recognized the potential of yellow pea pasta and has been pivotal in popularizing this ingredient. The brand’s commitment to sustainability, combined with its focus on harnessing the goodness of whole vegetables, positions it perfectly to cater to the modern health-conscious consumer’s ethos. By repurposing the often-discarded parts of legumes and vegetables — from skin to stems — ZENB offers a wide spectrum of flavors and nutrients without sacrificing taste. Unlike some other better-for-you pastas that might require an acquired taste or may not blend seamlessly with traditional pasta recipes, yellow pea pasta boasts a neutral flavor profile, making it suitable for a plethora of recipes. The team is curious to try yellow pea pasta and praises the brand for carving out a new niche in the alternative pasta space. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about RXBars, and more specifically, whether they are healthy. To evaluate this, she breaks down the nutrition facts for the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor, one of the company’s bestsellers. With 210 calories, 12g of protein and 4g of fiber, the bars appear to be a healthy source of protein. Consuming a high-fiber bar like an RXBar can provide both immediate satiety and long-term health benefits. The fiber in dates, a primary ingredient in RXBars, moderates sugar absorption, which is beneficial for sustained energy without sugar spikes. When it comes to protein, the primary source of protein in RXBars is egg whites — a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, vital for muscle repair and growth. By standards laid out by several nutrition experts, RXBars would qualify as healthy protein bars. And while they undoubtedly have nutritious components, like all foods, moderation is key. The team agrees that the bars are healthy but wonders whether the taste component is there.Read the full article here:Yellow Pea Pasta Pioneer ZENB Leads in the Better-For-You Pasta IndustryAre RXBars Healthy? An In-Depth Look at the Trending Protein BarFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

What Foods are Banned in Europe? + Mooala’s Shelf-Stable Plant-Based Milks

Many Americans might be surprised to discover that there’s a long list of foods banned in Europe. This is because the US has more lenient food ingredient regulations thanks to US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) designation. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about five ingredients that are banned in Europe, but allowed in other parts of the world. The list includes the whitening agent titanium dioxide, a compound called azodicarbonamide, propylparaben as an antimicrobial preservative, the human-made hormone rBST and brominated vegetable oil. Sydney also mentions some foods that are banned in the US but allowed in other countries. The team wonders why Europe has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to food safety and talks about how traditions and heritage impact modern food culture. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about Mooala’s new Simple line, featuring organic, shelf-stable, three-ingredient plant-based milks. Unlike many brands that often infuse plant-based milks with gums, oils and additives, Mooala’s latest line prides itself in containing only three core ingredients: filtered water, organic oats or almonds and a pinch of sea salt. Mooala, which began in Texas in 2016, now spans across major retailers in the US. Whether it’s Whole Foods, Walmart or Aldi, Mooala has made its mark in the plant-based milk market. The brand has consistently shown that products free from GMOs, herbicides, preservatives and toxic chemicals can also prioritize taste. Additionally, the plant-based milks don’t require refrigeration until consumers are ready to enjoy it. The team commends Mooala for its simple approach and discusses some of the flaws with other plant-based milks. Read the full article here:Top 5 Foods Banned in EuropeMooala Introduces Shelf-Stable Line of Organic Plant-Based MilksFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

2023 Food IPOs So Far + Why the EU is So Strict About Canola Oil

Recent initial public offerings (IPOs) from food companies such as Cava Group and BranchOut Food might give the impression of a reawakening IPO market after a seemingly quiet year. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about three food companies that have already gone public this year, including Cava Group, BranchOut Foods and Instacart. First, the Mediterranean fast casual chain Cava Group achieved a notable $4.7 billion valuation after a successful market introduction on June 15. Second, BranchOut Food Inc., a budding natural food brand with a proprietary technology for producing and marketing dehydrated plant-based foods, finalized its IPO in June. Lastly, in its Nasdaq introduction earlier this week, Instacart made a notable entrance, initiating trading at roughly 40 percent above its IPO price, nudging its market cap to approximately $11.1 billion. The team discusses the diversity of these food companies and wonders about the risks and rewards of going public versus staying private.Also in this episode, Sydney talks about whether canola oil is banned in Europe since there’s been a flurry of questions circulating about the topic. While Europe has not completely prohibited canola oil, it has certainly placed the oil under a microscope, enacting stricter regulations around the sale of oils and fats, which impacts how canola oil is viewed and sold. Sydney discusses canola oil’s origins as well as rumors of a European canola oil ban. The word on the street was that the European Union (EU) had labeled canola oil as “toxic” and “carcinogenic” due to its allegedly hazardous fatty acid content. The EU’s heightened scrutiny of canola oil is largely due to concerns about its erucic acid content. Research has shown the potentially detrimental effects of erucic acid, including possible heart damage. So, while it isn’t outright banned, it’s closely monitored due to concerns around its erucic acid content. The team is surprised to hear about the potential negative side effects of canola oil and praises the EU for being a leader in food safety.Read the full article here:Food IPOs in 2023: Cava Group, BranchOut Food and OthersIs Canola Oil Banned in Europe? Unraveling the TruthFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

What is Gatorade Water? + New California Food Safety Bill

Gatorade, a brand synonymous with vibrantly-colored sports drinks, has made a surprising move with its latest offering: Gatorade Water, a clear, unflavored beverage. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the new offering, which unlike its colorful predecessors, focuses entirely on the booming “functional water” market, projected to be worth $12 billion by 2032. Gatorade Water, which is set to hit stores next year, is infused with electrolytes and undergoes a rigorous seven-step filtration procedure. Depending on the bottle size, it contains 65 to 90 milligrams of sodium for the 700-milliliter and one-liter bottles, respectively. Research by the company discovered a demand among athletes for premium unflavored water that delivers perceived health benefits, such as faster recovery and improved gut health. But Gatorade Water will be competing in a packed market, with strong contenders like Coca-Cola’s Smartwater and other PepsiCo products, including LIFEWTR and Propel. The team wonders whether consumers would pay more for Gatorade water as opposed to regular water.Also in this episode, Sydney talks about California’ impending ban on four chemicals found in many processed foods — brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye No. 3. This legislation, now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature, has popularly come to be known as the “Skittles ban” due to its initial inclusion of a fifth chemical. Many European countries have already prohibited the chemicals. While Europe has banned all but red dye No. 3, the US is now making strides with California leading the charge in the Skittles ban campaign. A surprising revelation is that over 10,000 chemicals are sanctioned for use in food within the US. Notably, 99 percent of these approvals come from the food and chemical industry, sidelining the FDA, the organization entrusted with the safeguarding of America’s food supply. The team commends California for leading the charge in banning potentially harmful chemicals but wonders whether it will be enough to become federal legislation in the future.Read the full article here:Gatorade Water: A New Dive Into the Functional Water MarketSkittles Ban? California Passes Landmark Food Safety BillFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

When is Instacart Going Public? + Smucker Acquires Hostess Brands

As PepsiCo, Inc. positions itself at the forefront of digital advancements, the company recently declared its intention to purchase $175 million of Instacart’s Series A preferred convertible stock. This pivotal move was revealed alongside Instacart’s Form S-1 filed on August 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), indicating plans for its much-anticipated initial public offering (IPO). In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the long-awaited IPO, Instacart’s recent sales history and PepsiCo’s investment strategy. With the Instacart IPO date looming, the strategic moves by both PepsiCo and Instacart stand as a testament to their commitment to shaping the digital trajectory of the grocery sector. The team wonders whether Instacart will continue to grow post-pandemic and how it will continue to innovate in the online grocery sector. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about the J.M. Smucker Company’s recent acquisition of Hostess Brands. The Hostess transaction is valued at roughly $4.6 billion when excluding the debt, with Jif peanut butter producer Smucker agreeing to pay Hostess shareholders a sum of $34.25 per share. Smucker’s investment in Hostess comes at a time when significant US packaged food companies are on the hunt to broaden their brand collections, especially as the financial windfalls from the pandemic era begin to ebb. The alliance with Smucker is a significant turning point for Hostess, which has previously faced bankruptcy (in 2004 and 2012). The reasons ranged from excessive debt incurred by private equity owners to a lack of innovative snacking options. While the value is high, the team agrees that the transaction is a positive move for both Smucker and Hostess Brands. Read the full article here:Instacart IPO Date Draws Near as PepsiCo Makes a Strategic InvestmentWho Owns Hostess Brands? Smucker’s New $5.6 Billion AcquisitionFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Innovative Product for Lactose Intolerant Bakers + Plant-Based Marketing Coalition

For a significant portion of the world’s population, baking is punctuated by the pain and discomfort of food intolerances. Lactose stands out as a particularly pesky ingredient in this regard. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about Intoleran, a beacon of hope for those troubled by lactose. The Dutch brand, founded by Harmen Treep in 2008, recognized the immense gap in the market and created a line of lactase enzyme supplements tailored to cater to the lactose-intolerant community. She gives examples of other products for lactose intolerance on the market, including Lactaid and Almond Breeze, but explains why Intoleran is different. The standout feature of Intoleran is its user-friendly lactase drops. Instead of crafting an entire recipe around lactose-free ingredients or popping a pill beforehand, Intoleran users can integrate these drops into their regular baking process. By adding just five of these drops to a liter of milk, up to 80 percent of the lactose is neutralized within a day. The team commends this company for creating an innovative product that allows those with lactose intolerance to enjoy baked goods without sacrifices.Also in this episode, Sydney talks about why leading US plant-based food companies are considering the formation of a coalition to counteract successful marketing strategies like The Incredible, Edible Egg and Got Milk?. This initiative, slated for a 2024 launch, comes as a reaction to the negative press and targeted ads by Big Ag. The plant-based sector has weathered turbulent times over recent years, facing hits from multiple directions. Sales attacks, media criticisms and advertisement blitzes, many orchestrated by Big Ag and its affiliates, have all left marks. In response to Big Ag’s strategies, Beyond Meat rolled out a campaign that subtly highlighted its commitment to farmers and countered misinformation surrounding plant-based proteins. Peter McGuinness, CEO of Impossible Foods, emphasized the need for better marketing from plant-based companies, given Big Ag’s coordinated and resounding voice. The team wonders how the planned plant-based marketing coalition will go about marketing ­— will it counterattack Big Ag or promote its variety of products in a positive light?Read the full article here:Intoleran: A Revolutionary Solution for Lactose-Intolerant BakersBig Ag Challenges Spur Coalition Among Plant-Based CompaniesFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured