If your grocery bill feels twice as high as it did last year, you’re not imagining things. Across the U.S., food prices have spiked dramatically, and some categories have doubled in cost in just 12 months. Whether it’s due to supply chain disruptions, extreme weather, labor shortages, or inflation, the result is the same: families…
You might think you’re making smart choices at the grocery store, but some foods that look healthy on the surface aren’t doing your body many favors. Marketers are experts at using buzzwords like “natural,” “whole grain,” or “low-fat” to sell products, even if they’re heavily processed or full of sugar. These misleading health foods can…
Cereal used to be a breakfast staple in nearly every American household. But in recent years, many longtime favorites are watching their customer base shrink—and fast. Whether it’s due to health concerns, high prices, changing tastes, or competition from trendy alternatives, even the most iconic cereal brands are struggling to hold onto their loyal fans.…
Big box stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco are known for their convenience and low prices, but that doesn’t always mean every product on their shelves is safe. From furniture to electronics, several popular items have recently failed independent consumer safety tests, raising serious red flags for shoppers. These failures aren’t about minor cosmetic flaws—they’re…
You may think your favorite snack is just a harmless indulgence, but in many parts of the world, it’s considered unsafe. The U.S. allows several food additives and chemicals that are banned overseas due to health concerns. These ingredients have been linked to issues ranging from hyperactivity to cancer, yet they still make their way…
You take a bite of your favorite snack, and something seems… different. The recipe you’ve made for years suddenly doesn’t taste the same. It’s a common experience. Food brands quietly change their ingredients all the time for a variety of reasons, from cutting costs to responding to health trends. These reformulations can alter the taste,…
We trust that the bottled beverages we buy—from water and juices to sodas and teas—are safe to drink. Regulatory bodies and manufacturers have systems in place to ensure this. However, mistakes in the complex journey from production to bottling to store shelf can and do happen. When a potential health risk is identified, a recall…
For decades, many shoppers viewed store-brand (or private label) products as generic, lower-quality imitations of their favorite name brands. Today, that perception is largely outdated. Supermarkets have invested heavily in their private labels, often creating products that are not only cheaper but also equal or even superior in quality to their well-known competitors. In many…
Building a well-stocked pantry is a cornerstone of preparedness and frugal living. Having shelf-stable foods on hand can help you weather emergencies, save money, and make meal planning easier. While many foods last a year or two, some remarkably inexpensive pantry staples have an incredibly long shelf life, remaining safe and usable for a decade…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of a vast portion of the nation’s food supply. This is a monumental task involving setting regulations, inspecting facilities, and monitoring for potential health threats. While specific priorities may shift based on current events or new scientific data, the FDA routinely focuses…