The health food aisle is a minefield of marketing. We are trained to look for buzzwords like “natural,” “gluten-free,” and “energy,” assuming they equal weight loss. Unfortunately, many products marketed as healthy are actually calorie bombs in disguise. They are packed with hidden sugars and dense calories that can derail your diet without you even…
The definition of a healthy food has undergone significant changes in the last fifty years. Many items that were once regarded as nutritional staples have been quietly modified by manufacturers. These modifications increase shelf stability, reduce manufacturing costs, and enhance consumer palatability. Unfortunately, this process often involves adding significant amounts of sugar, sodium, or cheap…
In the grocery store, “top shelf” means the best. For liquor, it means premium brands. For olive oil, however, it is often a retail dead zone. Shoppers will walk right past the expensive, dark glass bottles on the top shelf. They will instead reach for the familiar, cheaper, and larger plastic jugs on the lower…
Choosing to buy organic food can feel like a responsible and healthy decision. The “USDA Organic” seal promises that a product was grown without synthetic pesticides or GMOs. However, for a shopper who is on a tight budget, the “organic” label comes with several hidden costs. These costs go beyond the higher price tag. They…
The modern food supply offers a wide range of convenient and delicious options. However, some of these foods come with a very high and a very well-documented health risk. Major global health organizations, like the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) and the American Heart Association (AHA), have issued strong warnings about these specific food categories. Based…
When a food product is contaminated with a major pathogen like E. coli or Listeria, it will often make the national news. However, a huge number of food recalls are for more minor issues. This can include an undeclared allergen or a physical contaminant like a piece of plastic. These “quiet” recalls are still a…
Shoppers are switching to store brands in record numbers to save money. However, in some cases, a “cheaper” private-label product is not the value it appears to be. Manufacturers will sometimes use hidden, low-cost fillers in their store-brand products. This allows them to dilute the main, expensive ingredient. This means that you are paying more…
Opening a new bag of chips only to find it half-full of air is a universal disappointment. This practice, known as “slack fill,” is a form of shrinkflation. It has become much more extreme in recent years. Companies use a large, puffy bag to trick you. They hope you will not notice the reduced amount…
When a food recall is announced, grocery stores are legally required to pull the dangerous product from their shelves. However, the warehouse clubs Costco and Sam’s Club go one very important step further. Because they operate on a membership model, they have the contact information for every single person who has bought the recalled item.…
Most grocery stores now provide sanitizing wipes at the entrance. Many shoppers see this as an optional step. However, a huge body of scientific research has confirmed that the grocery cart handle is one of the single germiest surfaces you can touch in public. It is a breeding ground for a disgusting cocktail of bacteria…
Chicken breast is a healthy and versatile protein that is a staple in many American kitchens. However, raw chicken is also a major source of harmful bacteria, like Salmonella and Campylobacter. A simple mistake in the way you handle and cook your chicken can lead to a serious and unpleasant case of food poisoning. To…
Food marketers are experts at creating a “health halo” around their products. They use buzzwords like “wholesome” and “natural” to make you feel good about your purchase. However, many of these seemingly healthy foods are secretly loaded with sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. They are a form of junk food that is disguised as a…
Many of the “best by” and “sell by” dates on our food are simply suggestions for peak quality. It is perfectly safe to eat a can of beans or a box of crackers that is past its date. However, this rule is not universal. For a number of common, perishable grocery items, the expiration date…
It’s easy to fall into a routine at the grocery store, grabbing the same foods week after week. But if your cart is packed with processed snacks, sugary cereals, and other not-so-great picks, your unhealthy grocery list could be hurting your health and budget. Small changes can make a big difference in how you feel…
The modern food industry is a miracle of science and logistics. It is also an industry that is filled with several shocking and often unappetizing secrets. To produce the huge amount of cheap and consistent food that we demand, the industry relies on a variety of controversial practices and ingredients. These are the things that…
The dairy aisle is one of the most confusing sections of the grocery store. There are dozens of different brands of milk, all with different claims about their quality and purity. To help consumers make a more informed choice, several independent consumer and environmental groups have conducted tests on popular milk brands. They have tested…