NICKS’ Post

What food is considered processed food? Is processed food harmful to our bodies? Why do we even want to process the food? These lingering questions came to mind, especially after reading the book [The Ultra Processed People] by Chris Van Tulleken. In short, not all processed food is harmful to our bodies because some of it serves the purpose of helping us to digest better and to make it more palatable for our tastebuds. Imagine if we just consumed everything raw. I don't think we can even extract the nutrients from it, especially fibres as they have a protective outer layer called cellulose. To better understand the level of processing of our foods, a group of researchers from Brazil have come up with a framework to categorize and classify foods based on the extent and purpose of their processing. The NOVA Food Classification System Group 1 = natural foods Group 2 = ingredients that are usually used in combination with group 1 foods to make freshly prepared meals Group 3 = results from group 1 + group 2 Group 4 = ultra-processed foods Foods that are made with ingredients that cannot be found in your kitchen. Like artificial sweeteners, thickeners, stabilizers etc. There are NO benefits whatsoever in consuming foods from group 4. #novafoodclassification #Nova #processedfoods #ultraprocessedfoods

Reason to eat oat nr 3: Oat replacing dairy 🥛 Oat-based products emerge as a fantastic alternative for those avoiding or unable to consume dairy.  There are several reasons for popularity of oats in non-dairy products: the growing consumption of plant-based food, the fact that oat is GMO-free, and it has a neutral taste, which makes it ideal for using in non-dairy drinks, gurts, and other dairy-type products. ✅ Discover the ingredient range that Fazer Mills, the leading Nordic oat producer, offers for producing non-dairy applications. Let our experts help to improve the taste and texture of your oat-based products! More info 👉👇 please check the link in comments! #DairyFree #OatAlternatives #FazerMills #OatFlakes #OatFlours #OatGrits #OatBran #FunctionalOatIngredients #OatInnovation 

Food Tank highlighted Matriark Foods among 12 companies that upcycle food waste into new products– from snacks, to ready-to-eat meals, cooking ingredients, and more. "Anna Hammond, the CEO of upcycled company Matriark Foods, tells Food Tank that by creating upcycled foods for human consumption, 'the food system will change for the better and the positive impact of that will make it possible for us all to exist in a healthier world. I know it’s possible, I’ve seen what we’ve been able to accomplish in just a few years, and so I have a lot of hope for this space.'" https://lnkd.in/eukfSkza

What can be done about food waste? For one, #TetraPak is helping turn some of it into tasty, nutritious and high-value ingredients. Learn more here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dgfcAyEH #FoodProduction #ZeroWaste #FoodWaste

Great article with Specialty Food Association members Matriark Foods, Renewal Mill, and Upcycled Food Association. Via Elena Valeriote, Modern Farmer: “Upcycled” is the food trend of the year—and, hopefully, it’s one of the rare ones that is here to stay. When announcing their forecasts for food trends in 2024, organizations ranging from Whole Foods to Mintel to the Specialty Food Association predicted a growing consumer interest in foods made with upcycled ingredients. These ingredients are endlessly diverse, including spent grains from beer production, ripe fruit that is too small for supermarket standards and cacao pulp from the process of making chocolate bars, but they share a similar origin story. In the past, these ingredients were lost somewhere in our food supply chain; now, pathways are being created to ensure they reach consumers.  https://lnkd.in/eZfZczrP #SFATrendspotterPanel #Trends #trends2024 #upcycled

What can be done about food waste? For one, #TetraPak is helping turn some of it into tasty, nutritious and high-value ingredients. Learn more here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dBj_HWKK #FoodProduction #ZeroWaste #FoodWaste

Concerned about what's in your food? It's true, today's grocery aisles can be daunting especially if you follow Food Pharmer 😂 . But not all processed foods are created equal. Take chapati/roti, for example—it's a form of processed food too!  The key is understanding what's added and why. And not get scared of packed products.  Skip ultra-processed foods packed with additives; like soft drinks and heavily processed breads. Instead, read labels, educate yourself, and make informed choices.  *Let's embrace awareness over Fear!* #healthyfood #labelawarness #processedfood #foodtechnology #lablepadhegaindia #foodawarness

Food packaging is essential for ensuring the safety, quality, and longevity of food products. It protects food from contamination, spoilage, and physical damage during storage, transportation, and handling. Packaging preserves freshness by acting as a barrier against moisture, oxygen, and light, helping to extend shelf life. It also provides crucial information such as nutritional content, expiration dates, and handling instructions, ensuring that consumers can make informed choices. Additionally, food packaging plays a vital role in branding, marketing, and convenience, making products more attractive and easier to use, while increasingly focusing on sustainability to reduce environmental impact.

A recipe! I first posted this recipe for Bircher Muesli on the interweb in 2011. I've developed it over the years, but the biggest change is switching from a Greek yoghurt to a plant based alternative. Oat based milk and associated products will have a carbon footprint of about 20% compared to that of dairy milk. If, like me, you have been wary of trying plant based alternatives, then this recipe is an ideal place to start. I defy anyone to tell me that the vegan version isn't every bit as good as the dairy version. https://lnkd.in/giJgC2fM

🌱 What's for dinner tonight? Reducing meat consumption and incorporating more plant-based foods into our diets is essential. Yet, this shift can pose significant challenges. Food is deeply intertwined with our culture, family customs, and daily habits. Altering familiar recipes, adjusting ingredients, or adapting to new flavors can make the transition daunting for many. That's why #PrimeJack® offers a prime ingredient to reduce meat consumption without compromising the bite and taste. We sell to companies that make your favourite food as you know it. Our secret? 80% of your favourite meat and 20% plant-based PrimeJack® fibers  70% of your favourite meat and 30% plant-based PrimeJack® fibers  60% of your favourite meat and 40% plant-based PrimeJack® fibers and so on ...and so on ..