Dr. Curtis Duncan: Food Industry To Deceive You By Changing the Name ...

Dr. Curtis Duncan: Food Industry To Deceive You By Changing the Name ...: "The Corn Refiners Association recently announced that they would be changing the name of high fructose corn syrup to 'corn sugar'. This doe..."

A New Take On The Kids' Plate

Until just a few years ago, kids were kids and happy to eat chicken fingers, burgers, fries and other greasy foods slathered in ketchup and salt. With children now regularly eating out at restaurants, watching TV cooking shows with their parents and being exposed to new foods while traveling, the days of basic fare have gone.

Very young children still prefer traditional items, such as hot dogs, macaroni and cheese and fries, but they tend to become more adventurous as they get older, says Sara Monnette, director, consumer research, Technomic Inc. “Kids, in general, are more connected to the world than generations before; this has impacted their exploration of different cultures and foods.”

In a report titled, “2009 Kids & Moms Consumer Trend Report,” by Technomic Inc., some 1,200 children were asked to make up their own meal to include an entrée, side dish, dessert and drink. Their answers were broken up into three age groups: 6- and 7-year-olds; 8- and 9-year-olds; and 10-12-year-olds.

Unsurprisingly, the survey found one in three kids aged 6-7 chose chicken fingers/nuggets (29%) as their main dish, while only about half of the older kids, ages 10-12, chose them (16%). Monnette explains the majority of children choose foods with which they are most familiar. The younger the child, the more true this holds.

As kids enter their Tween and teenage years, their palates grow up with them. In the report, other food favorites in the 10-12 age group were steak (15%), pizza (12%) and shrimp (11%). Monnette says it was as surprise to find the high preference of steak by older kids. “You generally don’t see it on kids’ menus. It’s something considered very adult...kids’ tastes are getting more sophisticated.” Monnette also thinks the results shed light on an opportunity: “Operators need to present in-between menus, not just adult or kid menus. A kids’ menu may not have the right foods/flavors that appeal to a Tween, or the right portion sizes. A kids’ menu is not sophisticated enough—a plain burger is not going to do it. They want a more intriguing flavor profile.” As an example, she suggests operators could present steak on a Tween menu, something that would be just as tasty, but in a smaller portion to better suit them and their parents’ pocketbooks.

To this end, some fast-casual chains are adding more kids’ menu items. For example, the Mexican food chain Chipotle is adding quesadillas and a build-your-own taco kit to its kids’ lineup. “The kid-friendly options offer a simpler version of what’s for the adults. Operators are using the same ingredients, but offering smaller options,” explains Monnette.

In terms of kid-friendly fare, one of the most popular side dish was French fries, with 29% of the 8-9-year-olds choosing them, but they were almost as equally chosen by the other two age groups, with 26% each. Across the three age groups, macaroni and cheese also was a big hit, chosen by an average of 15%. Children who were 9 and younger were more likely to choose fresh fruit as a side, while older kids aged 10-12 preferred salad. Salads, which have endless variety, seem to be an acquired taste, something children learn to like as they grow up and expand their horizons.

In the beverage area, younger children preferred milk to soft drinks, but this is probably because they are in the company of their parents. “As they get older, they have more leeway and they can then choose soft drinks. Additionally, they want to emulate adults so they wouldn’t order the milk,” expounds Monnette. To this end, some 51% of all kids surveyed between the ages of 10-12 chose regular carbonated soda, as did 39% of those ages 8-9 and some 30% of kids ages 6-7.

In desserts, the 6-7-year-olds (36%) were more likely to choose stand-alone ice cream compared to the 8-12-year-olds (25%). The latter group also was more likely to choose an ice cream sundae, again showing older kids’ tendency to augment their palate as they get a bit older.

As a result of the research, Monnette notes there is a lot of detail in menus for adults. “Operators use details, flavorful words and descriptions. But, when it comes to the kids’ menus, it’s very simple, e.g., ‘baked chicken.’ However, the older kids are reading the menus themselves and it would help to have descriptions that jump out at Tweens; they are making their own decisions.”

But decision-making during the Tween and teen years is haphazard, as teens go through phases and change their minds regularly. Lynn Dornblaser, director, CPG Trend Insight, Mintel Research Consultancy at Mintel International, says that “while teens are more willing to experiment than ever before, they are still quite picky.” One can generalize, for example, that younger children do not like unusual textures or flavors they have never tried before, but, with teens, “it is hard to talk about an across-the-board trend.”

Teens do hang on to trends fiercely, although for short periods of time. This is what makes formulating successful products geared to them hard. “In most cases, very few products are positioned specifically and exclusively to teens (apart from certain personal care items),” states Dornblaser. “The differences are usually in marketing. For example, Pringles potato chips are sold to a broad market, but much of its advertising is geared to teens. In fact, we have seen only a single product in the U.S. in the last year that is positioned specifically to teens.” The product was Nature's Plus Source of Life Power Teen Energy Bar.

The lack of focus on teen food products is due to the fact their loyalty lasts for shorter periods of time. “You’d probably say they look to fads more than to trends,” said Dornblaser. Instead of seeing new foods and beverages that target teens, she predicts, “We will likely see more marketing to teens, especially marketing using new media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, QR codes, etc.).”

Source: The September 20, 2010 Prepared Foods E-dition

Yummy Spoonfuls Review

Yummy Spoonfuls Review:
"Hands down the best baby food I’ve ever tasted. In fact probably better than lots of food I’ve tasted. At my house we did Earth’s Best Organic jars when my little guy started eating and they were ok – I used to eat the pears and blueberry combo but couldn’t stomach the veggies or ‘meals’. But compared to Yummy Spoonfuls the Earth’s Best is like, well, like eating fresh compared to canned."

Injunction Levied Against Monsanto's GMO Sugar Beets

Advocates of organic and natural foods posted a small win against biotech giant, Monsanto, this week. District Judge Jeffrey White ruled that no more of the genetically modified seed can be planted until the USDA reviews the effects the GMO beets have on other crops. Monsanto developed the sugar beet seeds to resist the effects of the company's popular chemical weed killer, Round Up. The intent was to save farmers time and money in weeding their crops.

However, several environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, say that genetically modified crops have not been studied enough to know if they are safe for human consumption. A similar ban on Monsanto's genetically modified alfalfa was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2009.

Read More

What's So Great About Organic Food?

What's So Great About Organic Food?

Breastfeeding: Join the Boob-olution!

Join Yummy Spoonfuls™ Organic Baby Food For A Tasting At Earth Fare Supermarket - Huntsville, AL

Taste for yourself why babies and parents can't get enough of award winning Yummy Spoonfuls™ organic baby food.  We will be giving away Yummy Spoonfuls™ organic baby food samples, sharing homemade baby food recipes, and more at Earth Fare Healthy Supermarket, 5900C University Dr NW, Huntsville, Alabama 35806 on Saturday, 8/21/2010 from 11AM to 2PM.  Yummy Spoonfuls™ helps parents feed their babies premium, organic, nutritious food that tastes good to even picky eaters and finicky babies. Yummy Spoonfuls™ organic baby food meal selections make it easy for parents who want the best for their babies to figure out how and what to feed their babies. 

 

Previous taste testers cited the wide variety of flavors and the delicious taste. "We couldn't get enough of this!" said one mom. "He was done in a flash and begging for more, putting his fingers in the container to get more." One mother described the Apricot and Brown Rice cereal, as "like cookie dough;" and another described the Lentil and Carrot Porridge, saying, "It smelled homemade. It was on the table infive minutes, and I felt good about giving it to my baby."

Yummy Spoonfuls™ organic baby food meal selections help parents figure out what and how to feed their babies.  If you have a picky eater, try Yummy Spoonfuls™ organic baby food.  Come visit with us and find out what the buzz is all about.

Yummy Spoonfuls™ Organic Baby Food Facebook Events

Yummy Spoonfuls™ Website

Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Shoppers' Guide To Pesticides

EWG's 'Dirty Dozen™' (Worst - Buy Organic) & 'Clean 15™' (Best - Lowest In Pesticides)
Commercial Produce Lists

Why Should You Care About Pesticides?

The growing consensus among scientists is that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can cause lasting damage to human health, especially during fetal development and early childhood.  Scientists now know enough about the long-term consequences of ingesting these powerful chemicals to advise that we minimize our consumption of pesticides.

What’s the Difference?

EWG research has found that people who eat five fruits and vegetables a day from the Dirty Dozen™ list consume an average of 10 pesticides a day. Those who eat from the 15 least contaminated conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables ingest fewer than 2 pesticides daily. The Guide helps consumers make informed choices to lower their dietary pesticide load.

Will Washing and Peeling Help?

The data used to create these lists is based on produce tested as it is typically eaten (meaning washed, rinsed or peeled, depending on the type of produce). Rinsing reduces but does not eliminate pesticides. Peeling helps, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the skin. The best approach: eat a varied diet, rinse all produce and buy organic when possible.

How Was This Guide Developed?

EWG analysts have developed the Guide based on data from nearly 89,000 tests for pesticide residues in produce conducted between 2000 and 2008 and collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You can find a detailed description of the criteria EWG used to develop these rankings and the complete list of fruits and vegetables tested at our dedicated website, www.foodnews.org

Source: Environmental Working Group

A Baby's Funny Reaction To The Sour Taste Of Lime

Organic Eating Habits – Are They Attainable For Children?

Some adults would say, “Well, of course they are” while others would retort, “you must not have children!”  However, it is possible to give them this healthy advantage but it does take some effort.

Many parents have been frustrated while trying to encourage a healthy and organic lifestyle for their children. There is hope however in getting junior to eat broccoli, request cauliflower, and get second helpings of stir fry.

Here are a few tips for you parents who are striving to give your kids a healthy future. First off, if you have an infant make sure to introduce him/her to the wonderful world of solids without offering them bites of fast food.

If they don’t taste it they won’t miss it. I’m always shocked when I hear a parent say, “I was eating pizza and I gave my son a bite and he LOVED it.” They say it as if it’s a wonderful miracle that he liked it. What’s happening is they are ruining his taste buds.  He will become accustomed to the salty, fatty taste and when you try to offer him healthy foods that aren’t laden with salt he will refuse. The same goes for sugar.

By the time the child is two these same parents are saying, “My child just doesn’t like vegetables and there is nothing I can do about it”. This is not true, however your road will be much harder. The second tip is to try and find foods that are similar to the ones they are used to.  Many of their favorite snacks can be found in your nearest health food store or online, only a healthier version. Look for snacks that aren’t sugar laden and do not contain MSG or hydrogenated oils.

Thirdly, presentation can be everything. Don’t toss the new crackers that actually contain whole wheat at them and say, “I know these aren’t the best but just try them.” Get excited to try the items with them.  Arrange them on a platter with some hormone free cheddar cheese and sit down with them to enjoy an afternoon snack. Which brings me to my fourth tip, and that is to lead by example.

Now for my fifth tip.  Do not change every single item in your household at once if you are dealing with older children. If you change every single item at once they are likely to become bitter towards the idea of eating healthy.

Remove your worst offenders first, such as items containing MSG, hydrogenated oils, and refined sugars. Use a variety of foods, don’t just continuously try to shove broccoli down their throats over and over. Have fun creating meals and enjoy watching your children grow into healthy young adults.

This article is reposted from Organic Food Info.net and was written by Erika Juhas.

Many parents have children that scream at the mention of vegetables let alone the sight, or smell.  A majority of kids are raised on fast food that is full of unhealthy ingredients. Of course they are possibly given a cucumber here and there, but will only eat it when dipped in ranch dressing that is full of MSG.  These unhealthy eating habits are detrimental to our children’s health. These habits have to change.