The hottest Food Industry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Food & Drink Topics

What’s new in the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines and why it matters (or doesn't)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 983 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Food Industry
  1. The new guidelines were produced through a faster, less transparent process that replaced the usual independent scientific review, raising concerns about credibility and how evidence was selected.
  2. The nutrition messaging shifted — stressing “real food,” increasing emphasis on protein, reframing some saturated fats, and tightening sugar limits — which could oversimplify complex food issues and stigmatize people who rely on processed foods.
  3. Because federal programs like school meals and WIC must follow the guidelines, these changes will require more funding, staff, and kitchen capacity and could worsen inequities, while the more political tone may make the guidance harder to trust and use.

In Defense of Processed Foods

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 500 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Processed foods, including ultra-processed ones, are not necessarily as harmful as many people claim.
  2. Industrial food processing has greatly expanded food access and safety and has reshaped public health for the better.
  3. Totally purging processed foods or chasing a strict "eat clean" ideal won’t magically solve diet problems and can leave people worse off; some processed items (like canned pumpkin) are simply practical and useful.

Big Food Is Killing Our Children

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 524 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Food Industry
  1. Big Food and government-backed policies have prioritized profit over kids' health, pushing unhealthy foods that contribute to rising childhood obesity.
  2. The problem is large and growing: obesity rates in children have nearly quadrupled since the 1970s, about 36% of kids are overweight or obese, and roughly one in four teenagers now has type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
  3. Even though the U.S. spends more on health care than any country, Americans are getting sicker with falling life expectancy and more chronic disease, and many parents no longer trust public health experts, fueling calls for change.

How Chinese Students Transformed British Chinatowns

Vittles • 143 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Large numbers of Chinese international students have transformed UK towns and cities by creating demand for regional Chinese restaurants, bubble tea shops, and bigger Asian supermarkets, effectively building new, student-centered Chinatowns outside traditional urban enclaves.
  2. Delivery apps, dark kitchens, and mainland brands now do much of the organising work that Chinatowns used to do, letting students access familiar food and ingredients online and enabling restaurants to scale without relying on a single neighbourhood hub.
  3. Economic shifts—post‑Brexit stagnation, China’s slowdown and pandemic effects—have tightened student spending and made the boom fragile, while changing international student demographics mean other cuisines could shape local high streets next.

To Slay, or Not to Slay?

Vittles • 259 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Many companies do token Pride gestures and ask for rainbow-themed bakes that are often cheap and generic. That forces queer bakers to choose between enabling pinkwashing or turning down business.
  2. Mainstream media and brands prefer sanitized versions of queerness, which makes bold or sexual queer expression risky and complicated. Visibility matters, but it often comes with rules and limits on how queer people can present themselves.
  3. Queerness can be a source of community, resilience, and creativity in the kitchen, helping queer chefs bond and push back against discrimination. Many queer bakers insist on setting their own terms—prioritising authenticity, quality, and fair pay over making stereotypical Pride products.
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Can you trust Michelin?

Vittles • 148 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. A Michelin star doesn't guarantee good food—restaurants can use cheap ingredients, pair flavors poorly, or botch execution so dishes taste disappointing or even inedible.
  2. The Michelin inspection system can be inconsistent: with few inspectors and infrequent reinspections, ratings sometimes reflect individual mistakes or taste rather than reliable, up‑to‑date quality.
  3. Economic pressures and business incentives lead some kitchens to cut corners or mark up low‑cost ingredients, so some lower‑rated or unstarred restaurants may actually offer better produce and cooking than starred ones.

Call for Pitches: ‘The Influencers’

Vittles • 136 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. A print magazine is commissioning an issue called “The Influencers” that explores how economic, sociopolitical, cultural and interpersonal forces — from algorithms and influencers to trade deals and corporations — shape what we produce, buy and eat.
  2. They want original, tightly argued work across forms (reported features, essays, interviews, data visualisations and shorter dispatches) on topics like the economics and aesthetics of influencing, product R&D, trade, climate and small‑scale local power.
  3. Pitches are due by Jan 9 and should be sent by email; the publication pays set rates (for example around £800 for a 2,000–2,500 word reported piece, ~£600 for 1,500–2,000 word opinion pieces, or roughly 40p/word for shorter pieces) and aims to reply by early February.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 79

Why is this interesting? • 241 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. GLP-1 drugs are changing how people eat and feel about themselves, with some surprising new cravings emerging.
  2. Lufthansa has created a special cocktail that can only be enjoyed at high altitudes, adding a unique flair to their flights.
  3. The last penny has been minted because it's too costly to make, prompting retailers to rethink how they handle small change.

Horny, Horny, Produce

Snaxshot • 399 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Embracing the sensuality of food can lead to a deeper connection with what nourishes us, shifting away from mindless consumption to a more mindful indulgence.
  2. The rise of food porn and product porn reflects a generation seeking instant gratification and using visual cues to signal interests, while also exploring a deeper connection with global cuisines and flavors.
  3. Curation, akin to edging, allows for delayed gratification and enhances the experience by immersing oneself fully through all senses, ultimately extending and heightening the pleasure of consumption.

A Closer Look at the 2026 U.S. Food Guidelines

Experimental Fat Loss • 77 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Food Industry
  1. The 2026 U.S. dietary guidelines emphasize "eat real food" and cut back on ultra-processed foods. They stop demonizing saturated fat and explicitly include full-fat dairy and traditional fats like butter and tallow.
  2. The guidelines push prioritizing protein (about 1.2–1.6 g/kg), which will likely nudge people from processed, seed‑oil‑heavy foods toward more meat and dairy and may help population health, though some individuals do better with lower protein.
  3. Because government guidance shapes hospital, school, military, and packaged food choices, this shift could meaningfully reduce seed oil use and change what Americans actually eat, making the institutional impact as important as the individual advice.

Nothing Better About These Buns

Snaxshot • 399 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. There is controversy surrounding Better Brand's product misrepresentation, causing disappointment among customers and raising questions about company integrity.
  2. The company's growth and valuation do not seem to align with the quality of its products, leading to skepticism and disappointment among consumers.
  3. Issues like false advertising in the food industry showcase a disconnect between company growth goals and product quality, emphasizing the importance of maintaining honesty and quality in consumer products.

no. 82: intermittent industry

let them eat cake • 379 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Starting a pop-up business after a layoff is common for many people, leading to a mix of traditional and innovative products.
  2. Working in the food industry can be seen as both a necessity and an aspirational choice, impacting various communities.
  3. Traditional food practices like making kueh are facing challenges from modernization, impacting the taste and availability of culturally significant dishes.

GenZ's Not Buying Kylie's RTD?

Snaxshot • 359 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Kylie Jenner's RTD drink faced skepticism from Gen Z due to brand expansion into various products.
  2. Consumers are increasingly drawn to premium pet pantry items, indicating a rise in spending on pets.
  3. Food and beverage industry trends include the popularity of status chips, innovative toothpaste flavors, and the emergence of blood sugar-friendly products.

221 | The Worst and Weirdest Food Frauds of 2025 |

The Rotten Apple • 42 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. A food-safety newsletter grew its audience in 2025 and plans to keep offering more events, resources, podcasts and curated content in 2026.
  2. Food fraud in 2025 was widespread and often disgusting or dangerous. Examples included toxic chemicals on sprouts, heavily contaminated juice, recycled 'saliva oil', meat substitution, reprocessed expired cheese and illegal bushmeat.
  3. Regulators and law enforcement carried out seizures, arrests and large recalls, and ongoing alerts (like a major infant formula recall and stolen green coffee) show that businesses and consumers need to stay vigilant.

Emigh Lamb and Last of the Summer Tomatoes: A Recipe

illyanna Maisonet's Newsletter • 275 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. The Emigh family has been in the Solano County area since the 1800s, running Emigh Livestock and Emigh Lamb.
  2. Emigh Lamb raises Rambouillet/Suffolk cross lambs in dry hill ground, ensuring quality through breeding and feeding practices.
  3. The Emigh Lamb and Last of the Summer Tomatoes recipe includes ingredients like lamb, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, and spices for a flavorful dish.

replacement lunch

let them eat cake • 199 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Differences in wages reflect societal values on labor, education, and automation.
  2. AI technology is changing the landscape of job application processes and the value of labor.
  3. The intrinsic value of human expertise in activities like cooking may not be easily replaceable by machines.

three things

let them eat cake • 179 implied HN points • 04 Jan 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. The author is working on a book about Singaporean food and food culture and is seeking ideas and input from readers.
  2. A shortage of semiconductors causing a slowdown in car manufacturing led to unexpected consequences like a shortage of Haribo gummi bears due to gelatin from leather manufacturing.
  3. The Superiority Burger cookbook offers high-spirited food recipes designed for manufacturability, regardless of one's stance on meat eating.

David Tran and Sriracha's $1B+ Journey

SatPost by Trung Phan • 95 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Food Industry
  1. David Tran, a Vietnamese refugee, transformed a simple chili sauce recipe into a $1B brand called Sriracha. He started with just some hidden gold bars after fleeing Vietnam.
  2. Sriracha became popular without traditional marketing, relying on word of mouth and maintaining a simple production process. The brand does not spend much on ads and has no sales team.
  3. Despite facing challenges in supply and competition, Tran remains focused on his original recipe and is not concerned about trademarking 'Sriracha.' He believes in keeping the sauce spicy and authentic.

Date on the Calendar, Where Our Food Comes From, Advice About Advice

Austin's Analects • 19 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Having a specific date on the calendar for a goal increases the likelihood of actually achieving it.
  2. Most of the food Americans eat is produced by big corporations, which can be harmful. Support local food sources and communities for better health.
  3. When taking advice, prioritize personal stories and insights from people you admire or aspire to be like over generic advice.

trying too hard

let them eat cake • 99 implied HN points • 27 Apr 22
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Making canelé can be challenging, with a high failure rate due to various factors. Even professional kitchens face similar struggles.
  2. Troubleshooting with different methods like batter consistency and resting time may not always work. Sometimes a simple change like adjusting the oven temperature can make a big difference.
  3. Persistence and experimentation are key in overcoming cooking challenges. Trying new approaches, even if they seem unconventional, can lead to success.

🐟 Food Find Friday - Dec 8, 2023

Mister Branzino's Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. People are opting to eat from hot bars at grocery stores more than at restaurants due to the macro-economy, so cooking at home can be a good money-saving option.
  2. National Cookie Day was celebrated last week, and there's a delicious peanut butter cookie recipe featured that's worth trying.
  3. Food & Wine's 2023 Holiday Gift Guide is recommended for Christmas shopping, with gift ideas like the Yeti Rambler being appealing. Still enough time to get gifts.

197 | STEC On The Rise? | Insider Warning: Sugar Adulteration! |

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. STEC infections are at a record high in Europe, but some of this might be due to better testing methods that can catch more cases.
  2. The most affected groups are young children and the elderly, who represent most of the serious cases and fatalities related to STEC.
  3. Preventing STEC infections still relies on good hygiene practices and proper cooking, as the sources of the bacteria in food and water have not changed.

Issue #92 | Mystery Toxin Solved? | Food Scientists are 'Baddies'? (Join the Conversation) | Sanitising Harvest Equipment |

The Rotten Apple • 42 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Mystery toxin in tara flour was possibly identified by toxicologists after causing numerous illnesses.
  2. Food scientists may contribute to making highly processed foods addictive, but the blame lies with the profit-driven food industry.
  3. Cleaning and sanitizing harvest equipment, especially for raw vegetables, is crucial for preventing foodborne illness outbreaks.

Food Safety News and Resources | December

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. There have been cucumber recalls in the USA and Canada due to salmonella cases, affecting many people. It's important to stay updated on food recalls to stay safe.
  2. A previous recall of green onions was canceled because it was a lab error. This shows how crucial it is to confirm results before acting on food safety alerts.
  3. Recent tests found harmful substances like PFAS in fish and cadmium in tomatoes. These findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of our food sources.

Issue #85 | Risk Management Science vs Politics | Wasabi Fraud | Synbio and HFSS Foods Explained | Goats Eating Tomatoes |

The Rotten Apple • 42 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Risk management in food safety is more of a political process than a scientific one.
  2. Most wasabi paste we consume is fake, made with horseradish, but still has antibacterial properties.
  3. Synthetic biology in food production and the term HFSS (high in fat, salt, sugar) are emerging concepts in food science.

166 | Salmonella Deep Dive | Anatomy of a Wine Theft |

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause sickness by invading the intestines after being consumed, often through contaminated food or water.
  2. There is a rising trend of food thefts where criminals use fake identities to trick food businesses into giving away valuable products without payment.
  3. Food safety is important; businesses should verify new buyers and suppliers to prevent buying stolen goods or falling victim to scams.

home cooking

let them eat cake • 59 implied HN points • 01 Oct 20
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Riverside County in California implemented a new bill allowing microenterprise home kitchen operations, potentially changing the food scene for self-employment and equitable employment.
  2. The bill aims to provide economic opportunities for groups like women, immigrants, and people of color by enabling home cooks to benefit independently from their labor.
  3. This bill shifts power away from large restaurant groups by empowering individual cooks to work for themselves and gain direct support from diners.

Well being - Cattle and Beef

Who is Robert Malone • 19 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. In the past, the USA faced a beef shortage resulting in high prices, leading to marketing campaigns like 'Beef, it's what's for dinner'.
  2. Currently, the US is experiencing another beef shortage, with factors like reduced cattle herds, farmer loss, and regulatory burdens influencing prices.
  3. Switching to a plant-based diet might not always be as healthy as it seems, as processed plant-based foods dominate the market and can contribute to health issues like obesity.

The worst dessert ever made

let them eat cake • 99 implied HN points • 27 Mar 19
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Orh Ngee, a Teochew dessert, can be polarizing due to its taste and texture.
  2. Using traditional cooking methods and specific ingredients are crucial in preparing Orh Ngee for the best flavor.
  3. Celebrity influence on economic decisions may not always align with the needs of the workers involved.

Jacket potatoes - a humbling story

The ZIPster • 17 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. The author rediscovered the joy of a simple jacket potato meal and its history, showcasing how food preferences can change over time.
  2. Recipe boxes with step-by-step instructions can offer variety and reduce food waste, making meal preparation easier for those not fond of cooking.
  3. The story also touches on the evolution of food trends, from the humble jacket potato shops to modern gourmet takes on this classic dish, reflecting changing consumer preferences.

What really drives food cravings

Julia Belluz • 10 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Food cravings are mostly due to a subconscious desire rather than just the pleasure of eating. It's about wanting to eat more than enjoying the taste itself.
  2. Cultural eating habits influence our relationship with food. In cultures that celebrate food as a social event, people tend to be healthier and eat less.
  3. Adding vitamins to processed foods could lead to overeating because they make the food seem more nutritious without actually being so. This might contribute to obesity and unhealthy eating patterns.

Holly O: MILK WARS

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Sep 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Food Industry
  1. The online world has seen the rise of alternative health communities questioning mainstream narratives.
  2. Seed oils, with contradictory health impacts, have become symbolic of discourses around health and modernity.
  3. There's a symbolic battle between dairy traditionalists and milk alternatives, reflecting deeper sentiments about food production and personal choice.

Meatless Future or Vegan Delusions? The Beyond Meat Valuation

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jun 19
💼 Business Food Industry
  1. Beyond Meat is leading the plant-based meat market, but competition from companies like Impossible Foods is growing. Both companies are focusing on taste and texture to attract meat-eaters looking for alternatives.
  2. Health concerns, environmental impact, and improved taste are pushing more people to try meatless options. These trends are likely to strengthen, leading to more growth in the meatless products industry.
  3. The meatless meat market is still relatively small compared to traditional meat. While it has potential for growth, it may take time to reach a significant share of the overall meat market.

162 | What's New in Food Safety Culture | Haphazard Analysis | Hairy Hot Dogs |

The Rotten Apple • 0 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Industry
  1. Food safety culture is evolving, with new best practices to help organizations improve their systems. It’s important for everyone involved in food safety to stay updated on these practices for better compliance.
  2. Hazard analysis needs to be taken seriously and done correctly. It should not just be a box-ticking exercise, but a thorough evaluation to protect public health.
  3. Data and evidence should guide food safety decisions. Using actual data can help assess risks better than arbitrary scoring methods.

#51: The sensible approach

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 0 implied HN points • 21 Oct 20
💼 Business Food Industry
  1. Building sustainable business models can help companies become more resilient in uncertain times. This means they’re better able to handle changes when they happen.
  2. Investing in long-term relationships with suppliers can lead to better products and prices. Businesses like Super 8 have found that working closely with growers has great benefits.
  3. A shift in mindset is necessary for companies to embrace new ways of doing business. Being open to change and innovation helps businesses build strength during tough times.