Latest news with #Tastewise
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Is cottage cheese really healthy? Four key minerals that make it a unique dairy staple
Image credits: Getty Images One search on the internet can provide you with a queue of recipes that involve cottage cheese. From sandwiches to salads and even pizzas, this dairy staple has had quite a journey from being an ignored to a favoured condiment. According to Tastewise , in 2024, the cottage cheese sales increased by 9.2% globally, with the North American market accounting for a majority of the growth. It has been the most popular ingredient in salads, followed by toasts, cakes, pancakes and ice creams. And it's going viral for being a good source of protein, a snack, for fitness, meal prep and clean eating. The craze for the dairy staple is only expected to increase. Know more about this popular and trending dairy product below! What is cottage cheese? Image credits: Getty Images Cottage cheese is a fresh, unripened cheese that is loved for its mild and tangy flavour. The dairy product is prepared by curdling milk with an acid or enzyme and then taking the solid parts after they have left behind the liquid, known as whey. After this, the solid parts, called curds, are separated, drained and seasoned with salt and creamy dressing to give it its signature texture. Its freshness and liquid retention that produce a lighter flavour make it a unique condiment. Four key minerals that make cottage cheese healthy Image credits: Getty Images A 1/2 cup of cottage cheese provides about 12-15 g of protein with less than 100 calories to burn. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn More - How Donating Sperm May Boost Your Income SpellRock Undo For people trying to lose weight, build muscle or tackle conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, the dairy staple is an excellent option with high protein and low calories and carbs. "Cottage cheese is packed with protein, which helps your body build and fix tissue, keeps you feeling full and supports muscle growth," said Kristen Smith, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, to USA TODAY. Cottage cheese is also rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are vital minerals for healthy bones, energy and DNA synthesis. It is also a good source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that is known for reducing inflammation and thyroid function, and vitamin B12, which is an important nutrient for red blood cell production and brain health. "Some types of cottage cheese (those made with live, active cultures) can also give you a boost of probiotics – the good bacteria that help keep your gut healthy," adds Smith. Should cottage cheese be a part of your everyday diet? Image credits: Getty Images Experts don't suggest making cottage cheese a part of your everyday diet. This is because it also contains fat and high sodium. While its fat can increase the bad cholesterol and risk of heart problems, the sodium, which is present in packaged cottage cheese, can also impact heart health.
Forbes
07-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
AI Brings Precision To The Future Of Sustainable Food Marketing
Food and consumer goods companies are rapidly embracing artificial intelligence to refine their green marketing strategies, as investments in sustainable food and branding are set to surge globally in the years ahead. By 2030, spending on sustainability-focused advertising could reach $225 billion annually, up from an estimated $75 billion today, according to Valentin Saitarli, CEO of AI technology firm PRAI Inc. 'Given rapid growth in global ad spend, coupled with growing regulatory demands, shifting consumer preferences and intensifying competition, we anticipate brands will dedicate 10–15% of their marketing budgets specifically to sustainability messaging by 2030,' says Saitarli. 'That would represent roughly $130–225 billion annually.' This shift comes at a time when sustainability is no longer just a niche concern. From multinational food companies to emerging plant-based startups, brands are racing to prove their green credentials, not only to meet compliance standards, but to capture the loyalty of a generation that equates sustainability with quality and ethics. Tastewise, an AI-driven consumer intelligence platform for the food sector, says that 'Brands that focus on sustainable practices— from eco-friendly packaging to ethical sourcing— are gaining favor with consumers. AI helps brands communicate these practices effectively by analyzing which sustainability messages resonate most with their target audience.' Behind the scenes, machine learning models scan millions of data points from social media, online reviews, recipe searches and product feedback to identify trends in real time. These insights allow brands to move beyond generic sustainability slogans, tailoring messages to the specific values of different consumer segments. Saitarli, who previously held roles at Apple and Infosys Knowledge Institute and now lectures on AI at Florida International University, says regulatory frameworks like the EU Green Claims Directive and evolving ESG disclosure rules in the U.S. are among the most powerful drivers of this shift. Valentin Saitarli, CEO of AI technology firm PRAI Inc. 'These new rules are pushing brands to increase transparency, with sustainability communication budgets expected to rise by as much as 25%,' he says, noting that this regulatory pressure is being amplified by growing consumer demand for accountability. Consumers Demand Transparency 'Consumer trends strongly support sustainable products, with studies consistently showing that the vast majority of Millennials and Gen Z consumers prefer brands committed to environmental responsibility,' says Saitarli. A survey produced by global strategic consulting firm, L.E.K. Consulting found that, globally, 93% of consumers now consider sustainability important to their lives and personal values— an increase of 6% since 2019. Clear labeling and packaging helps guide sustainable choices, with about half of consumers conveying willingness to pay more for sustainable food and beverage products. Tamsin Deasey Weinstein, a strategic advisor specializing in the application of AI across sectors and markets agrees that messaging is key. 'Consumers are no longer satisfied with vague claims about products being sustainable, healthy, or environmentally friendly,' she says. 'They want the facts.' This demand for transparency has become a key opportunity for marketers. According to a Tastewise survey on 'Consumer Perceptions of Food Branding in the Digital Age,' more than 85% of U.S. consumers value transparency claims that focus on environmental impact, versus other factors such as manufacturing process and product traceability. That desire for clarity is pushing companies to rethink not just what they say, but how they say it. In this landscape, responsiveness and authenticity matter more than ever. Clover Sonoma weaves sustainability into its brand, from USDA Organic and animal welfare ... More certifications to recyclable packaging that displays its environmental commitments. Behind the scenes, AI-powered tools like North Star Carbon Management and Samsara help the company track emissions and optimize delivery logistics and traceability— turning sustainability marketing into measurable action. Sustainable Food Storytelling And Experiences Research from Deloitte, cited by Saitarli, indicates that blending AI insights with human storytelling can boost consumer trust and brand engagement by up to 50%. The key, he said, is harnessing AI to create compelling narratives grounded in credible data— stories that resonate with consumers who increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility. When paired with human voices, such as farmers, supply chain workers or climate advocates, these tools can evoke both trust and empathy. This fusion of science and emotion is at the heart of a growing number of successful campaigns. A recent study found that emotionally charged storytelling can significantly boost consumer interest in sustainable chocolate. When over 2,000 participants viewed social media videos about cocoa production, those exposed to emotionally framed messages, highlighting issues like child labor and deforestation, were more willing to pay a premium for chocolate labeled as sustainably sourced. Companies are using generative AI to create immersive digital content, such as videos, social media stories or virtual experiences, that highlight sustainability messages. PepsiCo, for example, is turning recycling into an interactive experience through a new AI-powered initiative called Oscar Sort, developed in partnership with Intuitive AI. Installed above smart recycling bins, the playful system uses computer vision and real-time feedback to guide users on how to properly dispose of their waste, encouraging correct sorting through an entertaining, game-like interface. While promoting sustainability, the system also serves as a subtle but effective advertising tool: it reinforces PepsiCo's environmental values at the exact moment of product disposal. 'The stakes are particularly high in consumer packaged goods and retail sectors. Already, more than 40% of growth in these industries comes from sustainability-marketed products, and they could represent up to 30% of all green branding expenditures by 2030,' Saitarli notes. 'Giants like Unilever and Nestlé have started tapping AI tools to better target sustainability messages, a strategy that has yielded measurable gains in market share and consumer trust.' Unilever's in-house creative agency, U-Studio, is helping drive the company's sustainability agenda by using AI to power purpose-led marketing. By analyzing and reusing the most effective elements from past campaigns, U-Studio creates content that not only promotes sustainability but is itself more resource-efficient. The approach supports Unilever's wider goals of reducing environmental impact, encouraging responsible consumption, and advancing social good through smarter, tech-driven storytelling. AI is at the heart of this transformation that transcends traditional product promotion by weaving in storytelling, immersive experiences and advanced personalization. AI algorithms can segment audiences based on values, purchasing behaviors, location and even sentiment, allowing brands to deliver custom sustainability messages that feel relevant and trustworthy. Whether it's promoting regenerative agriculture practices to eco-conscious shoppers or highlighting plastic-free packaging to coastal communities, precision is key. According to Saitarli, 'Brands deploying AI-driven analytics and personalization platforms have seen their marketing effectiveness improve by around 40%. Advanced targeting helps engage eco-conscious consumers more precisely, boosting loyalty by 25–35%.' The Risk Of Greenwashing But as the push for green marketing accelerates, so too does the risk of greenwashing, where brands make exaggerated or false environmental claims. Here, AI can serve as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can process complex data across supply chains to verify sustainability claims, offering a powerful defense against credibility risks. On the other, without human oversight, AI tools alone could inadvertently amplify misleading narratives. Kantar's Sustainability Sector Index reveals that, while most consumers believe companies should address social (74%) and environmental (64%) issues, over half (52%) say they've encountered misleading claims about brands' sustainability efforts. This tension underscores the need for strong ethical frameworks in AI deployment. 'The balance between AI and human oversight is critical,' Saitarli warns. 'AI can process information up to 10,000 times faster than humans, but ethical behavior and emotional resonance remain essential to consumers. Brands that effectively integrate AI's precision with human judgment achieve significantly greater impact in their sustainability efforts.' Industry leaders are beginning to respond by embedding audit tools, third-party verification and review processes into their AI systems, ensuring that sustainability messaging is not just data-driven but also ethically sound. Researchers such as those at the Cognition, Narrative, and Culture Lab at Florida International University are developing advanced AI tools to identify disinformation campaigns that use narrative persuasion to influence public perception and behavior. Ultimately, Saitarli argues, companies that integrate AI effectively while maintaining transparency and ethical rigor will not only navigate rising scrutiny but also build lasting loyalty among consumers eager for brands that match their environmental values. 'Optimal integration of advanced analytics with authentic human input,' he said, 'will define the next generation of sustainable branding.'
Wall Street Journal
18-06-2025
- Health
- Wall Street Journal
Avoiding Seed Oils? Here, the Best Alternatives to Buy
America loves a dietary villain: saturated fat, salt, carbs, sugar and now, seed oils. That's right: The seemingly innocuous vegetable, canola, sunflower, safflower and grapeseed oils that have long stocked our pantries are moving up the list of public-health enemies. According to consumer insight firm Tastewise, 62% of consumers say they are avoiding canola and vegetable oils. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called seed oils 'one of the worst things you can eat.' Many nutritionists disagree, but that has not stopped restaurants and food companies from offering alternatives.
Axios
12-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Exclusive: Tastewise raises $50 million Series B
Tastewise, an AI-marketing platform for food and beverage companies, raised a $50 million Series B led by Telus Global Ventures, the company tells Axios Pro. Why it matters: Specialized, category-specific AI tools are raising money, even in an uncertain market. How it works: Tastewise uses generative AI to automate sales and marketing tasks for food and beverage companies, claiming to cut product launch times by 6-8 months. Mars, Kraft-Heinz, and PepsiCo are clients, the company says. What they're saying: " Specializing in an industry is the only way to actually be able to accelerate productivity and replace professional services," Tastewise CEO Alon Chen tells Axios. "Investors realize that, yeah, you can have generic, Gen-AI solutions but integrating them into your organization is a heavy lift," he says. Zoom in: The Series B round included Duo Partners, Peakbridge, Disruptive AI, and PICO. Chen says the company would use the money to invest in its AI capabilities and to expand further in North America, where 70% of the platform's customer base is. The round brings total funding to $72 million, but the company declined to share its valuation.
Forbes
18-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Are ‘The Munchies' Real? Cannabis, Science, Food & Flavor, Explained
What are the munchies—and why does weed increase appetite in such a specific, intense way? This ... More explainer breaks down the biology, cravings, and cultural meaning behind the foods we reach for when we're high. Yes, it's more than a meme. The 'munchies' effect—those sudden, often intense cravings for salty, sweet, or high-fat snacks after cannabis use—isn't just anecdotal. It's biological. According to a 2009 study in Nature Neuroscience, cannabis compounds activate the brain's endocannabinoid system, which heightens our senses of smell and taste. That sensory boost makes food more appealing and can override the body's natural signals of fullness. THC also promotes the release of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which further stimulates appetite and encourages food-seeking behavior. In short, weed doesn't just make you hungry—it makes food feel more vivid, more rewarding, and harder to resist. But it's not just about flavor. A 2019 study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that cannabis also increases dopamine activity in the striatum, the part of the brain that controls reward-seeking behavior. So the munchies aren't just a reaction—they're a reward loop. A full-body yes to whatever feels good, fast, and easy. That said, the effect isn't one-size-fits-all. Chronic cannabis use can alter how the reward system responds over time, and not all users experience the same intensity of dopamine-driven food desire. That might explain why cannabis-friendly food holidays like 4/20 have become unofficial showcases for fast-food indulgence. From extra-cheesy nachos to triple-patty burgers, the food isn't just functional—it's engineered to satisfy every level. The appeal is emotional as much as it is physical. A craving, yes—but also a comfort. Fast food and weed go hand in hand—but it's not random. When you get the munchies, you're looking ... More for comfort, ease, and something that hits all your flavor buttons fast. But the munchies don't happen in a vacuum. What we reach for when that craving hits is shaped by something else entirely: culture. And in 2025, that culture is increasingly fast, familiar, and available through an app. A recent Tastewise survey found that 75% of Americans eat fast food at least once a week. Among Gen Z and Millennials, nearly half say they're eating more fast food than they were just a year ago. Their top reasons? Cravings, comfort, and convenience. That trifecta is also the blueprint for a munchies meal. Salty. Satisfying. No prep required. So when 4/20 rolls around, it's not just a stoner holiday anymore. It's a high-demand food moment—one where brands can lean into what consumers are already doing when they're tired, overstimulated, or emotionally frayed: reaching for something hot, fast, and reliable. The munchies aren't just slang. From global health surveys to neuroscience labs, researchers are ... More treating cannabis-induced appetite as a serious behavior worth tracking. What used to be whispered about is now tracked in government databases. In the latest WHO Global School-based Student Health Survey, cannabis use is listed right alongside fast food, soda, and physical activity as a behavioral health metric. That might not seem groundbreaking on its face. But it points to a broader shift in how cannabis is framed—not as moral failure, but as measurable behavior. Not as deviance but as data. That shift matters. When public health frameworks start treating cannabis use the same way they treat food frequency or screen time, brands are quick to follow. Not with warnings—but with promotions. With late-night bundles. With stoner-safe snacks that feel more like self-care than vice. Who gets the munchies? Not just teens or stereotypes. With cannabis use up across Millennials and ... More Gen X, this appetite shift is changing the way we snack, crave, and connect to food. That normalization shows up in the numbers, too. According to Gallup, 16% of U.S. adults said they smoke marijuana in 2022—up from just 7% in 2013. That's a doubling in less than a decade, thanks to legalization, cultural softening, and a generational shift in what cannabis means. It's not just a niche anymore. It's mainstream. And fast food brands are watching. For Millennials and Gen Z—many of whom came of age alongside dispensary menus and infused gummies—4/20 doesn't feel transgressive. It feels like a craving calendar. And the brands lining up to feed it? They know it's not just about the weed. It's about what comes after. The bite. The hit. The relief. Cannabis cravings don't always lead to junk food—and they aren't always unhealthy. As brands race to ... More meet 4/20 appetites, they're missing how deeply personal the munchies can be. Cannabis users aren't fringe anymore—and brands know it. In recent years, everyone from Taco Bell to Jack in the Box to Fatburger has rolled out food and drink promotions that nod to the 4/20 crowd without saying the quiet part out loud. The strategy is familiar: bigger, bolder, cheesier. Add more sauces. Name it something slightly chaotic. Drop it after 10 p.m. And yes—it's working. According to a recent GlobalData survey, early findings show a potential rise in the consumption of savory snacks, chocolate, and confectionery, especially in North America. Unlike the energy drink space, where Gen Z dominates, these snack spikes are driven largely by older Millennials and Gen X. In other words, the munchies market isn't just younger—it's broader. And it's reshaping what indulgence looks like across demographics. The relationship between cannabis, appetite, and health isn't as linear as it looks. While cannabis clearly heightens cravings, studies suggest it isn't necessarily linked to obesity—and may even correlate with lower diabetes risk. That tension between indulgence and impact complicates the old narratives. The munchies aren't just about eating more. They might be about eating differently—or seeking out satisfaction on entirely different terms.
