Researchers from the University of Sydney have discovered significant gaps in the nutritional information provided on menu items across major online food delivery outlets in Australia. A study analysing these menus has highlighted a concerning absence of details that could help consumers make healthier food choices. In their investigation, which scrutinised 482 menus from UberEats, Menulog, and Deliveroo, the researchers found that “most advertised items are missing nutritional information that would otherwise help consumers make healthy choices”. Remarkably, “less than six percent of menus of food outlets on third-party online food delivery applications had complete kilojoule labelling.” This oversight persists…
Author: Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock is a seasoned journalist and editor with a deep passion for the culinary arts. With over two decades of experience in the world of food writing, Sam has become a distinguished voice in the industry, renowned for his insightful reviews, engaging storytelling, and unwavering commitment to highlighting the finest in gastronomy. As the Editor-in-Chief of Feast Magazine, he leads a dynamic team dedicated to exploring the diverse and ever-evolving culinary landscape. Sam's journey into food journalism began with a childhood fascination for cooking, inspired by his grandmother's kitchen where he first learned the magic of blending flavors and crafting delicious meals. This early love for food led him to pursue a degree in Journalism from the University of Leeds, where he honed his skills in writing and developed a keen eye for detail. Throughout his career, Sam has traveled extensively, tasting and documenting cuisines from around the world. His articles are known for their rich, vivid descriptions and his ability to convey the cultural contexts of the dishes he explores. Whether it's a hidden gem in a bustling city or a traditional dish in a remote village, Sam's work brings the reader right to the heart of the culinary experience. Under Sam's leadership, Feast Magazine has flourished, earning accolades for its in-depth features, exclusive interviews with top chefs, and comprehensive guides to the best dining spots. His editorial vision emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and authenticity in the culinary world, ensuring that the magazine not only entertains but also educates and inspires its readers. Beyond his professional achievements, Sam is an advocate for food education and sustainable practices. He frequently participates in panels, workshops, and community events, sharing his expertise and fostering a greater appreciation for the art of cooking and the importance of ethical food consumption. In his free time, Sam enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring local farmers' markets, and hosting dinner parties for friends and family. His personal blog, where he shares his culinary adventures and recipes, has a loyal following, further cementing his status as a trusted authority in the world of food. Sam Allcock's dedication to his craft and his genuine love for all things culinary make him a pivotal figure in food journalism, continuously inspiring and delighting food enthusiasts around the globe.
Starbucks is poised to introduce its Spicy Lemonade Refreshers beverages along with a new Spicy Cream Cold Foam across Canada, starting 16 April 2024. These seasonal offerings, available for a limited time this spring, promise to refresh with a twist. The Spicy Lemonade Refreshers line-up features three tropical flavours: Spicy Dragonfruit, Spicy Pineapple, and Spicy Strawberry. Each flavour combines the zest of lemonade with a unique spicy chilli powder blend, adding an invigorating kick to the sweet and tart beverage. The Spicy Strawberry variant melds the sweet flavours of strawberry and acai with lemonade, real strawberry pieces, and a spicy…
Danish Crown has resolved a legal dispute over greenwashing allegations by committing to refrain from using deceptive terms regarding the pork giant’s environmental credentials. The case revolves around the marketing slogans “Danish pig is more climate-friendly than you think” and “climate-controlled pig”, which sparked criticism in 2021 from the Danish Vegetarian Association and the Climate Movement in Denmark campaign groups. Denmark’s Western High Court ruled in Danish Crown’s favor regarding the climate-friendly term in March. However, it found the “climate-controlled pig” phrase in violation of section five of the Danish Marketing Practices Act. Danish Crown has now taken further action…
PepsiCo has laid off employees at a snacks and crackers plant in Argentina, citing “challenging” macroeconomic conditions. The US giant has cut 36 of the nearly 400 jobs at the site in General Pueyrredón in Buenos Aires Province. When contacted by Just Food, sources at PepsiCo said the company “recognises that this decision is extremely difficult and will dedicate all its efforts to accompany this process with the greatest care and respect for its collaborators.” They said the decision was made “to ensure the long-term viability” of the company in Argentina in what they said is “a challenging economic environment,…
Quick-service US pizza franchise Stoner’s Pizza Joint has unveiled plans to open three new franchised stores in Florida. The launch next month will see new locations in Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and St Augustine. All will offer dine-in, take-out and full delivery. Since its establishment in 2013, Stoner’s Pizza Joint has been a delivery and takeout-focused concept. All food is prepared using proprietary recipes for the pizza dough, sauce and cheese blend. Stoner’s Pizza Joint is actively seeking new multi-unit operators across the US as it plans to open 100 units by the end of 2025. Stoner’s Pizza Joint president Scott…
Norway’s competition authority has reduced the proposed fines lodged against the country’s three largest retailers in a so-called “price hunting” episode. In a case dating back to 2020 and beyond, Norgesgruppen, Rema 1000 and Coop Norge have been given until 2 May to state their objections to the revised fines, which now total a preliminary Nkr4.9bn ($450.6m). Competition regulator Konkurransetilsynet imposed a combined Nkr21bn on the three retailers in 2020 following a 2018 investigation, which suggested they colluded to determine prices. “At the same time, the assessment of a possible restriction of competition by effect continues. The size of the…
Michael F. Finete assumed the role of chief executive officer of Mary’s Gone Crackers in July 2023. Since then, he has been laying the groundwork to propel the company towards growth, transitioning from being a category leader in a niche market to achieving greater scale in snacking and, more specifically, the better-for-you snack sector. Mary’s Gone Crackers specialises in manufacturing organic and gluten-free snacks, including crackers, cookies, and thins. Established in 2004, the company was acquired by Kameda Seika Co. Ltd., a Japanese firm with a US presence in Torrance, California, in 2013. Finete joined the company following successful stints…
The latest iteration of the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) Food and You 2 survey, conducted between April and July 2023, reveals a notable increase in respondents’ worries regarding the affordability of food, marking the highest level since the survey’s inception. Wave 7 of the survey uncovered that 55% of individuals across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland expressed being ‘highly concerned’ about the affordability of food, up from 48% in Wave 5, which coincided with the same period in 2022. A staggering eighty percent of respondents acknowledged having adjusted their eating habits in the past 12 months due to financial constraints.…
McCain Foods of Canada, renowned for its French fries, has successfully acquired Strong Roots, an Irish enterprise specialising in plant-based frozen foods. This acquisition, the financial details of which remain confidential, follows the 2021 announcement where McCain had initially purchased a minority share in the company. Established in Dublin in 2015 by Chief Executive Samuel Dennigan, Strong Roots offers an assortment of products such as Cauliflower Hash Browns, Mixed Root Vegetable Fries, and Sweet Potato Fries. The company’s offerings are available across several markets, including Ireland, the UK, and the USA. Back in 2021, McCain made a $55 million investment…
China’s leading infant formula company, Feihe, has reported a significant downturn in profits, attributing the decline to the nation’s decreasing birth rates. Feihe, which is listed in Hong Kong and commands an estimated 17% of China’s infant formula market, experienced a downturn in its 2023 revenues, “primarily due to [the] low birth rate in China and high competitive pressure in the industry”. The firm’s annual profit fell to 3.29 billion yuan, a 33.5% decrease from 2022. Gross profits were also down by 9.2% at 3.29 billion yuan ($455.1m), with revenues dropping 8.3% to 19.53 billion yuan. Having issued a profit…