Posts

Showing posts from August, 2024

Uncovering the Best Nuts and Seeds for Protein 💪🌻

Image
I analyzed 53 products (with known nutrition facts as of August 26, 2024) in the Nuts & Seeds category of the India database on Open Food Facts, often referred to as the 'Wikipedia of food.' The data, sourced from Open Food Facts and subsequently cleaned, is available on GitHub in CSV format . You can also explore the curated dataset using the Flat Viewer tool . View, Sort, Filter the data in Flat Viewer In a market dominated by ultra-processed foods (UPFs), protein-rich nuts and seeds offer a healthier snacking alternative. Here are some of my findings - * Nuts & seeds fall under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) category 04 – Fruits and vegetables (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, fresh pulses and legumes, and aloe vera), seaweeds, and nuts and seeds, with the sub-category 04.1.2.2. It includes: Almond kernels Cashew kernels Pistachio nuts Peanuts/Groundnuts Walnut kernels Sunflower seeds * Chia Seeds are categorized under 6.1,

FSSAI Orders Removal of A1 & A2 Milk Labeling Claims

Image
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clarified regulations on labeling A1 and A2 milk and dairy products such as ghee, milk etc, stating that such differentiation based on beta-casein protein structure is misleading for milk fat products.  Source: Amul A1 and A2 milk differ in their beta-casein protein composition, which varies based on cow breed . FSSAI has instructed food business operators to remove A1 and A2 claims from their products and websites, as current food safety regulations do not recognize this distinction.  While companies have six months to exhaust pre-printed labels, they must comply with the new directive immediately, with no further extensions granted.

FANTAstically Sweet!

Image
The following infographic was shared on the Open Food Facts Slack forum: It illustrates the sugar content in 100ml of Fanta Orange across different European countries, emphasizing the variations in formulation. The map uses a color-coding system: green for less than 5g/100ml, yellow for 5-10g/100ml, and red for over 10g/100ml. Notable differences include low sugar levels (under 5g/100ml) in countries like the UK, Ireland, and Norway, while Central and Eastern European nations such as Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine show higher sugar levels (above 10g/100ml). Western Europe, including countries like France and Spain, falls in the moderate range with 5-10g/100ml. Can you guess the sugar content in the Indian version of Fanta? The Indian Fanta contains 13.7g of sugar per 100ml , surpassing countries like Bolivia (7.5g) , Bangladesh (12.74g) , and the US (12.1g) !

Food Additives: Hidden Dangers in Packaged Food

Image
Food additives are substances added to food to preserve its flavor or to enhance its taste, appearance, or other sensory attributes.  Some additives have been utilized for centuries to preserve food, such as vinegar for pickling, salt for curing, smoke for smoking, and sugar for crystallization.  These methods enable the preservation of foods like bacon, candies, or wines. With the rise of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in the latter half of the 20th century, numerous additives, both natural and synthetic, have been introduced.  Food additives also encompass substances that may be indirectly introduced to food during the manufacturing process, through packaging, or while in storage or transit, known as "indirect additives." Food additives can be broadly divided into the following categories: Category Description Common Examples Acidulants Confer sour or acid taste. ammonium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, vinegar, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, a

Perfume: The New Food Group?

Image
In a bizarre turn of events, perfume manufacturers have decided to ditch the traditional rose and lavender scents for something a little more...unconventional. Introducing "Eau De Pretzel" - the perfume that captures the essence of a warm, buttery, and slightly sweet handmade pretzel . Because who doesn't want to smell like a freshly baked snack all day? Auntie Anne's knead But wait, there's more! For those who prefer a scent that's a little more...mysterious, there's " Haute Tobacco " with a captivating blend of Cuban tobacco, amber, woods, and vanilla .   Source: Amazon, Neesh It's the perfect way to say, "I have refined tastes," without needing to light a cigar. What’s next, perhaps “Eau De Pizza” or “Bouquet of Bacon”? The possibilities are endless!

Nutty Numbers - The Scoop on India's Peanut Butter Brands 🥜🍯

Image
I analyzed 68 products (with known nutrition facts as of August 3, 2024) in the Peanut Butters category of the India database of Open Food Facts - the 'Wikipedia of food'. The data, which has been obtained from Open Food Facts and subsequently cleaned, is available on GitHub in CSV format . You can also view that curated dataset with the Flat Viewer tool .  View, Sort, Filter the data in Flat Viewer Here are my findings and fun facts I discovered - * Despite its name, peanuts are actually legumes, related to beans and peas. * Peanut butter is a great source of protein. Just two tablespoons (~30 grams) contain about 7 grams of protein, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and athletes. * Loved for its taste and nutritional value, peanut butter has become a pantry staple. No wonder, there are more than two dozen brands selling peanut butter including the following: 24 Mantra Organic Alpino Amul DiSano Dr. Oetker  Goody Healthkart Kissan Marco Muscle Blaze MYFITNESS Real He