Mr.Beast 🍔, Trader Joes 🍫, Agriculture Innovation 🚜

ENTERTAINMENT

Mr. Beast viral TikTok dining concept

Virtual Dining Concepts, known for launching MrBeast Burger, has introduced a new ghost kitchen called Creators’ Kitchen As Seen on TikTok, delivering viral TikTok food creations directly to consumers.

This initiative offers a range of internet-famous dishes, such as the Emily Mariko salmon rice bowl, pasta chips, baked feta pasta, and more, catering to those who prefer not to cook at home. Operating in over 100 locations across 32 states, including in the Bay Area, the menu focuses on Italian-inspired items like baked feta pasta, pasta chips and dip, chopped Italian sandwiches, fried lasagna, and creamy shrimp scampi pasta. Each dish credits the TikTok user who created the recipe, supporting creators by licensing their dishes and paying for promotions.

Despite a lawsuit and counter-suit situation with MrBeast, Virtual Dining Concepts continues to expand, collaborating with celebrities to offer a diverse range of culinary experiences. However, the reception to Creators’ Kitchen's offerings has been mixed, with reviews varying from positive to criticisms over pricing, such as the baked feta pasta being deemed overpriced at $16 by some users who argue the dish can be made at home for less.

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FOODIE SOPTLIGHT

50 Reasons to Love Trader Joe's

The article lists the 50 best products to buy at Trader Joe's, showcasing a mix of seasonal favorites, new products gaining popularity, and long-standing cult favorites that keep customers coming back.

1. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: A fan-favorite that won the Sweet Treat title in the 2021 Annual Customer Choice Awards, combining the timeless duo of peanut butter and dark chocolate.

2. Teeny Tiny Avocados: Perfectly sized for single servings, these mini avocados address the common issue of unused halves going bad, ensuring no more wasted avocados.

3. Everything But The Leftovers Seasoning Blend: A seasoning that mimics the flavors of Thanksgiving, adding a festive touch to leftovers with ingredients like dehydrated onion, sea salt, turmeric, rosemary, thyme, and sage.

4. Stir Fried Garlicky Cabbage: A new frozen vegetable side dressed with savory soy glaze and sliced garlic, quickly becoming a top pick for a filling dish.

5. Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit: Praised for its vinaigrette, this salad kit is recommended with salmon for a satisfying meal.

6. Mediterranean Style Hummus: Among various hummus flavors, this classic version stands out for its rich, creamy texture, enhanced by a drizzle of olive oil, pine nuts, and herbs.

7. Green Goddess Seasoning Blend: Inspired by the popular green goddess dressing, this seasoning is a hit for dishes like avocado toast, adding a zesty lemon flavor.

8. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese: A consistent best-seller known for its distinct taste that surprises and delights, making it a must-have for cheese plates.

9. Garlic Achaar Sauce: A versatile spiced sauce that can enhance rice, chicken, soups, or hamburgers, offering a taste of Indian spices.

10. French Onion Macaroni & Cheese: A gourmet twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring Swiss cheese, sweet roasted onions, and crunchy croutons for an indulgent comfort food experience.

These items represent the diversity and creativity of Trader Joe's offerings, from snacks and seasonings to meals and sides, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

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RECIPES

Kansas City Chiefs Dietitian's Leslie Bonci's Cooking Hacks for Picky Athletes

Leslie Bonci, the NFL dietitian for the Kansas City Chiefs, employs clever cooking hacks to incorporate essential nutrients into meals without compromising on taste, especially for picky eaters like high-performing athletes and children.

1. Blend Beans into Sauces: Bonci enhances pasta sauces and dishes like cioppino and mac and cheese with blended beans for added protein and fiber, making the meal more nutritious while keeping the familiar flavors intact.

2. Bulk Up Meatballs with Lentils and Vegetables: By adding lentils or shredded vegetables to homemade meatballs, Bonci increases their nutritional value without altering the taste, offering a balanced meal that still appeals to the palate.

3. Combine Foods, Don't Replace: She suggests adjusting meal ratios rather than making drastic changes, such as mixing in some healthier alternatives with favorite foods to gradually introduce more nutrients.

4. Add Roasted Chickpeas to Popcorn: For an extra protein and fiber boost, Bonci mixes roasted chickpeas with popcorn, maintaining the snack's satisfying crunch and taste.

5. Mix Pumpkin Purée into Oatmeal: Utilizing canned pumpkin year-round, Bonci adds it to oatmeal along with pumpkin pie spice for a nutritious, low-calorie addition that requires no prep.

6. Use Pre-prepared Ingredients for a Balanced Meal: To save time without sacrificing nutrition, Bonci combines packaged foods with healthy additions, like adding beans and Greek yogurt to packaged soup, creating a creamy, nutritious meal quickly and easily.

These hacks not only cater to the nutritional needs of athletes but are also practical for anyone looking to make their meals healthier without extensive cooking time or radically changing their diet.

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FOOD DOLLAR

Key Performance Indicator

The global gluten-free foods and beverages market is poised for notable growth, projected at a CAGR of approximately 8.4% during the forecast period. This growth is largely driven by the increasing prevalence of celiac disease and a growing trend among athletes towards gluten-free products. Here are some key insights from the report:

• Prevalence of Celiac Disease: In the US, celiac disease affects about 1 in 133 people, amounting to at least 3 million Americans. In the UK, the condition affects 1 in 100 people, marking a rise from 24% in 2011 to 30% in 2015. The incidence is also on the rise in Asia-Pacific regions, including India and China.

• Market Drivers: The necessity to avoid gluten for those with celiac disease is a primary driver. Gluten-free diets help improve symptoms, heal and prevent further damage to the small intestine. However, such diets may lack essential nutrients like calcium, fiber, and iron, and gluten-free foods can be more expensive, which could restrain market growth.

• Market Segmentation: The market is segmented into food and beverages, with food products including bakery, pizza and pasta, cereals, savory and snacks, and more. Beverages encompass alcoholic beverages, juices, soft drinks, and others. Distribution channels include specialty stores, supermarkets/hypermarkets, online retail stores, drug stores, and pharmacies, with online retail stores expected to witness significant growth.

• Regional Outlook: North America leads the market due to high awareness and the prevalence of gluten sensitivity. The market is also segmented into Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW).

• Market Players: Key players include Kraft Heinz Co., Hain Celestial Group, Inc., General Mills, Inc., Conagra Brands, Inc., and Kellogg Co. These players focus on strategies like mergers & acquisitions, product launches, and collaborations to capture market share. For example, Kraft Heinz's acquisition of Primal Nutrition, LLC, underscores a focus on condiments, sauces, and dressings that are free of soy, gluten, dairy, and grains.

The report emphasizes the potential for growth in the gluten-free market, driven by health concerns and dietary preferences. It also highlights the challenges, such as potential nutrient deficiencies and higher costs, and opportunities presented by rising consumer preference and product innovation.

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AGRICULTURE, SCIENCE, AND TECH

Agriculture Innovation is on the way

Opportunities for Innovation

1. Industry 4.0 and Digital Agriculture: Embracing the fourth industrial revolution opens up new avenues for innovation in food production, from smart farming to AI-driven food processing. Educators have the opportunity to lead in these areas by incorporating relevant technologies into their programs.

2. Partnerships with Industry: Stronger collaborations between academia and the food industry can enhance educational programs through internships, joint research projects, and real-world problem-solving. These partnerships can also provide students with valuable insights into industry needs and trends.

3. Global Education Networks: Establishing global networks among FST&E institutions can foster knowledge exchange and collaborative research, addressing global food challenges more effectively. These networks can also facilitate student and faculty exchanges, enriching the educational experience.

4. Online and Blended Learning: The post-COVID-19 era has accelerated the adoption of online and blended learning formats. These platforms offer flexibility, access to a broader range of resources, and the ability to reach a wider audience, including lifelong learners and professionals seeking to update their skills.

5. Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Curriculum: Incorporating entrepreneurship and innovation into FST&E programs can empower students to become leaders in creating sustainable food solutions. Courses that focus on developing business skills, alongside technical expertise, can prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving industry.

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