Category: Food science

Aspartame, a synthetic sweetener widely used in diet products, was rebranded by its manufacturer as AminoSweet in the 2010s to give it a more 'natural' feel. This move followed years of public debate and consumer complaints regarding the additive's safety, with some suggesting a rebranding was an attempt to circumvent the controversy.

In recent years, the World Health Organization has strongly recommended limiting the intake of "free sugars" to less than 10% of total energy consumption due to links with obesity and chronic diseases. Understanding how sugar is classified—from its basic chemistry to its role in diet—is key to managing intake and improving overall health.

According to the Mayo Clinic, many sugar substitutes contain few or no calories and don't raise blood sugar levels. The sweet flavor in foods labeled "sugar-free" is achieved through these alternative ingredients, not standard table sugar. The science behind this sweet deception involves how these compounds interact with the taste receptors on our tongue, allowing us to enjoy the flavor without the added calories and carbohydrates of traditional sugar.

According to research, the main ingredient in hot chili peppers, capsaicin, is a potent agonist for the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel. However, capsaicin is just one of many dietary compounds found in various foods that can activate this important receptor, which is involved in sensing heat, pain, and regulating metabolic functions.

Despite their frequent appearance in the produce aisle, mushrooms are not botanically vegetables; they belong to a completely different kingdom of organisms known as Fungi. This distinction often causes confusion for home cooks and health-conscious individuals alike.

Globally, the market for low-sugar and no-sugar-added products continues to grow, with Greek yogurt being a major player. Oikos Triple Zero is a popular choice for those reducing sugar, promising zero added sugar, but many wonder how it maintains its sweet flavor without artificial ingredients.

Over 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, necessitating a strict gluten-free diet. For manufacturers to meet regulatory standards, it is crucial to understand precisely how is gluten measured in products to ensure safety and accurate labeling for consumers.

According to the USDA, sucrose in the form of raw sugar is an added sugar, providing extra calories to foods and beverages that didn't contain them previously. This fact calls into question the common perception that raw sugar is a clean ingredient, largely unprocessed and more wholesome than refined white sugar. The reality is far more complex, involving varying degrees of refinement and minimal nutritional benefits.

According to the National Institutes of Health, bananas frozen at peak ripeness can retain their nutritional value for months. However, simply refrigerating them is a different story. We'll explore the science behind how cold temperatures affect bananas and address the common question: Can refrigerating bananas affect their nutrients?

Over 3,000 years ago, soybeans were first domesticated in northeastern China, where they became a staple food. Today, this ancient legume is a cornerstone of plant-based diets, and the question remains: is soy a meat substitute? Yes, soy is an excellent, versatile meat substitute, offering a complete protein profile that rivals animal-based sources.