Patter Matters

The conversation around seed oils has shifted significantly in recent years. What was once a fringe concern has moved into mainstream food culture, driven by a growing body of research and a consumer base increasingly willing to read past the front of the package. The question is no longer whether seed oils deserve scrutiny. It is what to do about them practically — especially when it comes to packaged snacks, where seed oils are nearly ubiquitous. What Are Seed Oils? Seed oils are oils extracted from seeds through industrial processes. The list includes canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, safflower...

The energy bar market is crowded, loud, and largely dishonest. Walk the snack aisle at any grocery store and you will find bars that call themselves "real food," "clean," "whole food," and "natural" — often in large type on the front of the package. Turn the bar over. Read the ingredient list. The claims rarely survive contact with the label. This is a guide to what actually distinguishes a whole food energy bar from a product dressed up to look like one. The Standard: What "Whole Food" Actually Means A whole food ingredient is one that exists in nature and...

"Natural flavors" appears on more American food labels than almost any other ingredient. It is the second most common ingredient listed on packaged foods in the United States, trailing only salt. It is in your granola bar, your protein shake, your yogurt, and almost certainly in the energy bar sitting in your bag right now. Most people assume "natural" means something good. It does not. What "Natural Flavors" Actually Means The FDA defines natural flavors as substances derived from plant or animal sources that are used to add flavor to food. The definition sounds reasonable until you look at what...

Recent research has raised important questions about the safety of common food additives known as emulsifiers. These ingredients, which help create smooth textures in many processed foods, may pose more significant health risks than previously thought. What Are Emulsifiers? Emulsifiers are additives that help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water. They're commonly found in processed foods such as: Ice cream Salad dressings Margarine Baked goods Key Findings from the Research A comprehensive review of food additive research suggests that certain emulsifiers may: Disrupt the gut microbiome Potentially increase inflammation in the body Lead to metabolic changes...