Welcome to FoodStuff October 1, 2025. Changing to a bi-monthly format as the weekly publication challenges my indolence. Info on many things – plastics, chemicals, microorganisms – that don’t belong in your body. And LOTS of alcohol, this week issue, interest likely driven by the state of the world. Enjoy!
MACRO
- Cardboard sales is a leading indicator of recession; they are in decline.
- In a year with more than a few food-borne illness outbreaks (plus Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) spreading), RFK JR.’s CDC has reduced their surveillance operation to just Salmonella and E. coli.
- Sushi. An American Tradition.
RETAIL AND CONSUMER
- An explosive development at Costco. Prosecco. The US bans Iranian diplomats from shopping there, probably because of all the bulk size nuclear technology there. Costco is also creating a VIP membership.
- The 10 most popular stores in the US>
- Jerry of Ben & Jerry’s quits over values and speech.
- Kroger predicts growth inflationary environment.
- Convenience stores beating the pants off QSR on breakfast. Perhaps the constant stream (!) of heavy sodas that Gen Z drink through the day. Meanwhile, 7-Eleven is turning Japanese.
RESTAURANTS AND FOODSERVICE
- US Foods and PFG exploring merger. Would make them #1, bigger than Sysco.
- Luckin arrives in the US to take on Starbucks. It’s at a bad time as the incumbent is adjusting. Stores are closing but the seats come back to Starbucks, as coffee prices approach an all-time high.
- Dickey’s BBQ in trouble, which I am frankly not surprised about.
- The cool kids are eating at 5, just like me.
- Bon Apetit apparently doesn’t understand that Mexico is part of North America. Also 20th Anniversary of Alinea.
- Don’t order Ribeye from Outback.
FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
- Beef has risen by 50% since 2020, a record; ranchers are delighted.
- More radioactivity, this time in spices.
- Oysters are great for rivers and oceans. Scientists are trying to revive them to historic levels. And they store carbon!
- Iowa has a severe nitrogen run off problem. There is a solution though, if only regulators would adopt it.
- It is not at all healthy to live near a CAFO (Consolidated Animal Feeding Operation). It’s not safe to be a migrant worker generally.
- This shouldn’t be a surprise but HPAI (Bird Flu) in milk destroyed by pasteurization. And so pasteurized milk is safe. But raw milk…
DRINKS
- It another sign of societal decline, Michelob Ultra is now the best selling beer in the US.
- Alcohol companies take on World Health Organization. But that doesn’t stop CEOs from fleeing the industry.
- Buckingham Palace sure likes its Gin.
- Whiskey production plummets as demand disappears.But maybe manufacturers are depressed because a $70 bourbon was named the worlds best.
- Trumps Tariffs are hurting domestic wine industry.
- The Margarita is a just about the offical drink of Los Angeles. A video on the crazy drinking culture of the Roaring 20’s.
- Split based cocktails. Other cocktails: The Jack Rose. An autumnal Whiskey Sour. The Cold Toddy The Penicillin. An Alpine Vesper. The Dovetail
FOODSTUFF October 1 LAGNIAPPE
- How healthy is Greek Yogurt?
- Lead leaching cookware. But perhaps there is an alternative for pans without forever chemicals. (And if you want to ruin your non-stick pan, here’s how you do it.)
- But microplastics are everywhere. Even in river dolphins.
- Why restaurant chefs still prefer gas over electric.
- Scientists ate a 50,000 year old Bison dug up from the permafrost. Shouldn’t we call this the tempafrost these days.