SILK® Protein in a Nutshell

Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Registered Dietitian Updated April 24, 2024 The plant-based non-dairy industry grew by 15% from 2019 to 2020, an additional 6% from 2020 to 2021, and 11% from 2021 to 2022.(1) In a survey conducted in 2022 of 1217 consumers -(1) 71% consume and purchase only dairy products […]

Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods: Reading Beyond the Headlines

Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Registered Dietitian Updated April 16, 2024 Processed and ultra-processed foods are common headliners in terms of health-related topics. Concerns for consuming processed foods include heart disease, cancer, type-2 diabetes, and obesity.   A sample size of 105,159 participants ages 18-years and older  in Europe were observed over […]

Rotisserie Chicken: Meals Made Simple

Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Registered Dietitian Updated April 15, 2024 It is estimated that 625 million rotisserie chickens were sold in 2020.(1)    A consumer analysis on rotisserie chicken published in 2020 by Brisan Group reports -(2) Main purchasing factor is convenience Consumers view rotisserie chicken as a healthy, high-protein option […]

Yogurt: Not Just for Breakfast or Snacking

Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Registered Dietitian Updated April 11, 2024 According to a consumer analysis on yogurt consumption in 2023 published by TasteWise -(1) 14,61% increase in restaurants serving yogurt Most important trait for yogurt purchasing is protein content An additional survey by Food Dive in 2021 reported -(2) 48% of consumers buy […]

Pork Up Your Nutrition

Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Registered Dietitian Updated April 9, 2024 Heart-Healthy Choice Pork is certified heart healthy by the American Heart Association.   For a food item to earn the certification by the American Heart Association, at least 5 nutrient criteria must be met -(1) Total Fat: less than 6.5 grams […]

Let’s Get to Soy

Soy beans with their pods

Written by Andrew Akhaphong,, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Registered Dietitian                                                                                            […]

Keeping Off Weight – Is Keto Right for Me?

ketogenic diet

Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered Dietitian Published 12/08/2023 According to a survey conducted in 2022 by Forbes Health/OnePoll on 1,005 adults in the United States, the top New Year’s Resolutions are improving mental health (45%), improving fitness (39%), achieve weight loss (37%) and improving diet (33%). (1) In 2023 […]

RD Choice – Barilla® Pasta

Guest Writer – Garrett Peacy, Dietetic Intern, University of Minnesota School of Public Health Nothing is “impastable”. Take advantage of this great deal on Barilla®, your Dietitian’s Choice this week June 2nd thru June 8th on 2 for $3.00 on select varieties. Overview of Pasta Pasta comes in many different forms and there is a type for […]

Culinary Corner – Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake Mushrooms | Shutterstock

The shiitake mushroom is native to Asia and is one of the most cultivated mushrooms globally; grown on decayed wood. Approximately 83% of shiitake mushroom production is through Japan. One will often find them in Asian dishes, but shiitake mushrooms have recently became a spotlight as a protein source in the vegan and vegetarian lifestyle. […]

All About Organic and Organic Agriculture

Image Source: Tom Werner / Getty Images Organic or conventional? Those are two most common choices consumers ask me to help guide them towards which is better for nutrition, but especially overall health. In all honesty, there is no correct answer and it should be left to interpretation on which a consumer should do. Some […]