Flavor and Wellness

Usda

5 articles

A close-up view of a watermelon's edible rind, highlighting its texture and potential nutritional value with subtle data overlays.
Nutrition

USDA Adds Watermelon Rind Nutrition Data to Food Database

The USDA FoodData Central now includes an official nutrition profile for raw watermelon rind, revealing it contains fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.

Ryan Patel·August 6, 2026
A cafeteria serving line with unappealing trays of pasta, highlighting the cooling market for plant-based protein pasta despite institutional efforts.
Nutrition

Plant-Based Protein Pasta Market Cools Despite Meat Alternative Hopes

Pulse industry leaders are petitioning the USDA to approve pulse-based pasta and flours for school meals, a strategic push to integrate plant-based protein into institutional settings.

Ryan Patel·July 9, 2026
Diverse group of elementary school students enjoying healthy, colorful meals in a sunlit, modern school cafeteria.
Nutrition

USDA Sets New Nutrition Standards for K-12 School Meals

In October 2025, U.S. school districts served nearly 75 million breakfasts and lunches. Yet, only 12 jurisdictions (24%) fully align with federal health recommendations for these meals, reports the Ce

Ryan Patel·May 30, 2026
A well-stocked grocery store aisle with fresh produce, representing the USDA's new SNAP retailer food requirements for healthier options.
Nutrition

USDA Issues New SNAP Retailer Food Requirements for Healthier Options

Since January 2024, the U.

Ryan Patel·May 8, 2026
A diverse group of Americans with empty plates, symbolizing food insecurity, with a blurred USDA building in the background.
Nutrition

USDA's Food Security Efforts Fall Short, Data Shows

In 2024, 47.9 million Americans lived in food-insecure households, a stark reality that contrasts sharply with the USDA's public assurances of progress. This figure confirms a persistent challenge: a

Ryan Patel·May 2, 2026