Would you pay 780$ for These Strawberries?

Produce prices may be high, but Ikigai Fruits redefines luxury. This retailer ships premium Japanese fruits—like flawless strawberries, oranges, and melons—to the U.S., with prices reaching $128 per pack. Vibrant strawberries start at $89 for 500 grams, while the millennial pink Pearl White variety costs $128 per pack. A 27-strawberry variety set goes for $780. Revered in Japan for seasonality and gifting, these meticulously cultivated fruits, including hand-pollination and quality checks, are as much about artistry as taste. Worth it? That’s up to your budget.

 

Air Could Create the Future of Protein

Over the past 20 years, alternative protein innovations have surged to create a sustainable food system for a growing global population. Solar Foods’ Solein, a mustard-colored powder, offers a revolutionary solution: protein made from air. Using microbes fermented with carbon dioxide and hydrogen from water, Solein eliminates the need for arable land, drastically reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint. Its production requires minimal resources, emitting just 1% of meat’s greenhouse gases and 10% of plant-based proteins’. Solar Foods hopes this efficient, eco-friendly protein will reshape the future of food, providing a sustainable option without relying on plants or animals.

Oranges Weren’t Always Orange…We Oranged It!

Oranges weren’t always orange. Originating in the Himalayas 8 million years ago, early oranges came in various colors, like yellow and green, resembling lemons and pomelos. Selective breeding since the 16th century standardized their orange hue and sweet flavor. Fun fact: Oranges turn orange in cooler climates but stay green in warm regions. The name “orange” predates its use as a color!

The Worst Viral Trends of 2024 (according to Food& Wine Magazine)

Last year brought a slew of viral food trends, but not all were winners. Pesto eggs ruined delicate herb flavors by frying them, while one-pot pasta in the oven led to unevenly cooked noodles. Cottage cheese ice cream lacked the creamy texture of the real thing, and miniature fried eggs were both unsafe and impractical. Even the beloved baked feta pasta fell short, offering an overwhelmingly salty and grainy sauce. While some trends dazzled, others reminded us that not every culinary hack is worth trying.

Doritos Aims To Please Gen Z’s

Doritos introduces Golden Sriracha, a bold new chip flavor blending tangy and sweet notes from yellow and green Sriracha. “This new flavor puts a bold twist on Gen Z’s favorite hot sauce,” said Tina Mahal, PepsiCo Foods VP. Designed to elevate fan-favorite flavors, it promises to become a pantry staple alongside classic Sriracha sauce.

Kodiak and Zac Efron Cook Up Sweet Magic

Kodiak and Chief Brand Officer Zac Efron teamed up to launch limited-edition Apple Brown Sugar Pecan Oatmeal, packed with chia and pumpkin seeds. “My goal was to create an oatmeal that’s delicious and good for you,” said Efron. Available exclusively at Walmart, a portion of sales supports wildlife preservation.

 

Milano (Cookies) Goes White

Milano introduces a first-ever white chocolate cookie line with three flavors: Lemon, Strawberry, and Coconut White Chocolate. Combining creamy white chocolate with vibrant fruit flavors, these cookies offer a refreshing twist. “Creamy white chocolate allows us to deliver more bright, vibrant flavor profiles for a first-of-its-kind Milano experience worth savoring,” said Ama Auwarter, VP of bakery and cookies. Now available nationwide for $5.09.

Valentine’s Ready

With Valentine’s Day approaching, M&M‘s is launching limited-edition Strawberries & Crème candies. Featuring pink and red shells, these treats are “bursting with creamy white chocolate and a dreamy strawberry twist.” This festive flavor is here to sweeten the season, perfect for romantic moments, Galentine’s Day, or sharing joy with others.