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Showing posts from October 12, 2025

What shoppers should know about plastic-wrapped produce

By Johnita Anthony,
  MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Youdle) – Grocery shoppers are noticing more fruits and veggies wrapped in single-use plastic, and opinions are split. According to a Yahoo report, some shoppers appreciate the convenience and perceived freshness, while others worry about waste, cost and whether that thin layer actually protects produce. Stores are responding to preferences, but it’s helpful to know what to look for at the produce aisle. Here are practical points to keep in mind so your purchases match your priorities: Freshness vs. waste: Plastic can reduce bruising and moisture loss, but not always enough to justify the extra packaging for every item. Price and value: Packaged produce often costs more per item. Check unit pricing or compare with loose options. Safety and hygiene: Some shoppers prefer wrapping for perceived cleanliness, but rinsing loose produce at home is effective too. Recyclability: Look for recycling symbols — thin film plastic often needs special drop-off recycling, no...
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Lay’s Updates Packaging and Cleaner Ingredients

By Johnita Anthony,
Lay’s has introduced a new brand identity and packaging design as part of a broader refresh of its product line. According to a statement from parent company  PepsiCo , the update includes both visual and ingredient changes intended to simplify the brand’s look and clarify what’s inside each bag. What’s New on the Packaging Lay’s describes the redesign as the largest in its history. The packaging now features a warmer yellow color scheme, simplified typography, and close-up photography of the chips. A new sun-inspired logo, referred to as  “Lay’s Rays,” replaces the flat circular icon previously used. According to PepsiCo’s design summary, the intent was to make the potato — the product’s main ingredient — more visible in the brand story. The refreshed design is rolling out across global markets between late 2025 and 2026. Ingredient and Recipe Adjustments Alongside the visual changes, Lay’s announced it is removing  artificial colors and flavors  from its core U.S....
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Dumpster Discovery Highlights Grocery Store Food Waste Problem

By Johnita Anthony,
Social media is buzzing after photos of fully packaged groceries found in a store dumpster went viral — prompting new scrutiny of how the retail food sector manages waste. The now-circulating images, featured on  Reddit , show sealed items that appear either sellable or close to their “best by” dates. The public reaction was swift — and divided. Many viewers expressed outrage at the sight of edible food thrown away during a time of rising grocery costs and food insecurity. Others pointed out that grocers operate under strict safety, branding, and staffing limitations that can make last-minute recovery difficult. Still, the takeaway is clear: the grocery industry must continue finding smarter, faster ways to keep good food in carts and out of landfills. Where Food Waste Begins — and How Data Can Stop It Food waste in grocery retail often comes down to  timing, visibility, and labor . Once items approach their date codes, employees must quickly decide whether to mark them down,...
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What Aldi’s Record Expansion Means for Grocery Access

By Johnita Anthony,
The discount grocer  Aldi  is in the midst of one of its most ambitious expansion phases yet, deepening its reach across the United States while transforming parts of its newly acquired footprint. The move underscores Aldi’s mission to make affordable groceries accessible to more communities nationwide. Record Expansion in 2025 Aldi announced plans to open  more than 225 new U.S. stores in 2025 , marking its largest single-year expansion ever. These openings will come through a mix of  new store builds  and  conversions  of existing supermarkets, particularly in the Southeast. According to company statements, Aldi aims to open  around 800 new stores by 2028 , continuing its steady rise as one of America’s fastest-growing grocery chains. Southeastern Growth Through Winn-Dixie and Harveys A major driver of this expansion is Aldi’s 2023 acquisition of  Southeastern Grocers , the parent company of  Winn-Dixie and  Harveys Supermarket . ...
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Customer Bulk Purchase Causes Grocery Shortage of $5.50 Item

By Johnita Anthony,
Thousands of shoppers were left frustrated after a woman on TikTok proudly revealed that she’d nearly cleared supermarket shelves of a cult-favorite $5.50 drink — chocolate-flavored  Cocobella , a coconut water blend beloved for its creamy, guilt-free chocolate taste. Her short clip sparked outrage online. Fans flooded the comments saying they haven’t been able to find the drink for months. “This is why I can’t find them anywhere!” one wrote. “Someone bought 63 bottles in one go,” added a grocery worker. “No wonder the shelves are empty.” What started as one shopper’s post quickly became a global conversation about  scarcity, fairness, and shared access  — reminding us how fast digital culture can impact real-world supply. From Trend to Tension Cocobella’s chocolate flavor built its reputation among wellness enthusiasts as a “better-for-you” treat that tastes like chocolate milk but skips the guilt. Then TikTok made it viral. Within days, store shelves emptied, lea...
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Six Months of Free Grocery Transit After Store Closures

By Johnita Anthony,
  As the  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)  and public health researchers continue to report growing food deserts across the country, local leaders in  Everett, Washington , are taking action. Following recent Fred Meyer closures that disrupted neighborhood grocery access, Everett officials are waiving fares on  Everett Transit Route 12  for the next six months to help residents reach supermarkets, independent grocers, and community food resources. The move is designed to make grocery trips easier and more affordable while the city’s retail landscape stabilizes. For shoppers, pairing the fare-free ride with  Youdle’s grocery shopping list tool  means confirming which nearby stores have essentials in stock — from produce and meat to baby formula and household basics — before leaving home.  For  emergency management teams , the same visibility supports coordinated outreach for seniors, fixed-income families, and neighborhoods hit ha...
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How to Spot Grocery ‘Loss Leaders’ and Save Money

By Johnita Anthony,
Sometimes when we’re grocery shopping, a deal just seems  too good to be true.  You know — those two-for-one specials or super-discounted items that make you wonder how the store could possibly be making money. The truth? Sometimes they’re  not.  Grocery stores will intentionally take a loss on certain products to get you — and other deal-seekers — through the doors. Alli Powell, CEO and owner of Grocery Getting Girl, explains that these “loss leaders” are items sold below cost to attract shoppers. “You’ll usually see everyday staples like meat, produce, eggs, bread, milk, and soda sold at a loss,” Powell says. “They’re used to draw customers into the store.” Around major holidays or events, stores use loss leaders strategically — like selling turkeys below cost before Thanksgiving. The hope is that you’ll grab that discounted bird and then fill your cart with everything else you need while you’re there. Even non-staple items can act as loss leaders. Take Costco’s...
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Top 7 New Snacks to Stock This Week

By Johnita Anthony,
Image by Johnson Martin from Pixabay/Walmart/Goldfish Craving something new for lunchboxes, office drawer refills, or game-day grazing? A new roundup highlights seven buzz worthy snacks hitting shelves now—think lighter crunches, smarter sweets, and protein-forward bites designed for busy weeks.  What to watch for: air-popped or baked options that deliver crunch with fewer oils; seed- or legume-based crackers for extra fiber; low- or no-added-sugar bars that still satisfying; single-serve dips and chips for portion control; and savory protein snacks like baked cheese bites or plant-based jerkies for sustained energy. If you track macros or allergens, scan for callouts such as gluten-free, dairy-free, or keto-friendly. Smart savings tip: compare unit prices on multi-packs versus singles, look for BOGO tags, and check sell-by dates to maximize freshness—especially with high-turn novelty items. How to find them fast: open Youdle , search by snack name or type (for example, “air-pop...
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Frozen Spinach Recalled for Possible Listeria Contamination — See Affected Products

By Johnita Anthony,
Frozen spinach sold in the U.S. is being recalled due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to an Oct. 7 notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported by USA TODAY. Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and those who are pregnant. If you’ve purchased frozen spinach recently, review the recall details for affected lot codes and best-by dates before consuming. For full context and the evolving list of impacted products, see "Frozen Spinach Recalled for Possible Listeria Contamination — See Affected Products" . Shoppers: If your product matches the recalled lot information, do not eat it. Dispose of it or return it to the store where purchased. Wash hands and clean any surfaces that may have contacted the spinach. Monitor for symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headache, or gastrointestinal illness; pregnant individuals should consult a h...
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