Nutrition Content

What to Know About Processed and Ultra-Processed Food

Jocelyn C Anderson — April 22, 2025 - 12:43pm

Scientists explain the difference between whole, processed and ultra-processed foods. Learn how they could affect our health and how the food industry can improve.

The Gut Health Benefits of Sauerkraut

Amy M Quinton — April 14, 2025 - 9:00am

A new UC Davis study suggests that sauerkraut could help protect your gut, an essential part of overall health.

Nigeria Adopts Multiple Micronutrient-Fortified Bouillon Cube Standards to Reduce Malnutrition and Child Mortality

Andy Fell — December 17, 2024 - 10:48am

The Nigerian government has enacted a new industrial standard for bouillon which includes a provision for adding vital micronutrients. The new standard specifies the inclusion of iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamin B12 on a voluntary basis in nationally produced and imported bouillon cubes to reduce malnutrition and child mortality.

More Families Purchased School Meals After Federal Nutrition Policies Enacted

Karen Michele Nikos — November 06, 2024 - 8:41am

Families purchased more school lunches and breakfasts the year after the federal government toughened nutritional standards for school meals. A new University of California, Davis, study suggests that families turned to school lunches after the Obama administration initiative was in effect to save time and money and take advantage of more nutritious options.

What’s In Our Food?

Andy Fell — April 09, 2024 - 2:48pm

We know surprisingly little about the molecules that make up our food. Now the Periodic Table of Food Initiative has published a list of 1,650 foodstuffs from around the world for rigorous biochemical analysis. About two-thirds of the foods on the list are not included in any globally recognized food composition database.

An article describing the list was published March 8 in Nature Food.

The Right Combo: Getting the Most Health Benefits from Fruit Smoothies

Amy M Quinton — August 24, 2023 - 10:13am

Blending certain ingredients in fruit smoothies can influence whether your body is getting a nutritional boost, finds a UC Davis study.

Unsafe Feeding Methods Spiked During Infant Formula Shortage

Amy M Quinton — June 27, 2023 - 2:41pm

A UC Davis survey finds nearly half of è�� who rely on formula for their babies resorted to potentially harmful feeding methods during the infant formula shortage.

Temptation at the Checkout: 70% of Food, Drinks Within Arm’s Reach Are Unhealthy

Karen Michele Nikos — June 07, 2023 - 12:00pm

About the study

Researchers analyzed the checkout lanes in 102 food stores in Davis, Sacramento, Oakland and Berkeley, California.

The study was published in Current Developments in Nutrition.

Warning Labels on Restaurant Menus Reduced Likelihood Consumers Would Order High-Sugar Foods

Andy Fell — April 18, 2023 - 8:59am

Added-sugar warning labels reduced the likelihood that consumers would order items containing high amounts of added sugar in an online experiment led by University of California, Davis, researchers. Menu labels can help inform consumers about the surprisingly high amount of added sugar in even the smallest sizes of soda or in unexpected items like salad dressings and sauces.

Fewer Than 10% of Patients Screened for Food Insecurity During Pandemic

Amy M Quinton — March 30, 2023 - 9:00am

Only seven percent of primary care providers screened patients for food insecurity during the pandemic. A new UC Davis study finds that screening rates were even lower if the appointment was virtual.