Beyond The Headlines: GLP-1 searches spike during Super Bowl, Arla Food Ingredients reduces CO2 emissions
This week in nutrition news, Danone North America provided free nutrition advice from registered dieticians (RD) following a rise in GLP-1-related searches during the Super Bowl. At the same time, Arla Foods Ingredients installed an electric boiler in one of its production facilities to reduce CO2 emissions, and Epicore Biosystems secured US$26 million in funding for its hydration-measuring wearable technology.
Nutrition news
Danone North America revealed that during the US’s Super Bowl last Sunday night, it observed a 50% increase in weight loss medication searches, with 21% of GLP-1 discussions focusing on nutrition. Key topics searched for included protein intake, reducing sugar cravings, and managing food noise. To address these concerns, Danone partnered with RDs to provide free nutrition advice through a live chat that took place on Instagram on February 11. The initiative looked to educate consumers on maintaining proper nutrition while using GLP-1 medications. The company also highlighted its high-protein and low-sugar products to support these dietary needs.
Arla Foods Ingredients said its newly installed electric boiler will help reduce the company’s carbon emissions (Image Credit: Arla Foods Ingredients).Arla Foods Ingredients advanced its CO2 reduction efforts by installing an electric boiler at its largest production site, Danmark Protein, in Videbaek, Denmark. According to the company, the e-boiler, the company’s largest and first at the facility, is expected to cut annual CO2 emissions by 3,500 metric tons, with further reductions once fully operational. The shift from gas to renewable electricity is part of Arla Foods Ingredients’ carbon reduction strategy, following a €32 million (~US$33.5 million) investment in an electric heat pump facility. The new boiler, replacing gas boilers, will help the company achieve its goal of reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030. Future expansions of the technology are also anticipated.
Business news
Epicore Biosystems secured US$26 million in Series B funding, led by the Steele Foundation for Hope, to expand its sweat-sensing wearable technology and cloud analytics platform. The funding will boost hydration monitoring and help the company explore new biomarkers for kidney health, women’s health, malnutrition, and toxin exposure. Epicore said the technology provides real-time insights into hydration, stress, and nutrition and helps to prevent heat injuries and chronic conditions. The company said its partnerships with companies such as PepsiCo and Gatorade are helping drive expansion.
Agrizy expanded its innovation capabilities by launching a “state-of-the-art” research and development lab in Bengaluru, India. The facility looks to advance research in herbal extracts, clean label ingredients, and functional formulations for nutraceutical and cosmetic applications. The company said it will also serve as a hub for co-development, offering formulation expertise, pilot-scale production, and clinical validation support. The launch coincides with recent rapid growth in India’s nutraceutical and cosmetic industries, which Agrizy said is projected to reach US$18 billion and US$7.2 billion, respectively, by 2026.
Honey Stinger introduced Peanut Butter Energy Waffles for a fast and convenient energy boost.
Product launches
51 Labs unveiled five new products in the sports nutrition market — Ion+ Select Electrolyte Formula for hydration, Nature’s Expresso Coffee for natural energy, and three gummy supplements. The gummy supplements include turmeric for joint health, apple cider for digestion, and Ashwagandha for stress relief. Additionally, 51 Labs completed a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority review process for its name and ticker symbol change with the goal of advancing its corporate growth strategy and positioning itself for expanded market reach and investor accessibility.
Honey Stinger, the original inventor of the energy waffle, introduced its latest innovation, Peanut Butter Energy Waffles. The new organic line features a creamy peanut butter and honey-infused filling between two soft-baked organic waffles. The company emphasized peanut butter’s role as both a cultural staple and a nutritional powerhouse and noted that the offering is available in Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Chocolate, and Peanut Butter Strawberry flavors. The waffles are US Department of Agriculture-certified organic and designed to provide a convenient, performance-boosting snack for sustained energy.
A recent study found that high school athletes are misinformed about their nutrition needs.
Scientific studies
A study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University and Children’s Hospital of Richmond in Virginia, US, found that school salad bars increased students’ fruit intake but did not affect vegetable consumption. The study examined elementary schools in a Virginia district and compared those with newly installed salad bars to control schools. The findings, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, revealed that students in salad bar schools ate about one-third of a cup more fruit than before, while vegetable intake remained unchanged. Researchers photographed over 13,000 lunch trays from 6,623 students before and after the salad bar installation to measure food consumption and waste. While fruit waste slightly increased, vegetable waste remained stable. The study’s authors highlighted that salad bars helped students from all socioeconomic backgrounds and supported the National School Lunch Program’s goal of reducing nutritional disparities.
A study published in Nutrients revealed that US high school athletes lacked general and sports-specific nutrition knowledge. Researchers from the University of Connecticut, the University of Wisconsin, and George Mason University (Virginia) used the Abridged Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire to assess 44 student-athletes, who scored an average of 45% overall, with lower scores in sports nutrition (35%). The results show that students misunderstood key nutrient requirements, believing they needed fewer carbohydrates and more protein and fat than recommended. Many relied on social media, friends, and coaches — who often lacked formal nutrition training — for dietary guidance. The study also highlighted the dangers of misinformation, especially regarding carbohydrate intake and intermittent fasting, and underscored the urgent need for structured nutrition education for young athletes.
