The Food Scout

When it comes to quantifying environmental savings, the impact just from food industry changes boggles the mind. But these numbers don't impress everyone, however. The proliferation of Green claims in the media has inspired a term called “greenwashing,” and now sustainability efforts are being measured and judged for their significance and authenticity before being endorsed. The risk that companies now face is potential consumer backlash for efforts that are deemed misleading or unworthy. Here’s the rest of the list of the major types of initiatives and the reactions they have inspired: Recycled News:  It’s getting easier to source cups, napkins and other paper goods that have some recycled materials in them, ...

When it comes to quantifying environmental savings, the impact just from the biggest QSR chains already boggles the mind: Domino’s has saved about 13 million trees—or 800,000 tons of cardboard—since cutting off the corners of its pizza boxes nearly 20 years ago. McDonald’s prevented about 80,000 pounds of pollution from hitting the air last year through its enviro-conscious building efforts. And Starbucks has not only saved more than 62,000 pounds of carbon-dioxide emissions via wind power, but is single-handedly saving village economies and ecosystems from collapse in South America with its ethical coffee-buying policies! These numbers impress not everyone, however. Whereas in recent years a restaurant’s carbon-reduction efforts were ...

With names like “Cocaine” and “Bawls” found on beverages these days, why would anyone think twice about potential newcomers like “Tru Blood” or “Booty Sweat.” But increasingly, consumers will have to think twice about whether a new edgy product is going to make them look cool or feel like a sucker, literally. I myself was almost fooled by a recent print ad I saw in Entertainment Weekly for a bottled red drink called “Tru Blood” with the headline “Real Blood is for Suckers.” Hardly shocking at all these days, now that we’ve used all the other drink names like “Whoop Ass” and “Dopamine: Vegas in a Can.” But the fine print ...

Picture this would-be health-conscious business traveler, wandering aimlessly through Dallas Forth Worth airport from one smoothie bar to another over the years in search of a smoothie that’s not made with ice cream or frozen yogurt, and which has more than 2 grams of protein in it. After riding the Skywalk from terminal to terminal looking at menu boards and nutritional cards for The Grove, Smoothie King, Freshens, ICBY, Frulatti, and Camille’s, he finally settles on Smoothie King’s The Hulk Chocolate smoothie with 29 g of protein and a whopping 846 calories—but not without guilt feelings afterwards. The playing field for smoothies in the average market is not much better: Jamba ...

Last fall, when the Starbucks announced slowing same-store sales (and experienced a subsequent dip in stock price), various press reminded us of the “Starbucks Economic Indicator,” wherein rising sales at Starbucks in the past had indicated strong economic waters ahead, and lagging sales predicted economic trouble ahead for all. In fact, while Starbucks got all the press attention last fall, subsequent months showed trouble for Dunkin Donuts, Wal-Mart, and recently a slew of quickservice restaurant chains.