Hunter Public Relations 2015 Food News Study

For the past 13 years, Hunter PR has commissioned a study to determine the nation’s top food news of the year. More than 1,000 Americans were surveyed and asked to select their top three stories from the 12 months ending Oct. 2015. The top five stories are listed below.

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5. Artificial Ingredients & Flavors Phased Out

Several food companies and fast food restaurants created headlines this year for removing — or pledging to remove in the near future — artificial flavors and ingredients. A few examples: Pizza Hut removed artificial flavors and colors from its U.S. pizza by the end of July. Nestle announced in June that several frozen offerings like Hot Pockets and DiGiorno pizzas would be artificial flavoring-free by the end of this year. And looking to the future, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese made news with its pledge to switch to natural ingredients for its iconic orange hue in 2016. Additionally, Panera unveiled its “No No List” in May featuring a long page of ingredients that will be removed from its products by the end of 2016.

4. Whole Foods Overcharging Scandal

Whole Foods found itself in the news due to an overcharging scandal. Two top executives apologized in July for overcharging that occurred through inaccurate price labeling. The issue was discovered by New York City Department of Consumer Affairs inspectors who uncovered “systematic overcharging for pre-packaged foods” at the city's Whole Foods stores.

3. Western Drought Impact Expands

California is a breadbasket to the nation, growing more than one-third of America’s vegetables and nearly two-thirds of its fruits and nuts. As such, as the western United States drought entered into its fourth year, media continued to talk about the drought’s impact on produce prices. Additionally, Californians felt an impact in the kitchen: in an effort to conserve water, residents embraced new approaches such as more steaming than boiling and using less pots and pans to reduce dishwashing needs.

2. Blue Bell Issues Recall

In April, Texas-based Blue Bell Creameries recalled all of its products after two samplings tested positive for listeriosis. According to the CDC, 10 people were hospitalized due to the outbreak and three people died. Also making news: nearly 1,500 employees were either furloughed or laid off due to the outbreak and plant closures.

1. Fast Food Breakfast

America loves its breakfast foods as demonstrated by their voting the evolving fast food breakfast landscape as this year’s No. 1 food story. McDonald’s made a big splash among its consumers by launching all-day breakfast in October. Taco Bell’s new breakfast Biscuit Taco offerings made headlines earlier in the year.