Scallop Ceviche Tapas

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Citrusy, briney ceviche is a culinary treat that is unparalleled. This version is simple, as it exclusively calls for scallops, but bold in freshness and flavor. We love to serve ours in classic ceviche style, in a bowl drizzled with fresh lime juice aside homemade tortilla chips. 


This recipe yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 fresh scallops cut in small cubes
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 small jalapeno, finely diced
  • 1 scallion, finely sliced
  • ¼ of a small red onion, finely diced
  • ½ tbsp cilantro
  • ¼ of a bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 tsp roasted sesame seed
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 fresh scallops cut in small cubes
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 small jalapeno, finely diced
  • 1 scallion, finely sliced
  • ¼ of a small red onion, finely diced
  • ½ tbsp cilantro
  • ¼ of a bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 tsp roasted sesame seed
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and let soak for 1 hour before serving. 

 

roasted cauliflower with walnut and Sun-dried tomatoes

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This roasted cauliflower dish is so delicious you won’t believe how easy it is to make. It’s a testament to the harmony of sundried tomatoes, buttery walnuts, and bright parsley. The mild heat from the chili powder brings it all together. 


This recipe yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 small cauliflower
  • 4 ounces sundried tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 2 ounces roasted walnuts, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ lemon juice and zest
  • 1 small cauliflower
  • 4 ounces sundried tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 2 ounces roasted walnuts, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ lemon juice and zest

Directions

  1. Cut the cauliflower into small pieces. Toss with olive oil and chili powder and spread on a roasting sheet. 

  2. Bake the cauliflower in the oven for about 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Do not over cook. It should be slightly roasted. 

  3. Add the cauliflower to a bowl and toss with sun dried tomatoes, walnuts, parsley, olive oil, salt and pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest.  

 

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Walnuts

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Brussels sprouts were made to be combined with fruit, but there is something extra special about tossing them with cranberries. The tartness brings them alive, resulting in a dish that is just as craveable served as a hot side as it is at room temperature for a snack. 

This recipe yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb brussels sprouts cut in quarters
  • 2 tablespoons roasted walnuts
  • ½ cup fresh cranberries, cut in half
  • 2 tablespoons of pomegranate vinaigrette
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 500 grams brussels sprouts cut in quarters
  • 2 tablespoons roasted walnuts
  • 4 ounces fresh cranberries, cut in half
  • 2 tablespoons of pomegranate vinaigrette
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

Pomegranate Vinaigrette

  1. Mix all the ingredients and spread onto a sheet pan. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes at 375 degrees. For a crispy finish, cook them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end.

 

PrimaFoodie Ingredient Spotlight: Sodium Benzoate

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Additives in food are as ubiquitous as they are nebulous. That’s why we investigate common food fillers, preservatives, emulsifiers, and more to discover their origin, use, and purpose. Because if something is edible, that doesn’t guarantee it’s healthy or necessary.


What Is Sodium Benzoate?

Sodium benzoate is a lab-made odorless, flavorless, colorless, water-soluble crystal preservative commonly added to food and personal care items. As the 'sodium' in its name suggests, it is salt-based and made by combining sodium hydroxide, also called lye, and benzoic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in foods, including cranberries.

What's the Purpose of Sodium Benzoate?

A strong antimicrobial, sodium benzoate extends the shelf-life of food and personal care products by warding off the growth of bacteria and fungus. Commonly used in foods that have high acidity, such as salad dressings, juices, and pickled vegetables, sodium benzoate also enhances certain flavors. 

Where is Sodium Benzoate Found?

Since it is both a preservative and a flavor enhancer, food manufacturers add sodium benzoate to many processed and packaged foods, including:

  • Pickles

  • Canned vegetables

  • Salad dressing

  • Mustard, ketchup, and other condiments

  • Soda

  • Fruit juice

  • Jam, jelly, and other fruit preserves

  • Beer and wine


Sodium benzoate is also added to pharmaceuticals and personal care items, including: 

  • Lotion

  • Face cream

  • Soap

  • Serum

  • Shaving cream

  • Shampoo

  • Conditioner

  • Hair spray

  • Makeup

  • Lip balm

  • Toner

  • Various pharmaceutical pills


Is Sodium Benzoate Bad?

The FDA deems sodium deems sodium benzoate safe safe when it is added to food "at levels not to exceed good manufacturing practice." In essence, this means it is not to rise above 0.1 percent of a food's capacity. Furthermore, the Environmental Working Group sodium benzoate ranges from a low to moderate concern. 

Advanced scientific and medical research underscores both positive and negative outcomes when looking at sodium benzoate's impact on our health. A 2002 paper published in the open-access journal Nutrients states that sodium benzoate may show promise in treating "depression, pain, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases." Yet other researchers link sodium benzoate to "mutagenic effects, generate oxidative stress, disrupt hormones, and reduce fertility." 


The PrimaFoodie Take

Countless packaged foods contain ingredients we don’t know much about, which may harm our health. This goes for all foods that contain sodium benzoate. It is such a widely incorporated and undetectable preservative that it goes unnoticed even by the most discerning palate. Hands down, we are wary of this additive, so we avoid it. 

Firstly, if a food has sodium benzoate, it is processed (or ultra-processed), which is never good. Secondly, the studies mentioned above, combined with the fact that sodium benzoate is a robust antimicrobial agent, make us pause to consider this: If it’s wreaking havoc on bacteria, it’s likely doing the same to our microbiome. Plus, even if the FDA mandates safe levels of sodium benzoate, the harm comes from consistently eating it, thus allowing it to accumulate in our bodies. 

So, our take? We steer clear of sodium benzoate. 



The PrimaFoodie Podcast Season 2

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The PrimaFoodie Podcast is back. We are so excited to share life-changing wisdom about our health and what we eat (and undoubtedly infuriate the giant corporate food companies along the way). 

This season, Nichole goes deep with more of the world's brightest advocates for clean eating and holistic wellness. They move past the trends and hype to get to the good stuff: the real foods, practices, and truths that have the most beneficial impact on our well-being. Nichole speaks with an iconoclastic researcher who travels the world to ask healers from varied cultures about how they stay vibrant. She asks a leading gastroenterologist about the 'silent fire' that drives widespread disease and illness. She talks with a farmer growing heirloom food about the beauty, joy, and nutrition found in thoughtfully grown ancient foods. And this is just a sampling. 

These talks are riveting and educational—but they're so much more. Opening up and discussing how and what we eat, along with the ways we care for our minds and bodies, is the most important thing we can do. Owning our autonomy in the face of an unjust food system and corrupt food corporations and lobbyists is how we democratize wellness. Research from early this year shows that people still lack access to fresh foods—and this is 2023! Some of the boundaries are financial; others are educational. One survey shows only 25 percent of people read food labels before making an in-person purchase. More than 21 percent say they cut back on buying healthier foods. 

This all needs to change. At PrimaFoodie, our dream is for 100 percent of people to have immediate access to pure, healthy food and the desire to parse every ingredient before they buy something. 

We're working to make wellness synonymous with equality and equity, starting with making healthy, delicious, clean eating accessible—because feeling good comes from the inside out. What we put in and on our bodies has the most profound impact on how we move through this life. 

Let's keep fighting for the good stuff. Thanks for being on this trek with us.   

 



Rainbow Harvest Stew

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A hearty stew delivers more than a bowlful of flavor. It's a way to warm up, slow down, and sink into the season. This one is brimming with nutrients, including vitamin-rich beets, kale, carrots, and fennel. Plus, the additional fresh garlic gives it an antioxidant punch. 

This recipe yields 10 servings

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 bundle swiss chard
  • 1 bulb of fennel
  • 2 leeks
  • 2 red onion
  • 1 bundle of kale
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 5 rainbow carrots
  • 1 jalapeño
  • 1 lb rainbow potatoes
  • 4 golden beets
  • 4 celery
  • 3 quarts vegetable broth
  • 3 TB ground mustard
  • Salt, pepper, cayenne
  • ½ bundle of parsley
  • 1 bundle swiss chard
  • 1 bulb of fennel
  • 2 leeks
  • 2 red onion
  • 1 bundle of kale
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 5 rainbow carrots
  • 1 jalapeño
  • 1 lb rainbow potatoes
  • 4 golden beets
  • 4 celery
  • 3 quarts vegetable broth
  • 3 TB ground mustard
  • Salt, pepper, cayenne
  • ½ bundle of parsley

Directions

  1. Cut all the vegetables into bite sized pieces except for jalapeño and garlic, which should be finely diced. 

  2. In a large pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil then immediately reduce to a simmer. 

  3. Stir in mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne. 

  4. Add all vegetables to the broth and let it simmer for 45 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil, as this will overcook the vegetables and diminish their nutrient content.

TIPS

** Add your favorite fresh herbs, such as thyme or oregano, for added flavor. This stew also works well with roasted chicken breast cut into cubes. 

 

Spaghetti Squash with Pomodoro sauce and Balsamic Eggplant Chips

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Featuring bright basil and sweet tomatoes, this pomodoro sauce has the perfect blend of salt, fat, and acid to make it craveable. When it's spooned over the noodle-like spaghetti squash, it turns into a decadent meal for a cold autumn night. The crunchy eggplant chips—which have a richness thanks to the balsamic—add another layer of texture and flavor.  

This recipe yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • For the eggplant chips:
  • 1 Japanese eggplant sliced into thin rounds
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 lime, juice and zest
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • For the Pomodoro Sauce:
  • 1 small red onion, cut julienne
  • 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 10 ounces of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ bundle of basil, finely chopped
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • For the eggplant chips:
  • 1 Japanese eggplant sliced into thin rounds
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 lime, juice and zest
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • For the Pomodoro Sauce:
  • 1 small red onion, cut julienne
  • 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 10 ounces of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ bundle of basil, finely chopped
  • salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Combine the wet ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Add eggplant chips, making sure to coat them in the wet mixture. 

  2. Spread eggplant chips out on a baking tray and cook at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes or until they start to bubble and caramelize. 

  3. Remove the chips from the oven and let cool.

  4. Meanwhile, in a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a few dashes of salt. Poke the squash all over with a knife or fork so that it will cook evenly in the water. Add the spaghetti squash to the boiling water and let it cook for about 30 minutes. Remove from the water. Let it cool so it’s easy to handle, then peel and cut it in half. 

  5. Remove the seeds with a spoon and then using a fork, shred the spaghetti squash. Season with sea salt and olive oil and set aside.

  6. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a saute pan. Add red onion and garlic. Saute on medium heat for about 1 minute. 

  7. Add cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for about 1 minute until the tomatoes soften. Using a wooden spoon squeeze a few tomatoes so the juice comes out. 

  8. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the sauce and stir to combine. Add basil. 

  9. Add the shredded spaghetti squash to plates or bowls. Laden a generous amount of the sauce atop the squash. Top with the eggplant chips and a few torn pieces of fresh basil. 

TIPS

**For the eggplant, it’s ideal to use a mandolin, but not necessary.

 

Carrot, Ginger and Butternut Squash Cream Soup with Jalapeño Apple Chutney

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Carrots, ginger, and butternut squash make a quintessential fall combination that speaks to the season. That is to say, it's always a winner, and this soup variety, which includes coconut cream and the additional sweetness of an overripe banana—is our favorite way to marry the three. The mild heat from the jalapeño chutney is the perfect unexpected finish. Depending on your preference, this soup is as delicious when made with chicken or vegetable stock.

This recipe yields 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

  • For the Soup
  • 1 small butternut squash, cut in small cubes
  • 5 carrots, peeled and cut in small cubes
  • 1 small ginger root, fine diced
  • 1 turmeric root, fine diced
  • 1 white onion, cut in cubes
  • 1 overripe banana
  • 1 apple
  • 2 tablespoons apricot jam
  • 1 14-ounce can coconut cream
  • 1 lime, juice and zest
  • 48 ounces chicken or vegetable broth
  • salt and pepper
  • For the Jalapeño Apple Chutney
  • 1 apple, finely diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 lime, juice and zest
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
  • For the Soup
  • 1 small butternut squash, cut in small cubes
  • 5 carrots, peeled and cut in small cubes
  • 1 small ginger root, fine diced
  • 1 turmeric root, fine diced
  • 1 white onion, cut in cubes
  • 1 overripe banana
  • 1 apple
  • 2 tablespoons apricot jam
  • 1 14-ounce can coconut cream
  • 1 lime, juice and zest
  • 2 quarts chicken or vegetable broth
  • salt and pepper
  • For the Jalapeño Apple Chutney
  • 1 apple, finely diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 lime, juice and zest
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

Directions

  1. In a large heavy bottom pot, sauté the onions, jalapeños, apples, turmeric, and ginger on medium heat. 

  2. Add butternut squash and carrots. Continue sauteing for another 5 minutes.

  3. Add the broth and coconut cream. 

  4. Bring to a boil, then quickly reduce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 15 minutes or until the squash and carrots are fork tender, then add the overripe banana.

  5. Puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or standing blender. Add lime juice and zest. 

  6. Serve with a spoonful of apple chutney (directions below).

Jalapeño Apple Chutney 

  1. In a small pot add 1 tablespoon olive oil, as well as the red onions and jalapeño. Saute for a minute or until the onions are translucent.

  2. Add fine diced apples. Sauté on medium heat for 2 more minutes.

  3. Add the honey and carmelize for about a half a minute. Then add the vinegar.

  4. Take it off the heat and add the cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. Serve atop the soup. 

TIPS

**Aim to use an apricot jam that is made without added sugar. 

**The jalapeño apple chutney is also great atop your favorite protein or vegetables. It will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

 

The halloween swaps we’re making this year

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It's Halloween 2023, and we are thrilled to say we've finally reached a time where cleaned-up candy is moving in the right direction: Chocolate made of ethically and organically sourced cocoa. Lollipops tinted with natural turmeric over toxic coloring. Gummies sweetened with real fruit juice. We're thanking the cleaner food stars. Even the Halloween costume accessories that lurked toxins for years (we see you face paint!) are on offer with gentler ingredients. 

Whether you're new to the Trick-or-Treating circuit or a veteran, the following are our favorites for letting the little ones indulge for a bit. Of course, these aren’t perfect, but we feel good that the awareness is growing, and greater options are becoming more mainstream.

HALLOWEEN CANDY:

SmartSweets Gummy Bears and Gummy Worms

Cocomels

UNREAL Candy

That’s It Fruit Bars (100% fruit)

Yumi Bars

Maple Candy

ACCESSORIES:

Mineral Based Face Paint

DIY Washable and Non-Toxic Fake Blood:

Organic Cotton Kids Costumes:

Organic Cotton Scrunchies:

Organic Cotton Halloween Socks:

BPA Free Slap Bracelets:

Made in USA Non-Toxic Halloween Pencils:

Trick or Treat Bags:

Lab-Grown Chicken Is Legal—and It’s Coming to Restaurants. Here’s What to Know

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In June, United States regulators approved the sale of chicken meat made from animal cells for human consumption. The decision was history-making, positioning the U.S. as the second country in the world (after Singapore) to allow lab-grown meat, also known as cultivated meat, to land on our plates. It's a dizzying change that opens a new food frontier. That’s why staying informed and vigilant is essential. 

Lab Grown Chicken: What Is It?

Scientists have been working on cultivating meat in labs since the early 1990s, but only in the last decade have they made significant headway. (A wildly expensive "burger" made of lab-grown beef tissue made headlines in 2013 when someone consumed it at a press conference in London.) They use extracted cells from an animal's body and multiply them to produce a substance that mirrors the flesh of that animal—chicken cells in this recent approval. 

The USDA has given clearance to two companies, Good Meat and Upside Foods, to sell their cultivated lab-grown chicken to restaurants and elsewhere for consumer consumption. Both Good Meat and Upside Foods laud their products for resembling the taste and texture of real chicken. 

Why Is Lab-Grown Meat on the Market?

As with any new product, there are skeptics and advocates. Those in favor of lab-grown meat say it is a substantial stride in the movement toward reducing the greenhouse gas emissions linked to the poultry and meat industry and reducing the widespread cruelty toward animals raised for food. Uma Valeti, the chief executive of Upside Foods, told various media outlets that its mission is to provide an ethical meat option. "It's a giant step towards a more sustainable future–one that preserves choice and life," said Valeti in a mass statement. "We are excited to launch with our signature, whole-textured Upside chicken and can't wait for consumers to taste the future." 

Those against lab-grown meat have stated concerns over whether the meat will, in fact, offer any reduction in energy- and environment-depleting resources that will better the environment. There are also giant questions highlighting health and nutrition concerns and whether lab-grown meat is actually meat or an edible substance created by scientists.

When Will We See Lab-Grown Meat?

Experts in the food industry say it may take more than a year or two to see lab-grown meat on the shelves in grocery stores. Still, it could find its way into restaurants way sooner. Various media have reported that Bar Crenn, an upscale restaurant in San Francisco, will soon serve Upside Food's "chicken,” weaving it into its dishes. What is chilling, in truth, is that there are no rules mandating that restaurants disclose whether the chicken they use is lab-grown.

The PrimaFoodie Take on Lab-Grown Meat

Like everything else food-related, we are concerned about transparency. We have a right to know everything about the chicken (and any food) we consume: whether it was raised ethically and organically, injected with antibiotics, laced with chemicals, and (now) created in a lab by people in white coats. 

Asking questions is the most critical step to staying informed about our food. When ordering or buying chicken, consider the following:

  • Ask the server or restaurant owner where they source the chicken for their dishes. You can be as specific as to ask if the chicken is organically or conventionally raised or lab-grown. Still, it is critical to note again: Restaurants do not have to disclose where they get their meat or if their meat is lab-grown. 

  • Ask the vendors at the farmers market if they grow their chickens, and if so, what practices they follow. 

  • Read your labels closely. The USDA's rules around lab-grown labeling are in the works, although both Good Meat and Upside Foods have stated they will label their products as "cell-cultivated" meat. 

By asking these questions, you'll be empowered to make the best decision for you and your family as to whether a food is healthy for you. 

We'll be asking these questions non-stop—and when we come across lab-grown meat, we'll politely decline to save room for the real and organic chicken. 

“Good Food Makes Your Life Better”—Chef Andreas Niewerth on How to Eat More Healthily

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We all deserve to know what is in our food. Yet, learning all the ingredients on our plates takes a lot of work in the United States. Companies are stealthy, adding chemicals, fillers, coloring, enhancers, and so much more. And consumers often have zero clue.

Chef Andreas Niewerth knows this unfortunate truth well. The holistic nutritionist, trained chef, and chef instructor was born in Germany and has worked around Europe and the globe advocating for clean, nutrient-dense foods. After learning about the power of real food while working in his family's restaurants and establishing one of the first organic catering companies in Germany, Chef Andreas received his holistic nutritionist certification when his eldest son was diagnosed with allergies and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Today, Chef Andreas lives in California with his family, where he grows his food, offers his services as a private chef and teacher, and holds farm-to-table pop-up events. He's an educator and inspiration when it comes to really paying attention to what we eat. And given that he is German, he's also a human magnifying glass revealing the American food system's cryptic and often harmful tactics. As these three facts show, it can be critical to pause and look at how we've been conditioned to eat in the US and ask: Is there a better way?

There is, says Chef Andreas. It starts with transparency, asking questions, and eating real food from the earth. "If you put good food in your body right away, you will spend less money on doctor bills," he says. "Good food makes your life better."

#1: Europe educates kids about natural foods. America does not.

Like European nations, America must educate people about food and personal nutrition. "In Germany, they want you to be a healthy individual. They train you [as early as] in Kindergarten. Go away from the hamburger and eat more fresh vegetables," says Chef Andreas. Of course, occasionally allowing kids to eat something like a hamburger or ice cream is okay. But Chef Andreas stresses how Europe educates kids about the importance of consistently eating whole, real foods first and foremost.

#2: Food transparency reigns in Europe.

"In Europe, French fries have three ingredients: potatoes, salt, and fat," says Chef Andreas. The whole ingredients make up the food. Yet, in the US, it is quite different. "French fries have 17 ingredients— stabilizers, more taste enhancers, more additives that are different chemicals that make you want to eat more." He adds, "So it's really an unhealthy french fry here."

#3: Eat better quality food—and less food overall. 

Chef Andreas says there is way too much food waste in the US. Plus, American portion sizes are significantly larger than in Europe. He says a critical key is to eat high-quality food, which tends to be much more expensive in the US but with lower portion sizes. "I tell people, 'Cut the steak a little bit smaller. Instead of 10 ounces, eat only six ounces, and make sure those six ounces are high-quality, organic, grass-fed, and from your farmer next door," he says. "Don't buy the commercial stuff."

To learn more from Chef Andreas, listen to his entire conversation with Nichole on ‘The PrimaFoodie Podcast.’


PrimaFoodie Ingredient Spotlight: Potassium Bromate

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Additives in food are as ubiquitous as they are nebulous. In our PrimaFoodie Ingredients Spotlight, we investigate common food additives to discover their origin, use, and purpose. Because just because something is edible doesn’t mean it’s healthy—or necessary.

What Is Potassium Bromate?

Potassium bromate is a white crystal chemical food additive. As its name suggests, it is a bromate of potassium—a bromate is a salt or ester of bromic acid that contains an ion that works as an oxidizer. 

Why Is Potassium Bromate Used?

Widely used in the baking industry, potassium bromate catches the eyes of mass manufacturers for its ability to enhance the texture of bread and other baked goods. Its oxidizing qualities cause the bread—and cakes, rolls, muffins, and other goods—to rise and feel fluffy.  

Historical accounts show that veterinarians used potassium bromate to treat animals with epilepsy, dating back to the 19th century.  

Where Is It Found?

This additive has genuinely been everywhere for decades. As mentioned, manufacturers have been adding it to mass-produced and packaged bread items, including:

  • Pizza dough

  • Bread

  • Dinner and sandwich rolls

  • Donuts, muffins, and other pastries

  • English muffins

  • Pretzels

  • Crackers

  • Cookies

What are the risks of potassium bromate?

California has been warning its residents about potassium bromate for years. In April 2023, the state's Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials approved a bill to ban potassium bromate in foods, along with four other chemicals. The state underscores its concern with studies, some of which date back decades, that show the chemical additive to be potentially toxic and carcinogenic.

Furthermore, the Environmental Working Group states that concerns around potassium bromate are widespread in other countries. The EWG says, "In 1999, the International Agency for Research on Cancer determined that potassium bromate is a possible human carcinogen. It is not allowed for use or is banned as a food additive in a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, and the European Union."

Additionally, research also shows potassium bromate to be harmful when inhaled. 

The PrimaFoodie Take

California's bill to ban potassium bromate will go into effect in 2027. Until then, the state requires all manufacturers to post a warning label on their packaging when it includes the additive, which is part of the Proposition 65 food safety initiative.

Considering the research and banning of this additive, we avoid potassium bromate. Read your labels. If a bread or other product contains it, choose an alternative. Doing so supports our health and lowers the demand for this unnecessary and toxic additive. 

3 Food Values We Live By

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Eating well is complex. It is a subjective journey informed by culture, familial history, and dietary needs. What one person deems a healthy, balanced diet may radically differ from someone else's choices. 

In considering this nuance, one thing stands factual no matter where we come from or how we eat: Our food choices directly impact our health and well-being. Too many people, particularly those of us in America, are steeped in a society that normalizes eating ultra-processed foods filled with sugars, hydrogenated oils, colorings, and other chemical additives. It can be hard to see how harmful these edible substances are because they physically surround us—in our schools, markets, restaurants, offices, places of entertainment, and more. Supermarket shelves overflow with products wrapped in packaging covered with untruthful yet alluring marketing words such as "natural" and "healthy." Mass food producers hire lobbyists to push legislative agendas that work for company profits and against our well-being. 

Foods that are cancer-causing, endocrine-disrupting, and soil-toxifying have no business in our grocery markets. Many people deny that ultra-processed food is detrimental, which is understandable because our society has us believe otherwise. But we must peel back these layers, piece by piece, to continue to see the need to be vigilant about our food. We have more control over our health than we often allow ourselves to see—and it starts with how and what we eat.

As we continue to build this community around nourishing ourselves and building a better food system, we never want to proselytize or judge anyone's choices. Nutrition is personal. It's more than following a strict plan, measuring intake, or counting carbs or calories. Nourishing ourselves well includes enjoying our food, feeling good about our choices and food sources, and taking care of our bodies in ways beyond vitamins and minerals.

Staying atop of all this can be overwhelming. We know. This is why we believe it's helpful (and freeing) to follow pillars—or values—that act as guides. When we identify the things that are most important to our food choices and health, it allows us the capacity to take better care of ourselves. Values also help us continue to advocate for a better food system. 

We often hear things from readers and the general public, such as: What are the best ways to eat healthier? Where do I start? How do I make better choices? The following three pillars is where we always start:


#1: Avoid Ultra-Processed Foods

We live by this value: Rid ultra-processed foods from your diet. These include foods made of substances extracted from foods containing additives, colorings, preservatives, and fillers. Common examples of highly processed or ultra-processed foods include soda, package snacks (crackers and cookies), chips, fast food, mass-produced bread, and frozen meals.  

Famed food journalist Michael Pollan says to "eat food" rather than highly processed concoctions. "These days this is easier said than done, especially when seventeen thousand new products show up in the supermarket each year, all vying for your food dollar," Pollan writes. "Today much of the challenge of eating well comes down to choosing real food and avoiding these industrial novelties." So, to follow Pollan, avoid ultra-processed foods and eat true, whole foods. 

And if you second-guess yourself about what real food is, listen to your instincts. A food is likely ultra-processed if it comes in a package of some sort, has an unnatural texture or color, and/or has a long ingredients list. Marion Nestle recently pointed out that research shows most people do know the processing levels of foods. So again, listen to your gut.

#2: Eat Local

Eating produce and meat from your region means consuming foods with higher nutrition (compared to store-bought items sourced from far away) and a lower carbon footprint. Local foods are also tastier and always in season. Shop at your local farmers' markets for your meals and snacks whenever possible. In doing this, you'll be eating real whole foods—and the benefits are endless. 

#3: Enjoy Your Food

How we eat, as well as with whom, is as important as what we eat. Research shows that we make over 200 food decisions daily. When we overlook these choices or act on autopilot, we miss out on the pleasure of eating. We also tend to overeat or eat less healthily.  

Pay attention. Create rituals around your meals. Enjoy cooking. Take your time. Make eating a memorable and happy event. Whether eating alone or with a crowd, plate your food, sit down, turn off distractions, and indulge in every bite. This will bring your mind to what you're eating. When joy, pleasure, and nutrition intersect, we're more likely to stick to eating habits that nourish us.

Again, eating well is personal. Only you know what's best for your body. Aim to educate yourself about the foods and what's in them. Support local farmers, eat mindfully, up your vegetable intake, avoid ultra-processed goods, and always stay hydrated with ample water. These pillars will allow you to nourish your body and mind best–no matter what that looks like for you.

What Is processed food, really?

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It’s common knowledge to know that ultra-processed foods are bad for your body and brain. Yet still, our culture is steeped with meals, markets, and festivities featuring ultra-processed treats, meats, and the like, making it seem impossible to avoid these food-like substances. Just walking into a grocery store is a game of self-defense if you veer beyond the produce section. 

But just how unhealthy are they for you? We’re here to spread the (dark) truth. Ultra-processed foods are that bad. Here’s what the latest research shows.

The Latest on Ultra-Processed Food

British researchers and doctors from the College of London’s School of Public Health recently reported study findings that show a greater consumption of ultra-processed foods may be linked to cancer, even cancer-related death. 

Health experts looked at the diets of more than 200,000 adults, all middle-aged, for more than a decade. They accessed the participants’ risks of developing cancers of any kind, paying close attention to 34 different types of cancer. Their findings are sobering: The greater the consumption of ultra-processed foods, the risk of developing cancers, particularly brain and ovarian cancer, goes up. This showed in the individual numbers. For every 10 percent increase in ultra-processed food someone ate, there showed to be a 2 percent increase in cancer and a nearly 20 percent increase in ovarian cancer in women. 

The researchers also found that with every 10 percent increase, there was a 6 percent increase in cancer-related death. 

What Are Processed and Ultra-Processed Food?

Before we dig deeper, let’s look at what the culprit actually is. Ultra-processed foods are manufactured food products and drinks made from substances extracted from foods. They contain high amounts of additives, such as colorings, fats, sugars, emulsifiers, salts, and preservatives. (When Michael Pollan famously coined the term “edible food-like substances” he was referring to ultra-processed foods.) Sadly, there are countless examples, but a few common ones include soda, deli meats, fast food, packaged cookies, salty snacks, and bread, and frozen meals. 

One step below this are processed foods (take out the ultra), which are raw foods that have undergone any processing, such as milling, cutting, heating, pasteurizing, cooking, dehydrating, and packaging. The amount of processing varies per item, with some foods considered to be minimally processed. 

Finally, unprocessed foods are what we call whole foods. These are natural foods still in their natural, unadulterated state. 

Processed Foods: A Pandemic

As grave as these findings are, they’re another layer to the cacophony of examples showing just how bad many foods out there really are. In 2015, for example, the World Health Organization called processed meats carcinogenic to humans. This was a rallying cry to the world to not eat this stuff. 

Even more concerning is the fact that more and more people are eating processed food. Several years ago, researchers at NYU assessed the diets of more than 40,000 American adults over the course of 18 years. The findings showed a 53 percent increase in the amount of ultra-processed foods they ate. 

Add to the above examples the cruel fact that giant corporations are using the savviest marketing tactics to lure you in and get you hooked on these food-like substances. 

Our Food Future

We’re the first to admit that it can be nearly impossible to never eat processed foods. But we’re advocating for what’s possible. And this means avoiding ultra-processed foods at all costs. You control what you put in your body—not giant companies or big pharma. So if anything, we hope the above alarming news—which is another research win from Europe—is a spotlight on just how critical food is to our well-being. 

Parker Brook said it best on The PrimaFoodie Podcast: “Each one of us has the power to decide what our food future is.” We hold the capability, capacity, and gumption to make better decisions for ourselves and our families—today and tomorrow.  

Primafavorites Fall 2023: great greens, sex for good health, and food truths

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Whether it’s discovering a new inclusive cookbook author or reaching for our tried-and-true clean products, we’re always seeking inspiring brands, projects, and people that make life more beautiful. Here’s a look at what we’re currently coveting, exploring, trying, and genuinely enjoying at PrimaFoodie.

PrimaFavorites: Autumn 2023 Edition

maui nui venison

“Peter Attia has been endorsing this for some time, which is why it originally caught my attention. This is wild harvested axis deer meat from Maui, sourced from a company that follows strict land stewardship practices. I had the tenderloin and it was, well, like a well-prepared tenderloin. There were no gristly bits; only tender, flavorful bites.” —Nichole

Stur Drinks

“Stur drinks are similar to other brands, like Mio or Crystal light, that flavor water except they do not use artificial or chemical sweeteners or any food coloring, such as Yellow Lake 5, Blue 1, Red 40, etc. I love how they’re in partnership with the Thrist Project, so for every order they donate one year of clean drinking water to a person in need. I struggle with drinking enough water throughout the day, and I have found these helpful in enhancing my intake. Plus, there are a ton of different flavors!” —Bonnie

“Smartless”

“Everything these guys say is funny. When I listen to this podcast, I’m always laughing out loud—which can be very awkward depending on where you are, and I love it! There doesn’t always need to be a point or a moral. They’re three friends—Will Arnett, Sean Hayes, and Jason Bateman—who shoot the breeze and lovingly having a go at each other. They also happen to interview some incredible guests. Oh and starting with Will Ferrell is never a bad idea.” —Nichole

laird superfood prebiotic daily greens

“I have tried nearly every chlorophyll-based alkalizing green powder I can get my hands on, and every one leaves some sort of chalky residue. That is, until I discovered this one, which recently came out. Made of adaptogenics, organic vegetables, and a bounty of mineral-rich algae, it’s a drinkable and actually enjoyable way to start my day. I feel good getting a perfect dose of pre and probiotics, vitamins, and aminos early in the morning” —Stacey

“How to Have Better Sex”

“Dr. Emily Morse, the revered sex expert and author, talks candidly on this episode of “The Mind Pump Podcast.” I took away so many great nuggets from her interview. Every woman and man should listen to this for their health.” —Nichole

Dr. Bronner’s Magic All-One Chocolate

“I’ve enjoyed every flavor but the coconut dark chocolate my current favorite—same for our entire household. It’s delicious and happens to be one of the cleanest and most sustainable chocolates I’ve found on the market.” —Nichole

“Your Genes May Influence What You Like to Eat”

“Scientific American consistently published the most riveting—and astonishing—articles on modern-day science and health. This piece explores how our genetics play a key role in why each of us likes certain foods and dislikes others. But what is additionally interesting is the role genetics has not only on our diet choice but on how our brain pathways respond to various foods and nutrients.” —Stacey

Poisoned: The Dirty Truth about Your Food

“Netflix’s new documentary dives into the history of food regulation and food borne illness. It sheds light on the sense of urgency about food regulations and reveals the frustrations between the USDA (what regulates meat, poultry, and eggs) and the FDA (which regulates all food involved in interstate commerce). Not only does the documentary reveal the current issues we face in the American food system, but it also highlights horrific details about food borne illness through providing examples of how meat transports throughout the food system from farming to end up on restaurant tables.” —Bonnie

Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones

“Author Dan Buettner, the journalist behind the acclaimed book Blue Zones, takes us around the world in this documentary. I’ve read a lot about blue zones over the years. I was intrigued by the new perspective the filmmakers are taking in this film, which focuses on the unique communities around the globe where people live long, healthy lives. It’s not just eating the right combination of native Mediterranean ingredients. It’s lifestyle and it’s things we can work into our own lives, sometimes easily, sometimes with a little work. This offers an accessible exploration into how we can live longer lives of higher quality.” —Nichole

to Dye For: How toxic fashion is making us sick and how we can fight back by Alden Wicker

“We recently explored Alden Wicker’s thoroughly reported book, which takes an aggressive look at the fast fashion industry and its impact on our health and planet. It truly is a critical read for everyone.” —Stacey

Cajun Spice Mahi Mahi

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Mahi Mahi’s mildly sweet flavor and flaky texture combine perfectly with Cajun flavors. The result is a juicy fish with ample zest. While we love to make our Cajun seasoning (it’s simple and calls for spices you likely have stocked), there are excellent pre-mixed options available—just be sure to opt for organic blends.

This recipe yields 2 servings.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 lb of fresh Mahi Mahi filets
  • 1 tsp. Cajun spice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 2 lb of fresh Mahi Mahi filets
  • 1 tsp. Cajun spice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Juice of ½ lemon

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees/177 celsius.

  2. Place the Mahi Mahi on a baking sheet, skin side down. Season with salt, cajun spice, and a few drizzles of olive oil. Place in the oven for approximately 10 minutes.

  3. Pull apart flakes of the Mahi Mahi and drizzle lemon juice and a little olive oil on top.

TIPS

**This makes for excellent tacos! Top organic tortillas with the fish, shredded lettuce, and Sweet Peach and Tomato Salsa.

 

Tri-Color Coleslaw with Sesame and Cilantro

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This crunchy slaw features a blend of bright cabbages, bell pepper, bean sprouts. It’s finished with herby cilantro and nutty sesame seed oil. The addition of tamari adds a salty, umami punch.

This recipe yields 8-10 servings.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 small head of napa cabbage
  • ½ small head of red cabbage
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 1 small red onion
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 4 ounces of bean sprouts
  • 1 small bunch of cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons of roasted sesame seed oil
  • 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
  • 1 lime: juice and zest
  • 1 turnip
  • 5 radishes
  • 1 carrot
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 small head of napa cabbage
  • ½ small head of red cabbage
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 1 small red onion
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 4 ounces of bean sprouts
  • 1 small bunch of cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons of roasted sesame seed oil
  • 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
  • 1 lime: juice and zest
  • 1 turnip
  • 5 radishes
  • 1 carrot
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions

  1. Finely chop the napa cabbage, red cabbage, yellow bell pepper, and red onion.

  2. Finely shred the turnip, radish, and carrot to thin julienne-style strips. 

  3. Finely chop the garlic and cilantro to use as season.

  4. Place all ingredients into a large bowl. Add the rice vinegar, roasted sesame seed oil, soy sauce, and lime juice. Mix everything well.

TIPS

**This makes for an excellent side dish or atop grilled fish, chicken, or pork.


 

Late Summer Peach and Tomato Salsa

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Joy to us comes in the form of peak-season peaches and tomatoes. And when you marry the two? Perfection. This salsa delivers a bright blend of herby sweetness and mild heat. Use it to elevate tacos or grilled meat, or vegetables. It truly complements almost anything and is also a star on its own.

This recipe yields 8 servings.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 peaches, cut in ½ inch cubes
  • 3 roma tomatoes, cut in ½ inch cubes
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
  • 1 small bunch of green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 small bunch of basil, thinly sliced
  • 1 lime, juice and zest
  • ½ teaspoon honey
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 peaches, cut in ½ inch cubes
  • 3 roma tomatoes, cut in ½ inch cubes
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
  • 1 small bunch of green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 small bunch of basil, thinly sliced
  • 1 lime, juice and zest
  • ½ teaspoon honey
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a medium size mixing bowl and mix together.

 

PrimaFoodie Ingredient Spotlight: Propylene Glycol

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Additives in food are as ubiquitous as they are nebulous. In our PrimaFoodie Ingredients Spotlight, we investigate common food additives to discover their origin, use, and purpose. Because just because something is edible doesn’t mean it’s healthy—or necessary.

What Is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene glycol is a clear, odorless synthetic liquid used as an additive in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. It’s made by treating propylene oxide, a byproduct of refined petroleum, with chlorinated water. Some manufacturers create a slightly different form of propylene glycol by extracting it from glycerol, which comes from biodiesel production, for use in antifreeze and plastics.

What Is Propylene Glycol Used For?

Touted by manufacturers for its water-absorbing capabilities, propylene generally aids in emulsifying and preserving foods and enhancing the conditioning aspects of shampoos, lotions, face creams, and other topical products. But a closer look reveals the myriad of different ways it lands in food and products. These include:

  • As a solvent for helping food ingredients mix 

  • As a food and personal care product preservative (propylene glycol has antimicrobial properties that help to prevent molds and bacteria)

  • As a thickener for sauces and personal care products

  • As a moisture-preserver in foods and a humectant and emollient in cosmetics and lotions

  • As a flavor enhancer

Propylene glycol is also the main component of the artificial “smoke” from e-cigarettes and vape pens. 

Where Is It Found?

Given the long list of uses for propylene glycol in foods and products, this additive is everywhere. It’s safe to say that most conventional processed foods contain it in some form. 

Some of the most common propylene glycol-containing products include:

FOOD:

  • Dried and canned soups

  • Gravies

  • Packaged meals

  • Dried and canned vegetables

  • Fast foods

  • Packaged cheeses

  • Alcohol

  • Packaged snack foods

  • Bottle teas and juices

  • Sodas

  • Ice creams

  • Salad dressings

  • Condiments

PERSONAL CARE:

  • Face creams, lotions, and serums

  • Body lotions

  • Shampoos and conditioners

  • Face washes and toners

  • Deodorants

Is Propylene Glycol Bad?

The FDA approves the use of propylene glycol in food, cosmetics, and other products, deeming it safe within certain limits for certain items (outlined here). Google propylene glycol and mixed information regarding its allowance in Europe will show when, in fact, the EU does allow its use but in stricter variances. 

Studies have shown potential health risks associated with propylene glycol when consumed in high concentrations. Some research shows the additive can impact the nervous system, dermis, eyes, and kidneys and can potentially cause headaches and dizziness.

The PrimaFoodie Take on Propylene Glycol

Sure, this additive may be FDA approved and deemed safe—but to what end? Sadly, we know the FDA does not have our best health in mind, so we must second guess any additive the federal organization approves. And even if something is deemed safe, when we consistently consume something artificial, this can lead to its accumulation in our bodies, which can have grave effects. 

Our take? We avoid propylene glycol. The fact that it’s widely used in plastic, anti-freeze, and food makes us shiver. It’s artificial, derived partially from petroleum, and a total chemical additive mainly created to make food last longer on the shelves and seem more palatable. 

What are your thoughts or questions about propylene glycol? We’d love to know, so send a note to empowered@primafoodie.com. 

Is Our Clothing Making Us Sick? Here’s What One Journalist Wants Us to Know

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"Even the largest, most affordable drugstore brands are now reformulating their beauty and cleaning products to be safer. And you can find organic milk at conventional grocery stores, too. Yet fashion, a $2.5 trillion global industry, has somehow completely evaded the same scrutiny."

These words by journalist and author Alden Wicker in her new book To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick—and How We Can Fight Back hit a grave and critical chord. Clothing manufacturers are lacing the items we put on our bodies with horrendous chemicals. Take formaldehyde, a severe and ubiquitous preservative and fertilizer linked to cancer. A study sampling a variety of dyed garments published in the journal Toxic found formaldehyde in:

  • 22 percent of the tested cotton garments

  • 14 percent of synthetic material garments

  • 47 percent of cotton-synthetic garments 

Unbeknownst to us, chemicals are everywhere in our daily clothes—and it could be harming us. 

This fact underscores Wicker's intention in her book. Chemicals, such as formaldehyde, go totally unregulated in the clothing industry. Manufacturers can spray whatever they choose to up an item’s performance, say to prevent wrinkles or to make them waterproof, without scrutiny. It's bizarre, especially as Wicker points out that we have ingredient lists for our foods and personal care items—much of which continues to contain harmful ingredients—yet there is no transparency labeling for a t-shirt or pair of pants colored with dyes made of fossil fuels.

Wicker, who has covered the topics of sustainability and ethical fashion for years (she's the founder of EcoCult, a site that takes an in-depth look at the fast fashion world), began investigating chemicals in fashion several years ago. Her interest was piqued when Delta flight attendants began complaining they were getting sick after wearing new uniforms provided to them by the company. The attendants reported breaking out in rashes. Some even complained of breathing issues. 

That story led Wicker to investigate the unregulated use of potentially harmful chemicals. She spent more than two years studying clothing chemicals and our health. She interviewed a wide array of people who were impacted by the issue, including consumers and garment factory workers. Her research and reporting revealed just how many of us are unaware of the fact that our clothing has the potential to make us sick. 

In an interview for 'Fresh Air,' Wicker told Tanya Mosley, "This is a conversation I've had over and over and over again over the past few years where people say, I've never heard about this before, and then I start to tell them about some things, and they go, oh, yeah. You know what? You're right. I do get a rash when I wear things like this […]."

Wicker's book is stunning in its breadth of information and it's also a rallying cry. We must continue to investigate what goes in and on our bodies, challenge toxic measures taken by corporate giants, and fight for transparency and truth. 

To learn more about Alden Wicker and to order her book To Dye For, visit aldenwicker.com.