R&D

Volunteers required for exercise test. Reward: 3D-printed chocolate

Australia

Volunteers required for exercise test. Reward: 3D-printed chocolate

By RJ Whitehead

Melbourne researcher Rohit Ashok Khot has found the sweetest way in the world to get people to exercise: he rewards others with chocolate treats made on a 3D food printer. The more they exercise, the smoother the chocolate they get to eat. 

Daily Express: One of many media outlets that leapt aboard the train of misinformation

Mock choc study highlights peer review pitfalls

By Shane STARLING

It’s no secret the peer review system that is supposed to subject academic research to rigorous scrutiny before publication is not perfect, but a [mock] German professor has revealed just how much of a joke it often is.

Sounds could be used to enhance our experience of foods, Spence argues

Sound: The forgotten flavour sense?

By Caroline SCOTT-THOMAS

Flavour perception is strongly influenced by the sounds heard when foods are bitten and chewed, claims a review published in Flavour.

Scientists sequence the vanilla genome

China

Scientists sequence the vanilla genome

By RJ Whitehead

Chinese scientists have completed the genome sequencing of Vanilla shenzhenica, giving way to hopes that a synthetic version of the world’s second most expensive spice.

Not everybody looking for a caffeine boost is looking for extreme sports and sugar, says maker of new caffeine strips

Big Tobacco eyes caffeine growth with oral strips

By Annie Harrison-Dunn

The launch of oral caffeine strip Reon sees cigarette-making giant Imperial Tobacco diversifying its market attentions and targeting on-the-go urban professionals.

Theo Innovations debuts flavanol-rich cocoa extract

Theo Innovations debuts flavanol-rich cocoa extract

By Hank Schultz

Seattle-based Theo Chocolate has launched the first functional ingredient from its subsidiary Theo Innovations.  Called Violetamine, the product is an extract of cocoa high in polyphenols and theobromine.

37% of viable probiotic cells are lost when added to chocolate at 40°C, according to a more precise laser detection method

How to measure probiotic counts in chocolate

By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Flow cytometry – a laser-based cell sensor system – is almost twice as accurate at measuring probiotic levels in chocolate when compared to traditional methods, according to research.

Sugar-sweetened beverages do not easily fit within a healthy diet, says Anderson

Food industry must slash sugar – not just tinker

By Caroline SCOTT-THOMAS

Food industry ‘tinkering’ with sugar content while foods and drinks remain relatively high in sugar may detract from more basic sugar reduction strategies, warns a public health expert.