GROCERY

Teen Sues Ultraprocessed Food Manufacturers Coca Cola and Nestlé

In a landmark case, 18-year-old Bryce Martinez from Pennsylvania has taken on some of the largest food companies in the world, alleging that their ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have contributed to chronic illnesses in children. Filed in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, the lawsuit targets industry giants like Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, and General Mills, accusing them of engineering addictive food products with harmful health consequences.

This case, the first of its kind, argues that these companies have prioritized profits over public health by marketing UPFs to children and creating a generation plagued by diet-related chronic diseases.

A Modern Health Crisis

Martinez’s lawsuit highlights the dangers of UPFs—foods heavily altered through industrial processes, often containing additives like high-fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils. These foods include familiar brands such as Oreos, Lay’s chips, Kit Kats, and Oscar Meyer hot dogs. The case alleges that Martinez developed type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease at age 16, conditions linked to high consumption of UPFs.

The lawsuit notes that these diseases were virtually nonexistent in children 40 years ago but are now alarmingly common. Pediatricians are increasingly treating diet-related chronic illnesses, which the lawsuit attributes to aggressive UPF marketing and consumption.

Echoes of Big Tobacco

The case draws comparisons between Big Food’s strategies and those used by Big Tobacco in the mid-20th century. According to the lawsuit, the same tobacco companies that once engineered addictive cigarettes—such as Philip Morris—later acquired food brands and applied similar tactics to UPFs.

Lawyers argue that companies conducted research on brain responses and sensory perception to make these foods irresistibly addictive, targeting children through marketing tie-ins with cartoons, toys, and social media.

“Big Food has borrowed directly from the Big Tobacco playbook,” said Rene Rocha, an attorney at Morgan & Morgan, the firm representing Martinez. “These companies allegedly designed UPFs to hack children’s brains, leading to lifelong health issues.”

The Growing Debate Over UPFs

UPFs dominate the American food landscape, making up over 73% of the food supply and two-thirds of the average child’s diet. Research links these products to numerous health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even mental health issues.

However, defining and regulating UPFs remains contentious. The Consumer Brands Association (CBA), representing many of the companies named in the lawsuit, has pushed back against claims that processing inherently makes foods unhealthy. They argue that demonizing processed foods misleads consumers and fails to consider the full nutrient content of products.

“There is no agreed-upon scientific definition of ultra-processed foods,” said Sarah Gallo, senior VP at the CBA.

A Call for Accountability

This case comes as public awareness of UPFs grows. Books like Ultra-Processed People and calls for cleaner labels have brought the issue into the spotlight. The U.S. FDA Commissioner, Robert Califf, recently acknowledged that UPFs may indeed have addictive qualities, adding weight to the lawsuit’s claims.

If successful, Martinez’s lawsuit could pave the way for stricter regulations on UPFs, especially concerning marketing to children. It also underscores a larger movement to hold corporations accountable for the health consequences of their products.

As this case unfolds, it highlights the urgent need for action on a food system dominated by ultra-processed options, reminding us that the choices we make—and the ones marketed to our children—have long-term consequences.

The Road Ahead

The outcome of Martinez’s lawsuit could have profound implications for the food industry and public health policies in the U.S. If the courts recognize UPFs as a public health threat akin to cigarettes, it could open the door to stricter marketing regulations, reformulated products, and increased consumer protections.

For now, Martinez’s case has set the stage for a broader conversation about corporate responsibility and the role of processed foods in shaping our collective health.

PARTNER

Central Coast Creamery

Central Coast Creamery beginnings are quite Ewenique. Reggie has worked in the dairy industry for 25 years. His career started in 1991 when he worked in a quality laboratory for a cheese company. From there, the founder of Central Coast Creamery gained experience in all aspects of the dairy industry, from whey refining to bacteria culture sales.

Reggie met his wife Kellie while attending high school in Modesto, California. The two were later married and raised three daughters there. In 2012, after dreaming of starting their own business for many years, the family moved to Paso Robles to build their creamery. Kellie, a Cal Poly graduate, loved the area as a student and hoped to return someday and share the experience of living on the Central Coast with her family. The timing for their move was perfect: that same year their oldest daughter graduated from college, their middle daughter graduated from high school and their youngest daughter was still in elementary school.

In deciding on a location for Central Coast Creamery, they chose Paso Robles due of its proximity to the burgeoning wine region and the developing craft beer, artisan distilleries, and fine foods industries that continue to define the area as a destination for fine food lovers!

Made in Paso Robles, CA

Founded by Reggie Jones in 2012

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Genetic modification affects many of the products we consume on a daily basis. As the number of GMOs available for commercial use grows every year, the Non-GMO Project works diligently to provide the most accurate, up-to-date standards for non-GMO verification.

In order for a product to be Non-GMO Project Verified, its inputs must be evaluated for compliance with our standard, which categorizes inputs into four risk levels.

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NEWS

Seaweed Gets $2.5M

Triodos’ investment into the Faroese seaweed farming industry - the group’s first investment into the sustainable aquaculture industry - raises the total capital raised by Ocean Rainforest to € 2.5 million. Other notable shareholders include Katapult Ocean, Twynam, and WWF.

Founded in 2007, Ocean Rainforest was ahead of the curve, seemingly anticipating the massive boom in global seaweed production that was to come in the following years. Driven by the idea that growing seaweed in the ocean would take up CO₂ and mitigate climate change, cultivation began in 2013 after years of research and trials. Today the company employs 25 people and expects to produce 400 tonnes of seaweed biomass by the end of 2024, making it the largest cultivated seaweed producer in Europe.

“Ocean Rainforest addresses three impact pillars: from an environmental perspective, cultivating seaweed at scale is associated with significant enhancement of marine biodiversity and water quality. Seaweed-based fertilisers and animal feed also contribute to the sustainable agriculture transition. From a consumer perspective, consumption of seaweed-based products improves the digestive system and brings anti-inflammatory and other benefits,” said Adam Kybird, fund manager at Triodos, in a press release.

“Finally, from a socio-economic perspective, the company creates positive impact for coastal communities, creating jobs and positioning the Faroe Islands at the forefront of sustainable seaweed cultivation,” he added.

Ocean Rainforest has also begun to expand its reach, cultivating giant kelp in Santa Barbara, California, as part of a research and development project. The company recently applied for permission to transition this to commercial cultivation.

“We see the investment by Triodos Food Transition Europe Fund as a confirmation of our business strategy and our purpose to improve people’s wellbeing and make a unique contribution to our blue planet. With the funding provided by Triodos we will be able to further scale our production and capitalise on the huge potential of this global growth market while contributing even more to our sustainability goals,” said Olavur Gregersen, Ocean Rainforest co-founder and chief executive.

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Coffee Roasters Near Me

Farm2Me Map of Independent Grocers is not just a map – it’s a vibrant, living community celebrating the hardworking shops and shopkeepers you pass by every day.

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Pro Tip #1

Visit a local Grocer or Coffee Shop, or explore a local Farmers Market. Shop direct from your favorite emerging brands!

CHOCOLATE

Fine & Raw Chocolate

Fine & Raw Chocolate was established in 2007 in a notorious Williamsburg, Brooklyn artist loft by Daniel Sklaar. Daniel launched into making small Fine & Raw Chocolate batches and sharing them with friends, Fine & Raw Chocolate wholesale then started delivering them on his bicycle to local purveyors of fine food. It was apparent that the chocolate flavor was so good it was borderline addictive. Fine & Raw Chocolate wholesale grew based on the premise of producing organic, unparalleled quality chocolate and a shear love of the chocolate making process.

The “raw” in Fine & Raw is something of a misnomer. Sklaar and Fine & Raw Chocolate company do roast some of their organic cacao beans under lower temperatures and for longer durations than common in standard high-heat processing. Says Sklaar, “Raw chocolate is an amazing source of antioxidants. We’re basically looking to maintain those while playing with the unique flavor profiles of raw chocolate.” Fine & Raw offers chocolates using both “raw” and combinations of “raw” and conventionally roasted beans.

Fine & Raw Chocolate wholesale manufactures the finest chocolate in the world. Fine & Raw Chocolate wholesale specialize in bean-to-bar, organic chocolate bars and truffles, spreads and well, anything our imaginations can think of it. Fine & Raw Chocolate start by sourcing the worlds finest cacao beans and specialize in clean ingredients lists. Their products are always organic, plant-based and next level.

Fine & Raw Chocolate's first point of sustainability is a radically-transparent cacao supply chain which is focused on quality and direct relationships with cacao farmer! Fine & Raw's cacao is sourced from the highest quality and most ethical suppliers in Ghana and Ecuador. "We ensure that our farmers are paid above fair trade wages, because we believe farmers should have the economic freedom and empowerment to farm organically and develop sustainable land management practices. It is currently estimated that less than 0.5% of cacao beans are organic. By cultivating long-lasting and ethical relationships with suppliers and farmers, we hope to continue providing economic support for the organic cacao industry."

Made in Brooklyn, NY

Founded by Daniel Sklaar in 2007

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Cornbread

Say goodbye to alcohol, and say hello to America’s first USDA organic THC edibles. Cornbread Hemp is well-known to provide exceptional and safe hemp products, and these edibles are now their best-selling product. Formulated with a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD (10mg of each), each gummy provides a balanced feeling of happiness without feeling overwhelmed or couch-locked. Give the gift of a care-free moment, and maybe indulge in a few gummies together! The best part? Cornbread’s biggest sales of the year are happening now!

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