Consumer News: Subscription price creep is real — and it quietly got worse in late 2025

New warnings link low drink prices to rising chronic disease worldwide

• The World Health Organization says alcohol and sugary drinks are getting too cheap, and thats bad for public health.

• WHO wants governments to significantly raise and redesign taxes to make these drinks less affordable and reduce disease.

• Higher taxes can improve health and raise money for health services, helping prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and injuries.

Sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages might seem like everyday treats, but according to a new announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO), their low prices are doing more harm than youd think.

The WHO recently released global reports showing that cheap sodas, sweet drinks, and alcohol are contributing to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, and injury especially among young people.

The reason? In most countries, taxes on these products are too low or poorly designed to keep up with inflation and income growth, so theyve become more affordable over time and that encourages people to drink more.

Health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease," Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said in a news release.

"By increasing taxes on products like tobacco, sugary drinks, and alcohol, governments can reduce harmful consumption and unlock funds for vital health services.

What WHO is recommending and why it matters

The WHO isnt just pointing fingers its offering a solution. Its reports call for governments to raise and rethink taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks, so their prices reflect the real cost they impose on health systems and communities.

Here are some of the issues the WHO highlighted:

• Many harmful drinks escape taxation: While sodas are often taxed in about 116 countries, other high-sugar products such as fruit juices, sweetened milks, and ready-to-drink coffees often arent. That means people can swap to these options without a tax penalty.

• Alcohol remains too cheap in many places: Even though around 167 countries tax alcoholic beverages, taxes often havent kept pace with the cost of living or incomes. Wine, for instance, isnt taxed at all in some countries.

• Low taxes mean more consumption: And more consumption is linked with preventable diseases and injuries that burden families and health systems alike.

What consumers need to know (and do)

So, what does this mean for consumers?

• Prices may rise:If your country adopts stronger health taxes, you could see higher prices on soda, sweetened drinks and alcohol in the coming years. Thats partly the point costing more can help curb overconsumption.

• Health benefits may follow:Higher prices have been linked with lower consumption and better health outcomes in places that have tried similar taxes.

• Awareness matters: Knowing how your government taxes these products can empower you to support policies that promote public health or make informed choices about how much and how often you indulge.

In short: this isnt just about prices at the checkout. Its about shaping habits and protecting health one tax at a time.

Experts share how to spot risks, set limits, and guide teens toward healthier tech use

• Experts say chatbots can support learning and creativity, but relying on them for emotional support or advice can pose risks for teens mental health and development.

• Warning signs of problematic AI use include emotional reliance on chatbots, distress when access is limited, and pulling away from real-world relationships.

• Clear limits, open conversations, and encouraging offline relationships help teens build a healthier relationship with AIwithout fear or overreaction.

For todays teens, turning to an AI chatbot for answers or even comfort can feel as natural as texting a friend. But for parents, the rise of AI as a source of advice and companionship brings understandable concerns about emotional development, mental health, and online safety.

While AI tools can offer convenience and support, experts warn that unchecked use may sometimes do more harm than good. Thats especially true if teens begin relying on chatbots instead of trusted adults, friends, or mental health professionals.

To help parents make sense of it all, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Adam Chekroud, co-founder and president of Spring Health, and Alvin McLean, dean of the JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences at National University. They share expert-backed guidance on how parents can stay involved, recognize red flags, and help teens build a healthier relationship with AI without fear or overreaction.

Risks of asking AI for advice

The experts shared some of the top risks associated with teens using AI for advice or companionship:

• Mistaking AI-generated responses for legitimate clinical guidance

• Becoming overly reliant on chatbots for validation or support using them as a substitute for human connection or professional care

• Eroding trust in professional mental health care

Because chatbots are always available and nonjudgmental, they can unintentionally reinforce avoidance of difficult emotions or conversations, McLean explained. There is also the risk of misinformation, oversimplified advice, or responses that lack nuance around mental health, relationships, or self harm, which can be especially harmful for adolescents who are still developing critical thinking skills and emotional regulation.

Confusing AI tools with therapists also raises privacy concerns, increases the likelihood of missed clinical red flags, and can erode trust in professional mental health care over time, Chekroud continued.

Is there healthy AI use?

The short answer: yes.

Healthy use looks curious and functional, such as asking questions, brainstorming ideas, or using AI for schoolwork or creativity, McLean said.

Healthy exploration of AI occurs when teens use it to satisfy curiosity, support learning, or gather information and can question, explain, or fact-check the responses they receive, Chekroud said. In these cases, AI is one tool among many, not a primary source of guidance or emotional support.

Signs of problematic use

On the other hand, parents should know the signs of problematic AI use to look for:

• Secrecy about AI use

• Excessive time spent chatting

• Emotional attachment to the chatbot

• Distress when access is limited

• Relying on AI for reassurance, advice, or connection they would typically seek from people

• Increased isolation

• Reduced interest in real-world relationships

• Noticeable changes in mood or behavior

Warning signs can include withdrawal from friends or family, using the chatbot as a primary source of advice for personal or emotional issues, or expressing that the AI understands me better than people do, McLean said.

Setting boundaries around AI use

The experts agree that its important for parents to set boundaries and limits around their kids AI use, highlighting that AI is not a substitute for human connection.

Parents should set clear expectations around when, why, and how AI tools are used by their children, McLean said. This can include time limits, device-free periods, and guidelines that AI should not be used for mental health advice, relationship decisions, or crisis support.

Teens are still developing judgment and may interpret AI-generated responses as facts or truth, Chekroud said. Reinforcing that AI is a supplementnot a replacementfor human connection, trusted adults, or professional care helps reduce the risk of emotional reliance and misuse.

Life outside of chatbots

One of the biggest pieces of advice for parents: reinforce to kids that there is life outside of AI chatbots.

Encouraging extracurricular activities, shared family time, and in person social experiences helps reinforce that meaningful connection comes from human interaction, McLean said. Modeling balanced technology use and having regular conversations about emotions, stress, and decision-making also reduces the likelihood that teens will turn to AI as their primary outlet.

Another tip from Chekroud: normalize awkwardness.

Teens often turn to AI because it feels safer than being vulnerable with people, he said.Parents can reinforce that awkwardness is part of learning and growth, not a sign of failure.

Most categories moved higher; restaurant prices rose as well

• Grocery prices saw their biggest monthly jump in more than three years in December, new federal data show.

• Most supermarket food categories posted increases, even as egg prices dropped sharply.

• Restaurant prices rose at the same pace as grocery costs, adding pressure to household food budgets.

Think it's getting expensive eat out? It is, but it turns out it's getting more expensive to eat at home too. That's the conclusion of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which found that grocery prices recorded their largest month-to-month increase in more than three years in December.

The food-at-home index rose 0.7% for the month, more than double the 0.3% increase recorded in September, the most recent month of Consumer Price Index data before the government shutdown. It marked the steepest monthly rise since late 2022, when grocery prices climbed 0.7% in both August and September. The last time prices rose faster was July 2022, when food-at-home costs jumped 1.3%.

On a year-over-year basis, grocery prices were up 2.4% in December, indicating continued though uneven inflation pressure at the supermarket.

Most grocery categories moved higher

Five of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased month over month in December, underscoring the broad-based nature of the price gains.

The other food at home category posted the largest monthly increase, rising 1.6%. Dairy and related products climbed 0.9%, while cereals and bakery products rose 0.6%. Prices for fruits and vegetables increased 0.5%, and nonalcoholic beverages rose 0.4%.

The only category to decline was meats, poultry, fish and eggs, which fell 0.2% over the month. That drop was driven largely by egg prices, which plunged 8.2% in December.

Annual increases led by beverages and proteins

Year-over-year data show nonalcoholic beverages recorded the largest annual increase, rising 5.1% compared with December a year earlier. Meats, poultry, fish and eggs followed with a 3.9% increase, despite the recent monthly decline.

Other food at home rose 2.7% year over year, while cereals and bakery products increased 1.5%. Fruits and vegetables posted a modest annual gain of 0.5%.

Dairy and related products were the only grocery category to decline on a yearly basis, falling 0.9% from December 2024.

Restaurant prices also rise

Food prices increased beyond the grocery aisle. The overall food index rose 0.7% in December, matching the monthly increase for food away from home. Restaurant prices also climbed 0.7%, signaling that consumers are facing higher costs whether they cook at home or eat out.

The December data suggest that while food inflation has slowed from its 2022 peak, price pressures remain persistent and uneven across grocery categories and dining options.

Small details that actually matter when you order

• Some items are fresher than others. Ordering the right version can mean better quality for the same price.

• Sugar hides in safe choices. Drinks like sweet tea and Coke pack more sugar than most people expect.

• Small tweaks save money. Customizing orders or downsizing often delivers the same flavor for less.

McDonald's has mastered speed and consistency better than almost any restaurant on earth. But that efficiency also hides a lot of small details that most customers never notice.

The folks at Delish.com gathered some interesting insights from a former corporate chef at McDonalds to reveal where quality really shows up, where sugar and shortcuts sneak in, and how small ordering tweaks can change both taste and cost.

Heres a deeper look at the most useful takeaways and how to put them to work the next time you pull into the drive-thru.

The fries arent vegetarian

Maybe this explains why the fries at McDonalds are some of the absolute best around, in my humble opinion, of course.

According to Delish, in the United States, Mickey Ds fries actually contain natural beef flavor and milk derivatives, which means they arent vegetarian or vegan at all, despite the one main ingredient, the potato.

Smart tip: If dietary restrictions matter to you, dont assume fries are a safe no meat default. Always check the ingredient lists or opt for alternatives like apple slices or a side salad.

The Coke really is different

Ever notice how a Coke from McDonalds just hits a little bit different?

McDonalds follows strict fountain guidelines from Coca-Cola, including pre-chilled water and syrup, plus a syrup ratio designed for quicker ice melt.

But the secret just might be in the wider straws. The former corporate chef at McDonalds says they deliver more liquid per sip, which adds to a bolder taste.

Smart tip: Downsize your drink. You just might find a small McDonalds Coke tastes as strong as a medium or large elsewhere.

Sweet tea is a sugar overload

No surprise here but McDonalds sweet tea is made in massive batches with pounds of sugar mixed in. A small sweet tea contains about 40 grams of sugar, which puts it nearly on par with a soda.

Smart tip: Ask for half sweet, half unsweet tea. You still get the flavor without drinking nearly a full days worth of added sugar.

The best eggs arent on every breakfast sandwich

I mentioned this one in my fast-food ordering hacks article, and it was confirmed by Delish.

The round egg on Egg McMuffins is cracked fresh and cooked on-site. Their folded eggs, which are used on their biscuits and bagels, arrive pre-cooked and frozen before being reheated.

Smart tip: If youre ordering breakfast regularly, stick with McMuffins or customize your sandwich with a round egg for better texture and flavor.

Big Mac sauce doesnt include ketchup

Despite the color, Big Mac sauce gets its tint from paprika, not ketchup.

Its actually a blend of mayo, relish, mustard, vinegar, and a blend of other spices. Its the tinge of vinegar that probably has many assuming there is ketchup involved.Heres aTikTok videoof exactly how its made.

Theres no secret menubut there are shortcuts

McDonalds doesnt offer an official secret menu like In-N-Out Burger does.

This is because every item must have verified nutrition information. Still, ingredient swaps are definitely allowed and widely used.

Smart tip: Consider customizing existing menu items instead of ordering premium burgers. Small swaps often cost way less than upgrading outright.

Burger seasoning is surprisingly basic

McDonalds burger seasoning is simply salt and pepper mixed at a specific ratio. Theres absolutely no proprietary spice blend or secret ingredient involved.

Smart tip: Skip overpriced copycat seasonings at the store. You can easily recreate the McDonalds flavor at home with the shakers you have on your table right now.

Some locations still sell birthday cakes

If you're of a certain age, you probably remember when Mickey D's sold birthday cakes and they were quite popular.

Well, it turns out that a limited number of locations still stock chocolate or vanilla birthday cakes, depending on regional demand and the owner-operator.

Smart tip: Call ahead. Even if your location doesnt stock them, some managers can still special-order cakes with advance notice.

Youcan recreate McGriddles at home

According to Delish, the Trader Joes Dutch Griddle Cakes are one of the closest shortcuts to a McGriddle when microwaved instead of toasted.

Trader Joes shoppers often use them to create their own DIY breakfast sandwiches.

Smart tip: Making McGriddle-style sandwiches at home can easily save several dollars per meal, especially for large families.