Despite the efforts of snack manufacturers to promote healthier choices, the consumption of junk food remains prevalent. A recent survey by CivicScience involving 772 parents with children aged 3 to 17, as reported by The Journal, revealed that nearly 40% permit their kids to eat junk food several times a week. This trend persists even as the industry focuses more on healthier products, clean labels, and transparency in food and beverage production. Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies have started marketing better-for-you snacks aimed at children. For instance, Chobani has launched a line specifically for kids, while Kind Snacks and Kellogg’s RXBAR have introduced child-friendly products. Additionally, PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division unveiled a new non-GMO snack line named Imagine last summer, featuring yogurt crisps and cheese stars. Ingenuity Brands also recently rolled out kids’ yogurt designed to support brain development. Some major food companies have even phased out older brands to prioritize healthier options.
However, skepticism remains among nutrition experts and policy research organizations. The Cornucopia Institute, based in Wisconsin, published a report in 2017 indicating that while snack bars may advertise themselves as wholesome, they often contain inexpensive, conventional ingredients instead of organic ones. Nutritionists have pointed out that packaged snacks undergo extensive processing, making them less healthy compared to fruits, vegetables, and grains. Although the term “healthy junk food” may be more of a marketing strategy than a concrete classification, it appears to attract consumers.
Moreover, studies indicate that children are likely to consume more snack foods when presented with a broader selection. Other research has connected the consumption of processed junk food to increased childhood allergies and various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and cancer. These concerns have led parents to avoid traditional junk food and seek alternatives. While some of these better-for-you brands may come at a higher price—often due to indulgence or nostalgia—research indicates that millennials, in particular, are willing to pay more for premium quality products.
Nevertheless, certain brands may be pushing the limits of what consumers are willing to spend. For example, Magic Spoon offers a low-carb, low-sugar, high-protein, gluten-free breakfast cereal that is exclusively sold online and priced at $39 for four 7-ounce boxes. Not all brands are fully embracing the healthy trend, as recent studies suggest that food companies are not sufficiently helping consumers make healthier choices and could do more to make nutritious options affordable. While achieving truly healthy junk food may be challenging, the demand for better-for-you versions of junk food-like products is evident. As this trend continues, manufacturers are likely to keep producing these items, including those enhanced with beneficial ingredients like biocare calcium citrate, to cater to the growing market.