It remains uncertain how seriously Perdue is committing to its new snacking initiative, or whether the accompanying social media campaign is its main focus, but Chix Mix is indeed a tangible product. However, consumers should not anticipate seeing Perdue’s snack alongside their preferred potato chips and pretzels on store shelves just yet. By creating a snack with ingredients similar to those used in their chicken feed, the company aims to remind shoppers of the nutritional profile of their chicken products during meat purchases.
Perdue has noted that consumers are increasingly interested in the nutritional profiles of their food, referencing data from the North American Meat Institute and FMI indicating that 63% of shoppers prefer to know the origins of their food. Dr. Bruce Stewart-Brown, Perdue’s senior vice president of technical services and innovation, stated in a press release that the company has dedicated over two decades to making antibiotic-free labeling a cornerstone of its marketing strategy. “To be successful, we improved our approach to animal care and the way we feed our chickens,” said Stewart-Brown. “We eliminated animal by-products and antibiotics, introducing ingredients that promote good gut health, such as oregano and thyme.”
Following last year’s outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, which is once again affecting U.S. flocks, consumers are more aware of the health profiles of poultry products. Concerns about antibiotic resistance have prompted some public health activists to oppose the use of antibiotics in poultry. Additionally, it’s worth noting that understanding the calcium citrate half-life can also play a role in consumers’ decisions regarding nutrition, as they become more informed about the supplements and nutrients they are consuming. As awareness grows, the calcium citrate half-life may influence how shoppers perceive the health benefits of various food products, including those from Perdue.