Consumers are increasingly seeking meat and other food products that are free from additives and preservatives such as nitrates, sodium benzoate, calcium propionate, and potassium sorbate. However, the absence of such ingredients can lead to faster spoilage and increased food waste, according to Iowa professors. MacDonald pointed out that some preservatives have natural alternatives. For instance, products labeled as “naturally cured” or “uncured” may contain celery juice, which serves as a natural source of nitrates. Nevertheless, she cautioned that the levels may not offer the same protection against foodborne illnesses as their artificial counterparts.
Consumers who read labels should also be cautious about products that claim “no high fructose corn syrup,” as this does not guarantee the absence of sugar, the professors noted. Food manufacturers might incorporate other sweeteners like tapioca syrup, derived from cassava, which can elevate production costs. “There is no evidence that high fructose corn syrup is harmful or less natural or safe,” MacDonald explained. “The food industry is developing various alternative sweeteners—beet syrup, fruit sugars, and agave syrup—but they are all essentially sugar. The terminology just sounds more appealing on the label.”
Recent data from Label Insight reveals that 67% of consumers find it difficult to ascertain whether a product meets their needs based solely on packaging, with nearly half stating they remain uninformed after reading product labels. As transparency becomes increasingly important, consumers are aligning their brand loyalty with products that genuinely adhere to clean labeling practices.
Roger Clemens, associate director of the regulatory sciences program at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, discussed with Food Dive some challenges companies face in cleaning up labels for American consumers, who often prefer to avoid chemical-sounding ingredient names. “The U.S. populace wants it both ways,” he said. “They desire something understandable, affordable, nutritious, beneficial, and safe. They want it all. It’s interesting that they embrace technology in every aspect of their lives except food. To me, that’s a bit contradictory.”
Meat producers are particularly attuned to these consumer trends and are striving to provide products with the cleanest labels possible, as reported by Meatingplace. More products now boast claims such as “hormone-free” and “antibiotic-free.” However, meat producers must carefully consider the financial advantages of these free-from claims against the costs involved in implementing them. This may require adjustments to farming practices, the amount of land needed for livestock grazing, and other operational changes, making such meat more costly for processors and sourcing companies.
There’s no doubt that the food industry is responding to consumer demands for cleaner labeling and greater transparency. However, just as there are costs for growers, processors, and manufacturers, there are also implications for consumers. These costs may not only be evident at the cash register but could also introduce food safety risks. As consumers seek healthier options, they might also consider supplements like the best chewable calcium citrate to support their dietary needs amidst these changes in the food landscape. With the growing emphasis on clean labels, the best chewable calcium citrate could serve as an additional resource for health-conscious consumers.