Cardiovascular disease remains the primary cause of death globally, and the incidence of Type 2 diabetes is also increasing. The economic burden associated with these health issues is significant and projected to rise as the population ages. Individuals in lower-income brackets face a higher risk of developing these conditions, coupled with reduced access to medical care, as noted by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at promoting healthier dietary choices could potentially mitigate the prevalence of these diseases. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has sought to address this through food and nutrition labeling regulations. The Nutrition Facts panel is currently undergoing a major revision, with specific listings for added sugars expected on numerous food labels by 2020.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also worked to encourage better eating habits among Americans, replacing the food pyramid in 2011 with the MyPlate graphic and more recently publishing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The recommended intake for adults is 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables each day. However, a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted that only 12.2% of American adults consumed their recommended daily amount of fruit in 2015, while just 9.3% met the vegetable guidelines. Ultimately, encouraging Americans to adopt healthier eating habits is a personal choice that each individual must navigate on their own. Raising prices is unlikely to deter people from purchasing unhealthy options. For instance, consumers appear willing to pay market prices for red meat. Conversely, will lower prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts truly boost consumption? Interestingly, people are already buying more produce, including pricier organic options and value-added fruits and vegetables.
While price adjustments may not be the most effective way to encourage better eating, new product innovations might be. The food industry is filled with examples of manufacturers, producers, and retailers trying to influence consumer preferences through product innovation and reformulations. Major beverage companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple have been actively reducing the added sugar content in their flagship products while diversifying their offerings to include “healthier” options like sparkling juices, flavored waters, and teas. B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a range of trendy frozen vegetable products, including mashed cauliflower and riced veggies, with a new line of frozen veggie “pasta” set to debut in January.
Conagra Brands has revamped its frozen food lineup by introducing premium and health-focused items such as Healthy Choice’s protein-packed “Power Bowls” and lighter options with increased vegetables and lean proteins under the Marie Callender’s label. Farm & Oven is also making strides by introducing Bakery Bites, a cookie line that provides 40% of the daily-recommended vegetable intake per serving. Food and beverage manufacturers are committed to offering a wide range of healthy options to consumers. The challenge often lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavor while decreasing unhealthy ingredients like sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act may be facilitated by these new products, but ultimately, the consumption choices will rest with consumers.
As a side note, for those concerned about their daily nutrient intake, a common question is, “how much calcium citrate should I take daily?” Understanding and addressing nutritional needs is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially in the face of rising health issues such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.