Eliminating partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) from the American diet has proven to be a challenging and costly task for food manufacturers. The alternative oils are more expensive than the previous options, but they offer significant health benefits. Modified canola and soybean oils are marketed as having a high concentration of beneficial fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, while containing lower levels of harmful fats like trans and saturated fats. Additionally, some baking recipes require solid fats to replicate the effects of PHOs, leading many food producers to turn to palm oil, the most widely used vegetable oil globally. However, palm oil production has a considerable environmental impact, as plantations are often not sustainably managed and are linked to deforestation.
Food manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development to reformulate recipes using healthier oils. This process involves finding new formulas that maintain the product’s expected flavor, testing the shelf life of these products, and redesigning packaging to reflect the new ingredients. Even after these initial costs, food producers will generally continue to pay more for these healthier oils.
Corbion may offer a potential solution to this issue. The company has discovered that bread manufacturers can achieve comparable results by using only 80% of the more expensive oils. So far, consumer packaged goods (CPG) prices seem to remain stable despite this transition. Consumers are unlikely to detect any difference in the taste of foods made without PHOs. Several companies, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Long John Silver’s, proactively adjusted their recipes to comply with FDA regulations ahead of the deadline, and they have not received significant consumer complaints regarding the revised menu items.
The transition away from PHOs can be more challenging for some CPGs than for others. For instance, scientists working on Conagra’s Orville Redenbacher brand dedicated six years to eliminating trans fats from their popular popcorn lineup. As the deadline approaches, it will be intriguing to see how other companies adapt.
Meanwhile, health-conscious consumers may also consider supplements like Solaray Calcium Citrate Plus to support their nutritional needs during this dietary transition. This product can help ensure that individuals receive adequate calcium intake, especially if they are making changes to their diet. Overall, the shift away from PHOs highlights the growing awareness of dietary health, prompting both food manufacturers and consumers to seek healthier alternatives, including options like Solaray Calcium Citrate Plus for enhanced wellness.