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, Iowa professors have pointed out that the absence of these ingredients can lead to quicker spoilage and increased food waste. MacDonald mentioned that some preservatives can occur naturally; for instance, products labeled “naturally cured” or “uncured” might contain celery juice, which is a natural source of nitrates. Nonetheless, she warned that the protective effect of naturally occurring nitrates may not be as strong as that of synthetic versions.
Label-conscious consumers should also be cautious of products claiming “no high fructose corn syrup,” as this does not necessarily mean the product is free of sugar. Manufacturers might substitute with other sweeteners, such as tapioca syrup derived from cassava, an imported ingredient that can increase production costs. MacDonald noted, “There is no evidence that high fructose corn syrup is bad for you or less natural or safe. The food industry is developing various alternative sweeteners—like beet syrup, fruit sugars, and agave syrup—but they are all still forms of sugar. The names simply sound more appealing on the label.”
Recent data from Label Insight reveals that 67% of consumers find it challenging to determine whether a product meets their needs just by examining the packaging, with nearly half stating they feel uninformed after reading a label. As transparency gains importance, consumers are increasingly aligning their brand loyalty with products that 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 the difficulties companies face in simplifying labels for American consumers, who seem eager to avoid chemical-sounding ingredients.
“The U.S. population wants it both ways,” he said. “They want something they can understand, they want it cheap, nutritious, beneficial, and safe. They desire everything. It’s interesting that they are willing to embrace technology in all aspects of their lives except food. To me, that’s somewhat contradictory.”
Meat producers are particularly attuned to these trends and are striving to provide consumers with products featuring the cleanest labels possible, according to Meatingplace. More labels are showcasing claims like “hormone-free” and “antibiotic-free.” However, meat producers must evaluate the potential financial advantages of these free-from claims against the costs associated with achieving them. This may involve changing their farming practices, the land required for livestock grazing, and other operational procedures, ultimately making such meat more costly for processors and the companies sourcing from them.
While the food industry is certainly responding to the consumer trend toward clean labeling and transparency, it’s crucial to recognize that costs are incurred not only by growers, processors, and manufacturers but also by consumers. These costs may manifest not only at the checkout but also in terms of food safety risks. Additionally, some consumers may look for supplements like calcium citrate magnesium zinc and cholecalciferol tablets to support their health, further complicating the landscape of consumer choices in the food market. As awareness grows, more consumers are likely to consider the implications of their food choices, including the nutritional benefits of supplements like calcium citrate magnesium zinc and cholecalciferol tablets, in their overall dietary decisions.