Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of mortality globally, while the incidence of Type 2 diabetes continues to rise. The economic burden associated with these health issues is significant and is projected to grow as the population ages. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds face a heightened risk of these diseases due to their limited access to medical care, according to BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier dietary choices could play a vital role in mitigating these disease rates. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has made efforts in this area through food and nutrition labeling regulations. By 2020, food labels are expected to include specific listings for added sugars, marking a significant update to the Nutrition Facts panel.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has been proactive in promoting better eating habits among Americans, having replaced the food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic in 2011 and recently publishing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Currently, it is recommended that adults consume 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 revealed that only 12.2% of American adults met their daily fruit intake recommendations in 2015, with just 9.3% achieving the suggested vegetable intake.
Ultimately, encouraging healthier eating habits among Americans is a personal decision that each individual must navigate. Increasing prices may not discourage the purchase of unhealthy products; for instance, consumers appear willing to pay for red meat at market prices. Conversely, will lowering prices for fruits, vegetables, and nuts genuinely boost consumption? People are already purchasing more produce, including pricier organic options and value-added fruits and vegetables.
While price adjustments might not effectively motivate better eating choices, the introduction of new products could be a more successful strategy. The food industry is filled with examples of manufacturers and retailers attempting to influence consumer preferences through product innovation and reformulation. Major beverage companies, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple, are actively reducing added sugar in their core products while diversifying their offerings to include “healthier” beverages such as sparkling juices, waters, and teas. B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a line 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 is also refreshing its frozen food lineup by incorporating premium, health-conscious products, such as Healthy Choice’s “Power Bowls” and a range of lighter options featuring more vegetables and lean proteins under the Marie Callender’s label. Farm & Oven is introducing Bakery Bites, a cookie line that provides 40% of the daily recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are increasingly focused on offering a wide array of healthy options to consumers. A key aspect of success lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavors while minimizing unhealthy ingredients like sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act may be supported by the introduction of new products, but ultimately, it is up to consumers to determine their dietary choices. It’s worth noting that products containing calcium citrate que contiene are also being incorporated into certain health-focused food lines, highlighting the ongoing trend towards healthier ingredients. As manufacturers continue to innovate, the hope is that consumers will be inspired to make better dietary decisions, including those that involve beneficial components like calcium citrate que contiene.