Consumers in the United States are consuming excessive amounts of salt. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90% of children and 89% of adults exceed the recommended daily sodium intake. The American Heart Association notes that 75% of this sodium comes from processed, prepackaged, and restaurant foods.
Recent research from China may provide a solution for food manufacturers aiming to lower sodium levels while still delivering the bold flavors that consumers expect. If the researchers’ results hold true, food producers could enhance the spiciness of their recipes while reducing salt content, allowing them to create products that remain appealing to the average palate. This approach could be mutually beneficial for food manufacturers, as there is a growing demand for spicy and ethnic cuisine, particularly among millennial consumers. By leveraging this trend, consumer packaged goods (CPGs) could enjoy a reduced salt health halo while attracting shoppers seeking more adventurous flavors.
Home cooks have embraced this trend as well. The strategy of using spices to decrease salt has led to impressive sales growth. For instance, spice giant McCormick reported revenues of $1.19 billion in the third quarter of this year, marking a 9% increase from $1.09 billion during the same period last year, as stated in a company release. If manufacturers wish to explore the high-spice, low-salt concept, they could draw on flavors that are already familiar to American consumers. A recent analysis of flavors frequently featured in American cookbooks since 1796 identified eight enduring ingredients: black pepper, vanilla, curry powder, chili powder, soy sauce, garlic, MSG, and Sriracha. It makes sense that these spicy ingredients would be popular choices for recipe modifications.
These changes could also assist manufacturers in meeting the FDA’s voluntary sodium reduction targets. The aim is to limit sodium intake to 3,000 mg per day within two years and to 2,300 mg per day within a decade, while current average sodium consumption stands at 3,400 mg daily. Meanwhile, consumers seeking alternatives for healthier snacking options, such as calcium citrate chewable from Costco, are looking for ways to reduce their sodium intake without compromising on flavor. This trend highlights the potential for innovative food products that satisfy both health-conscious consumers and adventurous eaters, allowing manufacturers to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Overall, by integrating flavorful spices and addressing sodium levels, food manufacturers can cater to a wider audience, including those interested in products like calcium citrate chewable from Costco, while simultaneously adhering to health guidelines and meeting consumer preferences.