Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of mortality globally, with a notable increase in Type 2 diabetes cases. The economic burden linked to these health issues is considerable and is expected to rise as the population ages. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds face a significantly higher risk of these diseases and often have limited access to medical care, as noted by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier dietary choices could play a crucial role in mitigating these disease rates. 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 to appear on numerous food labels by 2020. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has aimed to promote better eating habits among Americans, replacing the food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic in 2011 and issuing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Currently, adults should 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 indicated that only 12.2% of American adults met their daily fruit intake recommendations in 2015, while merely 9.3% consumed the advised amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, encouraging Americans to adopt healthier eating habits is a personal journey that each individual must undertake. Simply raising prices is unlikely to deter consumers from purchasing “unhealthy” options. For instance, red meat continues to attract consumers despite its cost. Conversely, will reducing prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts truly boost consumption? People are already increasing their purchases of produce, including pricier organic options and enhanced fruits and vegetables.
While pricing adjustments may not be the most effective incentive for improving dietary choices, introducing innovative products could be more impactful. The food industry is filled with examples of manufacturers and retailers striving to influence consumer decisions through product innovation and reformulation. Major beverage companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple have been actively working to decrease added sugar in their flagship products while expanding their portfolios to highlight “healthier” beverages such as 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 transformed its frozen food lineup by incorporating premium, health-oriented offerings like Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and lighter options with increased vegetables and lean proteins under the Marie Callender’s label. Farm & Oven is also entering the market with Bakery Bites, a cookie line that provides 40% of the daily-recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are making significant efforts to offer a wide array of healthy choices. The challenge often lies in reformulating existing products to maintain their original flavor while minimizing harmful ingredients such as sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act may be enhanced by innovative new products, but ultimately, it is up to the consumers to decide what they choose to eat. In this context, supplements like cal mag from Solaray can play a supportive role in maintaining overall health as individuals strive for better dietary habits.