Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of death globally, while the incidence of Type 2 diabetes continues to escalate. The financial burden linked to these health issues is significant and is projected to rise as the population ages. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds face a considerably higher risk for these diseases and have limited access to medical care, according to BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier dietary choices could potentially mitigate the prevalence of these conditions. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has made efforts to address this through food and nutrition labeling regulations. A major revision of the Nutrition Facts panel is underway, with specific listings for added sugars expected to appear on many food labels by 2020. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also worked to promote better eating habits among Americans, replacing the food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic in 2011 and more recently releasing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Currently, adults are advised to consume 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables daily. However, a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that only 12.2% of American adults met their fruit intake recommendations in 2015, while a mere 9.3% consumed the suggested amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, it is not feasible to coerce Americans into making healthier dietary choices; it is a personal journey that each individual must undertake. Simply raising prices is unlikely to deter consumers from purchasing “unhealthy” products. For instance, red meat continues to be in demand as consumers appear willing to pay market prices. Conversely, will lowering prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts actually boost their consumption? Many consumers are already opting for more produce, including pricier organic options and value-added fruits and vegetables.
While price adjustments may not be the ideal catalyst for improving dietary habits, innovations in product offerings could play a pivotal role. The food industry is filled with instances of manufacturers, producers, and retailers attempting to influence consumer choices through product innovation and reformulation. Major beverage companies—such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple—have been actively working to decrease the added sugar content in their flagship products while diversifying their portfolios to focus on “healthier” beverages like 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, riced veggies, and veggie tots, with a new line of frozen veggie “pasta” set to debut in January. Conagra Brands has revamped its frozen food offerings by introducing premium, health-oriented products, such as Healthy Choice’s protein-packed “Power Bowls” and a collection of lighter meals featuring more vegetables and lean proteins under its Marie Callender’s label. Additionally, Farm & Oven is rolling out Bakery Bites—a line of cookies that incorporates 40% of the daily-recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are striving to deliver a wide array of healthy options for consumers. A key challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavors while reducing undesirable ingredients like sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act may be supported by the introduction of new products, but ultimately, it is consumers who will determine what they choose to eat. Among the options available, products like Kirkland Signature Calcium Citrate 500mg (500 tablets) can serve as a beneficial addition to a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of making informed dietary choices.