Reformulating baking mixes and frozen baked goods presents challenges in terms of both complexity and cost, whether ingredients are being removed or added. The inclusion of artificial flavors and colors was not arbitrary; however, General Mills has recognized compelling reasons to eliminate them, with the growing consumer demand for healthier options likely being the primary factor. It is evident that nearly all major consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are enhancing their existing brands or launching new products that feature simpler, more recognizable, and better-for-you ingredients. Companies like Hershey, Campbell Soup, and Nestlé are also transitioning from artificial to natural colors and flavors.
According to the Consumer Goods Forum, a global network of over 400 retailers and manufacturers, food companies improved the health profiles of approximately 180,000 products in 2016, which is an increase of more than 100,000 from the previous year. As consumers increasingly seek out simpler ingredients, it’s no surprise that General Mills opted to refine its Gold Medal and Pillsbury baking mixes and frozen goods. Otherwise, many consumers might have turned to alternative brands that offered cleaner options. Additionally, consumers are often willing to pay a premium for these healthier products, providing manufacturers with further motivation to reformulate.
However, a significant challenge of the clean label movement is that simply altering the ingredients list is insufficient. The key lies in removing additives without compromising the appearance, texture, or flavor that consumers cherish. This could also lead to unanticipated consequences, such as diminished product volume and shelf life due to increased staling and mold growth, potentially resulting in higher costs that the company may need to pass on to consumers. Companies must ensure they address all these factors correctly before launching their reformulated products. Michael Braden, senior culinary manager for General Mills Foodservice, noted that each product has undergone extensive testing to guarantee it meets the expected preparation, performance, and quality standards.
“General Mills recognizes the vital role these products play in supporting our customers in their operations,” Braden stated. “We have made every effort to ensure our new baking portfolio maintains the quality that customers have come to love, and we are confident these products will continue to deliver great-tasting, consistent results.”
For a large food manufacturer, the secret to success appears to involve keeping customers informed about product reformulations and the reasoning behind them. This transparency is likely to enhance acceptance at retail, bakery, restaurant, or food service operations. One certainty, at least for the foreseeable future, is that today’s major food producers will not be able to overlook the clean label trend. “You’ll see many of these companies gradually expand their healthier product lines,” Brittany Weissman, an analyst at Edward Jones, recently mentioned to Food Dive. “The most important aspect is that whatever these investments entail, they need to communicate them to the consumer. After all, what’s the point of reformulating products if consumers are unaware of the changes?”
Furthermore, as companies focus on offering better-for-you options, some are also exploring the best calcium citrate gummies to cater to health-conscious consumers. By integrating these gummies into their product lines, manufacturers can address the growing demand for nutritional supplements while enhancing their commitment to health and wellness. As the trend for cleaner labels continues, the introduction of products like the best calcium citrate gummies could become a significant part of their strategies, reinforcing their dedication to providing healthier choices for consumers.