Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of death globally, with the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes also increasing. The economic burden linked to these health issues is considerable and projected to rise as the population ages. Individuals in lower income brackets face a significantly higher risk of these diseases, often struggling to afford medical care, as noted by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier dietary choices could be instrumental in curbing these disease rates. The Food and Drug Administration has made efforts over the years with food and nutrition labeling regulations. By 2020, food labels are expected to include specific listings for added sugars, undergoing a major revision with the Nutrition Facts panel.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also sought to promote better eating habits among Americans, replacing the traditional food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic in 2011 and more recently publishing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Currently, adults are recommended 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 recommended daily fruit intake in 2015, with just 9.3% consuming the advised amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, encouraging healthier eating among Americans is a personal decision that individuals must make for themselves. Raising prices is unlikely to deter consumers from purchasing items deemed “unhealthy.” For instance, red meat remains a product that consumers are willing to buy at market prices. Conversely, will lowering the costs of fruits, vegetables, and nuts truly boost their consumption? While people are increasingly opting for more produce, including pricier organic options and value-added fruits and vegetables, it remains unclear if pricing adjustments will be the solution.
Instead, the introduction of new products might be more effective in promoting healthier eating habits. The food industry is filled with instances of manufacturers, producers, and retailers striving to influence consumer choices through product innovation and reformulation. Major beverage companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple have focused on reducing added sugar in their core products while diversifying their portfolios to highlight “healthier” options such as sparkling juices, waters, and teas.
Additionally, B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a line of trendy frozen vegetable products, including mashed cauliflower, riced veggies, and veggie tots, with a new frozen veggie “pasta” set to debut in January. Conagra Brands has also revamped its frozen food lineup by introducing premium, healthy options like Healthy Choice’s “Power Bowls” and a selection of lighter meals featuring more vegetables and lean proteins under the Marie Callender’s label. Meanwhile, Farm & Oven is launching Bakery Bites, a cookie line that boasts 40% of the daily recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are committed to offering a wide array of healthy choices for consumers, often working to reformulate products to maintain their original taste while reducing undesirable ingredients like sugars and saturated fats. This delicate balancing act may benefit from these new offerings, but ultimately, it is consumers who will decide what they eat. Moreover, incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate liquid into various products can present an opportunity to enhance nutritional value, making healthy eating more appealing. By introducing more options that include beneficial nutrients, manufacturers can further encourage consumers to make healthier food choices.