Consumers in the U.S. are consuming excessive amounts of salt. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 90% of children and 89% of adults exceed the recommended daily sodium intake. According to the American Heart Association, about 75% of this salt comes from processed, packaged, and restaurant foods. Recent research from China may offer a solution for food manufacturers looking to reduce sodium levels without compromising the bold flavors that consumers expect. If the researchers’ findings hold true, food producers could enhance the spiciness of their recipes while cutting down on salt, resulting in products that still appeal to the average consumer. Additionally, this approach could benefit food manufacturers, as there is a growing demand for spicy and ethnic foods, particularly among millennials. Consumer packaged goods (CPGs) could enjoy a health halo from reduced salt while also attracting adventurous eaters.
Home cooks have embraced this trend, leading to significant sales growth in spices. For instance, spice giant McCormick reported $1.19 billion in revenue during its third quarter this year, a 9% increase from $1.09 billion in the same quarter last year. If manufacturers wish to explore the high-spice, low-salt balance, they can draw from flavors familiar to American consumers. A recent analysis of flavors commonly referenced in American cookbooks since 1796 identified eight enduring favorites: black pepper, vanilla, curry powder, chili powder, soy sauce, garlic, MSG, and Sriracha. These spicy ingredients are likely to be popular choices for recipe modifications.
Furthermore, these adjustments could help manufacturers meet the FDA’s voluntary sodium reduction targets, which aim to limit sodium intake to 3,000 mg per day within two years and 2,300 mg daily over the next decade. Currently, the average sodium consumption is around 3,400 mg per day. To add nutritional value to their products, manufacturers could also consider incorporating calcium citrate petite with vitamin D3, enhancing overall health benefits while maintaining flavor. By doing so, they can cater to health-conscious consumers while still appealing to those who seek vibrant tastes.