Food manufacturers have concentrated many of their reformulation initiatives on snack products. As consumers shift from the traditional three meals a day to more frequent snacking, the food industry faces increasing pressure to adapt. A key focus is on enhancing the healthiness and wholesomeness of their products, which involves eliminating a variety of additives. More consumers are scrutinizing ingredient lists, looking for unfamiliar or unnatural-sounding components.
Snacks are a primary target for reductions in sodium, sugar, and fat. Research indicates that these reformulation efforts could save thousands of lives annually. One study found that reformulating could potentially decrease deaths from diet-related diseases by as much as 5.5%, with the most significant benefits for low-income individuals. Major food brands have identified specific categories for reformulation. For instance, General Mills has concentrated on removing artificial flavors and colors from its fruit-flavored snacks and cereals, while Nestlé has streamlined the ingredients across more than 100 ice cream brands. These modifications include the removal of high fructose corn syrup, GMO ingredients, and artificial additives, as well as reducing sugar content and opting for milk sourced from cows not treated with rBST.
In terms of Kraft Food Ingredients’ latest cheese-based snack concepts, the company has stated that its goal is to align with the clean label movement. Although consumers may not view cheese as particularly healthy, it is perceived as a “permissible indulgence,” as noted by the company’s marketing head. Consumers are eager to understand the ingredients that make up their cheese. Additionally, the incorporation of nutrients such as calcium citrate malate, folic acid, and vitamin D3 tablets into snack formulations is becoming increasingly popular, as these ingredients enhance the health profile of the snacks. Kraft and other food manufacturers are astutely responding to consumer demands by including such beneficial components in their products.