Consumers in the United States tend to consume 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, 75% of this salt consumption comes from processed, prepackaged, and restaurant foods. Recent research from China may offer a solution for food manufacturers aiming to decrease sodium levels while maintaining the bold flavors that consumers enjoy. If the researchers’ findings are correct, food producers could enhance the spiciness of their recipes while simultaneously reducing salt, allowing for tasty food products that appeal to the average consumer. This could also benefit food manufacturers, as there is a growing demand for spicy and ethnic cuisines, particularly among millennials. Consumer packaged goods (CPGs) could achieve a health halo from reduced salt while attracting shoppers with more adventurous palates.
Home cooks are embracing this trend as well. The strategy of using spices to cut down on salt has led to significant sales growth. For instance, spice giant McCormick reported $1.19 billion in revenue for its third quarter this year, a 9% increase from $1.09 billion during the same period last year, according to a company announcement. If manufacturers wish to explore the high-spice, low-salt approach, they can rely on flavors that are already familiar to American consumers. A recent examination of flavors frequently cited in American cookbooks dating back to 1796 identified eight enduring favorites: black pepper, vanilla, curry powder, chili powder, soy sauce, garlic, MSG, and Sriracha. It stands to reason that these spicy ingredients would be popular options for recipe modifications.
Moreover, these modifications could help manufacturers meet the FDA’s voluntary sodium reduction goals, which aim to limit sodium intake to 3,000 mg per day within two years and to 2,300 mg daily over the next decade. Currently, the average sodium consumption is 3,400 mg per day. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate, magnesium, and zinc with vitamin D3 tablets into food products could further enhance their health benefits, making them more attractive in the current market. By focusing on spices and health-boosting nutrients, food manufacturers can not only cater to consumer demands but also contribute to healthier dietary practices.