Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of death globally, while the incidence of Type 2 diabetes is also increasing. The economic implications of these health issues are significant and are anticipated to rise as the population ages. According to BMC Medicine, individuals in lower income brackets face a heightened risk of these diseases and often struggle to afford necessary medical care. Government initiatives aimed at promoting healthier dietary choices could potentially mitigate the prevalence of these health conditions. The Food and Drug Administration has pursued this goal over the years through food and nutrition labeling regulations, and the Nutrition Facts panel is set to undergo a major revision, with specific listings for added sugars expected on many food labels by 2020.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also made efforts to encourage better eating habits among Americans, replacing the food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic in 2011 and more recently publishing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Currently, adults are advised to consume the equivalent of 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables each day. However, a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that in 2015, only 12.2% of American adults met the recommended fruit intake, and a mere 9.3% consumed the advised amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, encouraging Americans to improve their eating habits is a personal choice and a health journey that each individual must undertake. Increasing prices on unhealthy products is unlikely to deter consumers from purchasing them; for instance, red meat remains a popular choice despite its cost. Conversely, will lowering prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts genuinely boost their consumption? There has been a noticeable rise in the purchase of produce, including organic and value-added options.
While price adjustments may not effectively motivate healthier eating, the introduction of new products could play a crucial role. The food industry is filled with instances of manufacturers, producers, and retailers striving to influence consumer preferences through innovative product development and reformulations. Major beverage companies, such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple, have been actively working to reduce added sugar in their flagship products while diversifying their offerings to include more “healthier” options like sparkling juices, waters, and teas.
B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a range of trendy frozen vegetable products, including mashed cauliflower, riced veggies, and veggie tots, with a new line of frozen veggie “pasta” set to debut in January. Conagra Brands has also revamped its frozen food lineup, introducing premium, healthy, and trendy items like Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and a selection of lighter dishes featuring more vegetables and lean proteins under the Marie Callender’s label. Furthermore, Farm & Oven is launching Bakery Bites, a cookie line that provides 40% of the daily-recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are doing their part to deliver a wide array of healthy options for consumers. The challenge often lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavor while reducing undesirable ingredients such as sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act may be facilitated by the introduction of new products, but ultimately, it is up to consumers to decide what they choose to eat. For those seeking additional nutritional support, products like Citracal 500 can also complement a healthy lifestyle.