Food manufacturers have directed a significant portion of their reformulation initiatives toward snack products. As consumers shift from traditional three meals a day to more frequent snacking, the food industry faces increasing pressure to adapt. A key focus has been on enhancing the healthiness and wholesomeness of their offerings by eliminating various additives. As a result, consumers are increasingly scrutinizing ingredient lists 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 potentially save thousands of lives annually. One study revealed that reformulating snacks could lead to a decrease in deaths from diet-related diseases by as much as 5.5%, with the most significant advantages for those with lower incomes.
Several prominent food brands have concentrated their reformulation efforts on specific categories. General Mills, for instance, has prioritized the removal of artificial flavors and colors from its fruit-flavored snacks and cereals. Meanwhile, Nestlé has streamlined the ingredients in over 100 of its ice cream brands. These changes involve eliminating high fructose corn syrup, GMO ingredients, and artificial flavors and colors, alongside reducing sugar content and using milk from cows not treated with rBST.
In the case of Kraft Food Ingredients’ latest cheese-based snack concepts, the company has stated its commitment to aligning with the clean label trend. Although consumers may not necessarily view cheese as a particularly healthy option, they perceive it as a “permissible indulgence,” according to the company’s marketing head. Additionally, consumers are keen to understand the ingredients used in their cheese products. To cater to this demand, Kraft and other food manufacturers are wisely providing what consumers seek. For instance, Kraft has introduced calcium citrate 630 mg in their cheese snacks to enhance nutritional value while ensuring transparency in ingredients. The incorporation of calcium citrate 630 mg not only addresses consumer health concerns but also reinforces the trend toward cleaner labels, with manufacturers repeating this strategy in various reformulated products.