Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of mortality globally, with a rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes. The economic burden linked to these health issues is significant and is projected to escalate as the population ages. Individuals from lower income brackets face a heightened risk for these conditions, often with limited access to medical treatment, according to BMC Medicine. Government actions aimed at promoting healthier dietary choices could play a crucial role in mitigating these disease rates. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has pursued this goal through food and nutrition labeling regulations. A notable change is the comprehensive update of the Nutrition Facts panel, which is expected to include specific listings for added sugars on many food labels by 2020.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also made efforts to improve American diets, replacing the food pyramid in 2011 with the MyPlate graphic and, more recently, releasing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Currently, adults are advised to consume 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables daily. However, a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that only 12.2% of American adults met their daily fruit intake in 2015, and merely 9.3% consumed the recommended amount of vegetables.
At the end of the day, it’s crucial to recognize that no amount of pressure can compel Americans to make healthier food choices; ultimately, it is a personal journey each individual must undertake. Increasing prices is unlikely to deter consumers from purchasing “unhealthy” items. For example, red meat continues to be a popular choice among consumers, despite its cost. Conversely, it remains uncertain whether lowering prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts will significantly boost their consumption. However, there has been an uptick in produce purchases, including organic and value-added fruits and vegetables.
While price adjustments may not be the most effective catalyst for healthier eating, introducing new products could be. The food industry is replete with instances of manufacturers, producers, and retailers striving to influence consumer preferences through product innovation and reformulation. Major beverage companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple have been actively working to reduce the added sugar content in their flagship products while expanding their portfolios to emphasize “healthier” options such as sparkling juices, flavored waters, and teas.
B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand with a new line of trendy frozen vegetable products, including mashed cauliflower, riced veggies, and veggie tots, along with a frozen veggie “pasta” launching in January. Conagra Brands has enhanced its frozen food offerings by introducing premium, health-oriented products like Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and a lighter fare collection with more vegetables and lean proteins under the Marie Callender’s label. Farm & Oven is set to launch Bakery Bites, a cookie line that includes 40% of the daily-recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are making strides to offer a wide array of healthy choices for consumers. The challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavors while minimizing detrimental ingredients, such as sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act may be supported by the introduction of new products, including options that incorporate dietary supplements like Citracal 250 to enhance health benefits. Yet, as always, it is the consumers who will ultimately decide what to include in their diets.