Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death, and the incidence of Type 2 diabetes is also increasing. The economic burden associated with these health issues is significant and is projected to rise as the population ages. Individuals in lower-income brackets face a much higher risk of these conditions, often lacking the financial means for adequate medical care, as reported by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at promoting healthier dietary choices could be instrumental in curbing the prevalence of these diseases. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has made efforts in this direction through food and nutrition labeling regulations. The Nutrition Facts panel is set for a major update, with specific declarations for added sugars expected to appear on many food labels by 2020.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has sought to encourage better eating habits among Americans, replacing the traditional food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic in 2011 and more recently publishing its 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 only 12.2% of American adults met their recommended fruit intake in 2015, with just 9.3% consuming the suggested vegetable amount.
Ultimately, it is a personal choice for Americans to adopt healthier eating habits, and no amount of coercion will change that. Increasing prices is unlikely to deter consumers from purchasing products deemed “bad” for them, as evidenced by the continued demand for red meat despite its cost. Conversely, will reducing prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts genuinely encourage higher consumption? Many consumers are already opting for more produce, including pricier organic options and value-added fruits and vegetables.
While price adjustments may not be the ideal catalyst for 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 like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple have been actively working to reduce added sugars in their core offerings while expanding their portfolios to focus more on “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 transformed its frozen food lineup by introducing premium, health-conscious products such as Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and lighter selections with more vegetables and lean proteins under the Marie Callender’s label. Farm & Oven is rolling out Bakery Bites, a cookie line that boasts 40% of the daily-recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are committed to offering a diverse array of healthy options for consumers. The challenge often lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavors while minimizing undesirable ingredients like sugars and saturated fats—a balancing act that may be aided by these new offerings. As always, it is ultimately up to consumers to make the final choices regarding their diets.
In this context, it’s worth mentioning that calcium citrate là gì—it is a form of calcium that is often included in dietary supplements to support bone health. As consumers become more health-conscious, awareness of nutritional components, including calcium citrate, will likely influence their food selections. Thus, while manufacturers innovate and reformulate, the onus remains on individuals to educate themselves and make informed dietary decisions.