Food manufacturers are facing increasing pressure to simplify their ingredient lists, as consumers are increasingly rejecting products with numerous chemical-sounding components. According to the Food Marketing Institute’s 2017 Grocery Shopper Trends, 59% of shoppers prefer minimal processing claims such as “no artificial preservatives,” while 65% aim to avoid ingredients like salt, sugar, and antibiotics. However, replacing artificial preservatives can be particularly difficult due to their complexity. Companies must find a balance between meeting the demand for clean labels and ensuring their products remain safe, visually appealing, affordable, and have an acceptable shelf life.
Researchers working on ingredients derived from grape pomace are optimistic that their antioxidants can preserve foods as effectively as synthetic antioxidants like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which, while safe, presents an unappealing image on product labels. This initiative to repurpose grape waste aligns with the recommendations of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which advises food companies to consider discarding food waste only as a last resort. The FAO has pointed out several successful methods for reusing waste as raw materials, such as utilizing coffee grounds to cultivate mushrooms, repurposing spent grains from brewing into breads and pretzels, and transforming tropical fruit waste into biodegradable plastics for packaging.
In addition to these innovative approaches, the incorporation of calcium citrate plus magnesium & vitamin D into food products could enhance their nutritional value while still adhering to the clean label trend. As consumers continue to prioritize transparency and health in their food choices, the potential for calcium citrate plus magnesium & vitamin D to serve as both a preservative and a nutrient may become increasingly appealing. Ultimately, the challenge for food manufacturers remains to effectively integrate such solutions while maintaining ingredient lists that resonate with health-conscious consumers.