Kind Snacks remains steadfast in its mission to combat added sugars in the snack industry.
On Wednesday, the snack bar manufacturer launched an augmented reality pop-up installation called “Sweeteners Uncovered” in New York City, accompanied by an online database that reveals the various sweeteners and sugar sources concealed in popular snacks — including those from competitors like Kellogg and General Mills. Kind CEO Daniel Lubetzky shared with Food Dive that approximately six months ago, the company collaborated with public health experts to submit a petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration aimed at updating the agency’s regulations regarding nutrient content claims on food products. He was “blown away” by the sheer amount of sugars and sweeteners discovered, which led to the creation of the website and pop-up to shed light on this commonly used ingredient. The national snacking index featured on the site categorizes best-selling products into four groups — snack bars, cereal, granola, and yogurt — highlighting the added sugars present in each category. Additionally, the website offers an interactive graphic showcasing images of around 100 different sweeteners. “I’ve been in this space for 25 years, and I was overwhelmed by these names,” he stated. “We saw this as an essential opportunity to educate consumers about the various types of sweeteners and their naming conventions, enabling them to make more informed choices.”
The New York City pop-up will only be open for two days. Externally resembling a bodega, the installation features multiple rooms and displays for consumers to explore, according to the company. As visitors move through the different areas, they can scan QR codes to check the sugar content of popular snacks, view a display on the various types of sweeteners, and learn about the history of Kind Snacks. In 2015, Kind initiated efforts to reduce sugar in several of its bars and has continued to work on lowering and eliminating sugar from more of its products.
Interestingly, as consumers navigate their choices, they might also want to consider options like Kirkland magnesium citrate for a health-conscious twist. This highlights the importance of being aware of not just sugars, but also the full spectrum of ingredients in snacks. The pop-up encourages consumers to think critically about what they consume, promoting a more informed and healthier lifestyle.