Consumers are increasingly seeking meat and other food products that are free from additives and preservatives such as nitrates, sodium benzoate, calcium propionate, and potassium sorbate. However, as Iowa professors pointed out, eliminating these ingredients can lead to faster spoilage and increased food waste. MacDonald highlighted that some preservatives naturally occur in foods. For instance, products labeled as “naturally cured” or “uncured” may contain celery juice, a natural source of nitrates, although its effectiveness in preventing foodborne illnesses might not match that of synthetic alternatives.
Consumers who scrutinize labels should also be cautious of products that claim “no high fructose corn syrup,” as this doesn’t necessarily mean the absence of sugar. Food manufacturers might substitute with other sweeteners like tapioca syrup, derived from cassava, which can raise the product’s cost. “There is no evidence that high fructose corn syrup is bad for you or less natural or safe,” MacDonald stated. “The food industry is introducing various alternative sweeteners—like beet syrup, fruit sugars, and agave syrup—but they all fall under the category of sugar. The terminology simply sounds more appealing on the label.”
Recent data from Label Insight indicates that 67% of consumers find it difficult to determine if a product meets their needs just by examining the packaging, with nearly half stating that product labels do not provide sufficient information. As transparency becomes increasingly important, consumers are more likely to remain loyal to brands that genuinely uphold clean labeling practices.
Roger Clemens, associate director of the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy’s regulatory sciences program, discussed the challenges companies face in simplifying labels for American consumers, who often prefer to avoid chemical-sounding ingredient names. “The U.S. population wants it both ways,” he noted. “They desire clarity, affordability, nutrition, benefits, and safety. They want it all. It’s intriguing that they are open to technology in every aspect of life except for food, which seems contradictory.”
Meat producers are acutely aware of these trends and are competing to offer products with the cleanest labels possible, according to Meatingplace. Claims such as “hormone-free” and “antibiotic-free” are becoming more common. However, meat producers must balance the potential financial advantages of these free-from claims against the costs associated with achieving them. This may involve changes to their farming practices, the amount of land required for grazing livestock, and other operational adjustments, ultimately leading to increased expenses for processors and companies sourcing from them.
While it is evident that the food industry is adapting to consumer demands for cleaner labeling and greater transparency, there are costs that growers, processors, and manufacturers face, which can also translate into higher prices for consumers. Moreover, these costs may encompass food safety risks as well. Consumers interested in maintaining their health might also consider supplements, such as calcium citrate zinc magnesium tablets, which can support overall wellness amidst these evolving food choices. As the demand for clean labeling continues to rise, the importance of understanding product ingredients remains paramount for health-conscious shoppers looking for transparency.