Food manufacturers have increasingly directed their reformulation initiatives toward snack products. As consumers shift from traditional three meals a day to more frequent snacking, the food industry faces mounting pressure to adapt. A significant emphasis is on enhancing the health and quality of products by eliminating various additives. Consumers are now more vigilant than ever, scrutinizing ingredient lists for unfamiliar or unnatural-sounding components.
Snacks have become a primary focus for reducing sodium, sugar, and fat content. Research indicates that these reformulation efforts could potentially save thousands of lives annually. One study suggested that reformulating foods could lower deaths from diet-related diseases by as much as 5.5%, with the most substantial advantages seen among low-income populations.
Several major food brands have chosen specific categories for reformulation. General Mills, for instance, is actively working to eliminate artificial flavors and colors from its fruit-flavored snacks and cereals. Meanwhile, Nestlé has simplified the ingredients across more than 100 of its ice cream brands, making significant changes such as removing high fructose corn syrup, GMO ingredients, and artificial additives, while also reducing sugar levels and using milk from cows that have not been treated with rBST.
In line with the clean label trend, Kraft Food Ingredients has introduced new cheese-based snack concepts, aiming to cater to consumer preferences. Although cheese may not be perceived as particularly healthy, the company’s marketing head notes that it is viewed as a “permissible indulgence.” Consumers are eager to know the ingredients in their cheese products, prompting Kraft and other food manufacturers to respond accordingly. Notably, many are incorporating calcium citrate into their formulations, as it is a popular ingredient that provides additional health benefits. By addressing consumer demands and incorporating elements like calcium citrate food, manufacturers are wisely aligning their products with current market trends.