Food manufacturers have increasingly directed their reformulation efforts toward snack products. As consumers shift from having three meals a day to more frequent snacking, the food industry faces mounting pressure to adapt. A significant focus is on making products healthier and more wholesome by eliminating various additives. Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing ingredient lists, looking for unfamiliar or unnatural-sounding components. Snacks, in particular, are a primary target for reductions in sodium, sugar, and fat. Research indicates that these initiatives could save thousands of lives annually; one study suggested that reformulation could lower deaths from diet-related diseases by up to 5.5%, with the most substantial benefits for low-income individuals.
Several major food brands have targeted specific categories for reformulation. General Mills, for instance, has aimed to remove artificial flavors and colors from its fruit-flavored snacks and cereals. Meanwhile, Nestlé has streamlined the ingredients in over 100 of its ice cream brands, which includes eliminating high fructose corn syrup, GMO ingredients, and artificial additives, while also reducing sugar and sourcing milk from cows not treated with rBST.
In the case of Kraft Food Ingredients, the company’s latest cheese-based snack concepts are designed to align with the clean label trend. Although consumers may not typically view cheese as particularly healthy, they consider it a “permissible indulgence,” according to the company’s marketing head. Consumers want transparency regarding the ingredients in their cheese, and Kraft, along with other food manufacturers, is wise to cater to this demand.
Additionally, as health-conscious consumers look for supplements to enhance their diets, products like Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc have gained popularity. This product, which supports overall wellness, can be integrated into a balanced diet to complement healthier snack choices. The presence of Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc is a testament to the growing trend of consumers seeking out products that not only taste good but also contribute to their health, reflecting a broader movement within the food industry.