Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of death globally, with an alarming rise in Type 2 diabetes cases. The financial burden associated with these health issues is significant and is projected to escalate as the population continues to age. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds face a much higher risk of developing these conditions, largely due to their limited access to medical care, as reported by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier dietary choices could play a crucial role in curbing the prevalence of these diseases. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has made efforts to address this through food and nutrition labeling regulations. The Nutrition Facts panel is also set for a major update, with explicit listings for added sugars expected to appear on numerous food labels by 2020.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has worked to promote better eating habits among Americans, replacing the food pyramid in 2011 with the MyPlate graphic and recently issuing its 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Currently, adults are advised to consume between 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables each day. However, a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted that only 12.2% of American adults met their recommended fruit intake in 2015, while merely 9.3% consumed the suggested amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, there is no way to forcibly compel Americans to improve their diets; it is a personal choice and a health journey that each individual must undertake. Raising prices is unlikely to deter consumers from purchasing “unhealthy” products, as evidenced by the willingness of many to pay for red meat despite market fluctuations. Conversely, it remains uncertain whether reducing prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts will genuinely boost their consumption. Notably, people are already purchasing more produce, including pricier organic options and value-added fruits and vegetables.
While adjusting prices might not be the optimal strategy to encourage healthier eating, the introduction of new products could be more effective. The food industry is filled with instances of manufacturers, producers, and retailers seeking to influence consumer preferences through product innovation and reformulation. Major beverage companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple have been actively decreasing added sugar in their flagship products and diversifying their offerings, highlighting “healthier” options such as sparkling juices, waters, and teas.
Moreover, B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a new line of trendy frozen vegetable products, including mashed cauliflower, riced veggies, and veggie tots, with a frozen veggie “pasta” set to debut in January. Conagra Brands has transformed its frozen food lineup by introducing premium, health-focused products like Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and a selection of lighter dishes featuring more vegetables and lean proteins under the Marie Callendar’s label. Farm & Oven is also bringing forth Bakery Bites, a cookie line that includes 40% of the daily-recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are stepping up to offer a wide array of healthy options for consumers. The challenge often lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavor while reducing undesirable ingredients such as sugars and saturated fats. This delicate balancing act may be facilitated by these new offerings, but ultimately, it is the consumers who will decide what they choose to eat.
In addition, the benefits of certain supplements, such as calcium citrate, could also play a role in promoting overall health. The calcium citrate benefits extend beyond bone health and may aid in various bodily functions, further underscoring the importance of making informed dietary choices. As consumers become more aware of these benefits, they may be more inclined to incorporate healthier options into their diets, including those fortified with calcium citrate.