Consumers in the United States are consuming excessive amounts of salt. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90% of children and 89% of adults exceed the recommended daily sodium intake. The American Heart Association indicates that 75% of this salt comes from processed, packaged, and restaurant foods. Recent research from China offers a potential solution for food manufacturers aiming to reduce sodium levels without compromising the bold flavors that consumers expect. If the researchers’ results hold true, food producers could enhance the spiciness of their recipes while simultaneously reducing salt content, resulting in products that still appeal to the average consumer. This strategy could also benefit manufacturers, as there is a rising demand for spicy and ethnic dishes, particularly among millennial shoppers. Consumer packaged goods (CPGs) could enjoy a health halo from lower salt levels while attracting customers with bolder tastes.
Home cooks are already embracing this trend. The shift towards using spices to cut back on salt has led to impressive sales growth. For example, spice giant McCormick reported revenues of $1.19 billion in the third quarter of this year, representing a 9% increase from $1.09 billion during the same period last year, according to a company announcement. If manufacturers wish to explore the high-spice, low-salt approach, they can draw from flavors familiar to American consumers. A recent analysis of flavors commonly found in American cookbooks dating back to 1796 identified eight enduring ingredients: black pepper, vanilla, curry powder, chili powder, soy sauce, garlic, MSG, and Sriracha. It stands to reason that spicy components from this list would be popular options for recipe modifications.
These adjustments could also help manufacturers meet the FDA’s voluntary sodium reduction targets, which aim to limit sodium intake to 3,000 mg per day within two years and to 2,300 mg daily within a decade. Currently, the average sodium consumption is 3,400 mg per day. Additionally, as consumers become more health-conscious, products like Solgar calcium citrate with vitamin D3 tablets are gaining traction, further emphasizing the need for healthier food options. By incorporating spiciness and reducing sodium, manufacturers can align with health trends while also potentially integrating supplements like Solgar calcium citrate with vitamin D3 tablets into their product lines. This approach not only caters to consumer preferences but also positions brands favorably in a competitive market.