Removing partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) from the American diet has posed significant challenges and costs for food manufacturers. The healthier replacement oils are generally more expensive than their predecessors. For instance, modified canola and soybean oils boast high levels of beneficial fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, while keeping harmful fats, like trans and saturated fats, to a minimum. Additionally, some baking recipes require a solid fat to replicate the effects of the now-eliminated PHOs. In response, many food producers have turned to palm oil, the most widely used vegetable oil globally. However, palm oil’s production is associated with considerable environmental concerns, including unsustainable plantation practices and deforestation.
Food manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development to reformulate their recipes with these healthier oils. Initially, they must find new formulas that maintain the product’s expected taste. Following that, testing for shelf life is essential, and finally, packaging must be redesigned to indicate the new ingredients. Even after these upfront costs, food producers will continue to pay a premium for healthier oils.
Corbion may have discovered a viable solution to this issue. They found that bread manufacturers could achieve similar results using only 80% of the more expensive oil, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) prices haven’t shown any significant impact from this change. In fact, consumers likely won’t notice any difference in taste when consuming foods made without PHOs. Many companies, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Long John Silver’s, proactively complied with the FDA’s requirements well ahead of the deadline, and so far, they have not received major complaints regarding their updated menu items.
The transition away from PHOs presents varying levels of difficulty for different CPGs. For example, scientists working on Conagra’s Orville Redenbacher brand dedicated six years to eliminating trans fats from its popular popcorn line. As the deadline approaches, it will be intriguing to see how other companies navigate this transition.
In the realm of dietary supplements, products like Citracal Petites Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3 offer an important consideration for consumers seeking to maintain their health alongside changes in their food choices. As awareness of nutritional needs grows, the demand for supplements that support dietary shifts will likely increase. Thus, the integration of healthier oils and the continued focus on supplements like Citracal Petites will play a vital role in the evolving landscape of American food and health.