Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost global cause of mortality, with the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes also escalating. The economic burden tied to these health issues is significant and is projected to rise as the population ages. Individuals in lower-income brackets face a higher risk for these diseases and have limited access to medical treatment, as highlighted by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at promoting healthier dietary choices could potentially mitigate the incidence of these conditions. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has made efforts to address this through food and nutrition labeling regulations, and the Nutrition Facts label is currently undergoing a major revision. By 2020, many food labels are expected to include specific information regarding added sugars.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has made strides to encourage healthier eating among Americans, replacing the food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic in 2011 and recently issuing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. According to these guidelines, adults should consume 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables daily. However, a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that only 12.2% of American adults met their recommended fruit intake in 2015, while just 9.3% consumed the advised amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, compelling Americans to adopt healthier eating habits is a personal journey that individuals must undertake themselves. Raising prices is unlikely to deter purchases of products deemed “unhealthy.” For instance, consumers seem willing to pay market prices for red meat. Conversely, would lowering prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts genuinely boost consumption? Many people are already purchasing more produce, including pricier organic options and value-added fruits and vegetables.
While price adjustments may not be the best catalyst for improving dietary habits, 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, such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple, have been actively reducing added sugar in their flagship products and diversifying their offerings to include healthier options like sparkling juices, waters, and teas.
B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a range of trendy frozen vegetable products, including mashed cauliflower, riced veggies, and veggie tots, with a new line of frozen veggie “pasta” set to debut in January. Conagra Brands is transforming its frozen food lineup by introducing premium, healthier options, such as Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and a collection of lighter dishes featuring more vegetables and lean proteins under the Marie Callender’s label. Moreover, Farm & Oven is launching Bakery Bites, a cookie line containing 40% of the daily-recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are making significant efforts to offer a variety of healthy options for consumers. The challenge often lies in reformulating products to maintain their original taste while reducing unhealthy ingredients like sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act may be supported by these new offerings, but ultimately, consumers will decide what they choose to eat. In this context, products like WLS calcium soft chews may also play a role in promoting better dietary habits by providing essential nutrients in a convenient format, further enhancing the array of choices available to health-conscious consumers.