Food producers are facing mounting pressure to simplify their ingredient lists, as consumers increasingly reject products containing excessive chemical-sounding components. According to the Food Marketing Institute’s 2017 Grocery Shopper Trends, 59% of shoppers prefer minimal processing claims such as “no artificial preservatives,” while 65% aim to avoid ingredients like salt, sugar, and antibiotics. However, replacing artificial preservatives poses significant challenges due to their complexity. Companies must find a balance between meeting the demand for clean labels and ensuring their products remain safe, appealing, affordable, and have a reasonable shelf life.
Researchers working on ingredients derived from grape pomace are optimistic that their antioxidants will effectively preserve foods as well as the synthetic antioxidant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which, while safe, appears uninviting on product labels. This initiative to repurpose grape waste aligns with the recommendations of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which advocates for minimizing food waste and suggests that food companies should consider disposal only as a last resort. The FAO has pointed out various successful methods of reusing waste as raw materials, such as utilizing coffee grounds to cultivate mushrooms, spent grains from brewing in breads and pretzels, and transforming tropical fruit waste into biodegradable plastics for packaging.
Interestingly, the concept of clean labels also intersects with products like bariatric calcium chews, which are designed for specific dietary needs while maintaining transparency in their ingredients. As the food industry evolves, the integration of innovative solutions, such as grape pomace-derived antioxidants and bariatric calcium chews, can lead to more wholesome options that satisfy consumer demands without compromising safety or quality. By focusing on sustainable practices and transparent ingredient lists, food manufacturers can cater to a growing market that values both health and environmental responsibility.