Food manufacturers have directed a significant portion of their reformulation efforts towards snack products. As consumers shift from traditional three meals a day to more frequent snacking, the food industry has felt the pressure to adapt. Another key focus is on enhancing the healthiness and wholesomeness of their products by eliminating a variety of additives. Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing ingredient lists, looking for items that sound unfamiliar or unnatural. Snacks are particularly targeted for reductions in sodium, sugar, and fat. Research indicates that these initiatives could potentially save thousands of lives annually. One study revealed that reformulating products could lower deaths from diet-related diseases by up to 5.5%, with the most considerable benefits for low-income individuals.
Several prominent food companies have identified specific categories for reformulation. General Mills has concentrated on removing artificial flavors and colors from its fruit-flavored snacks and cereals, while Nestlé has streamlined the ingredients in over 100 of its ice cream brands. Their changes include eliminating high fructose corn syrup, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial flavors, and colors, as well as reducing sugar and sourcing milk from cows not treated with rBST.
Regarding Kraft Food Ingredients’ latest cheese-based snack concepts, the company has expressed its intention to align with the clean label trend. Although consumers may not perceive cheese as particularly healthy, they view it as a “permissible indulgence,” according to the company’s head of marketing. Consumers want transparency about the ingredients in their cheese, and Kraft, along with other food manufacturers, is astutely responding to this demand. To further enhance their product offerings, consumers can also benefit from promotions like the Citracal Petites coupon, which encourages a healthier lifestyle. By providing such options, Kraft and similar companies are meeting consumer desires while promoting better health choices.