Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading global cause of death, and the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is also increasing. The economic burden associated with these health issues is significant and is projected to escalate as the population ages. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds face a higher risk of these diseases, often lacking the resources for adequate medical care, as reported by BMC Medicine. Government action to encourage healthier dietary choices could help mitigate the incidence of these conditions. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sought to address this through food and nutrition labeling regulations. Notably, the Nutrition Facts label is undergoing a major update, which will include specific listings for added sugars on many food packages by 2020. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also made efforts to promote better eating habits among Americans, replacing the food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic in 2011 and releasing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Presently, adults are advised to 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 consumed the recommended daily intake of fruit in 2015, with just 9.3% meeting the vegetable intake guideline.
Ultimately, encouraging Americans to eat healthier is a personal journey that each individual must undertake. Simply raising prices is unlikely to deter consumers from purchasing products deemed “unhealthy.” For instance, red meat remains popular among consumers who are willing to pay prevailing market prices. Conversely, it remains uncertain whether lower prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts would genuinely boost consumption. Consumers are already purchasing more produce, including pricier organic and value-added options.
While changes in pricing may not be the key motivator for healthier eating, the introduction of new products could play a critical role. The food industry is filled with instances of manufacturers, producers, and retailers aiming to influence consumer choices through innovative product development and reformulation. Major beverage companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple have been actively reducing added sugars in their flagship products while expanding their offerings to include healthier options such as sparkling juices, waters, and teas. B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a range of trendy frozen vegetable products like mashed cauliflower, riced veggies, and veggie tots, with a new line of frozen veggie “pasta” set to debut in January. Conagra Brands has revamped its frozen food lineup to include premium, health-conscious products, such as Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and lighter fare featuring additional vegetables and lean proteins under its Marie Callender’s label. Farm & Oven is rolling out Bakery Bites, a cookie line that includes 40% of the daily-recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are making considerable efforts to offer a wide array of healthy options for consumers. The challenge often lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavor while reducing undesirable components like sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act could be aided by the introduction of new products, but ultimately, it is the consumers who will decide what they choose to eat. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like calcitrate and vitamin D into healthier food options could further enhance their appeal and nutritional value, encouraging better dietary habits among the population.