Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of mortality worldwide, with Type 2 diabetes cases also increasing. The economic burden linked to these health issues is significant and projected to rise as the population ages. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds face a heightened risk of these diseases and often have limited access to medical care, as highlighted by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier dietary choices could play a critical role in mitigating these disease rates. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has sought to address this through food and nutrition labeling regulations, with the Nutrition Facts panel undergoing a major revision. By 2020, many food labels are expected to include specific listings for added sugars.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also been proactive in promoting better eating habits among Americans. In 2011, it replaced the food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic and released the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Currently, 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 indicated that only 12.2% of American adults met the recommended daily intake of fruit in 2015, while just 9.3% consumed the suggested amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, persuading Americans to adopt healthier eating habits cannot be achieved through coercion; it is a personal journey that each individual must undertake. Raising prices is unlikely to deter people from purchasing products deemed “unhealthy.” For instance, consumers appear willing to pay for red meat based on market trends. Conversely, will lowering prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts genuinely boost consumption? Consumers are already buying more produce, including pricier organic and value-added options.
While price adjustments may not be a sufficient motivator for healthier eating, the introduction of new products could be more effective. The food industry is filled with instances of manufacturers, producers, and retailers trying to influence consumer choices through innovation and reformulations. Major beverage companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple have been actively reducing added sugars in their flagship products while diversifying their portfolios to focus more on “healthier” beverages like sparkling juices, waters, and teas.
B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a range of trendy frozen vegetable products such as mashed cauliflower, riced veggies, and veggie tots, with a new line of frozen veggie “pasta” debuting in January. Conagra Brands has revamped its frozen food offerings, introducing premium, healthy, and trendy items like Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and a selection of lighter fare that features more vegetables and lean proteins under the Marie Callender’s label. Additionally, Farm & Oven is rolling out Bakery Bites, a cookie line that contains 40% of the daily recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are committed to providing a wide array of healthy options for consumers. The challenge often lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavors while reducing undesirable ingredients such as sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act can be supported by new product developments, but ultimately, consumers will determine what they choose to eat. Among the many health supplements available, calcium carbonate and calcium citrate tablets are often recommended to enhance dietary calcium intake, which plays a crucial role in overall health. By incorporating such products into their diets, consumers can take proactive steps toward better health alongside their food choices.