Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of death globally, with Type 2 diabetes cases also increasing. The economic burden associated with these health issues is significant and is anticipated to rise as the population continues to age. Individuals from lower income brackets face a much higher risk of these diseases and often have limited access to medical treatments, as highlighted by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at promoting healthier dietary choices could play a crucial role in mitigating the prevalence of these conditions. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has made efforts to achieve this through food and nutrition labeling regulations. A notable change is the comprehensive revision of the Nutrition Facts panel, which is expected to include specific listings for added sugars on many food labels by 2020.
In an effort to encourage healthier eating habits, the U.S. Department of Agriculture replaced the traditional food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic in 2011 and recently issued the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. According to these guidelines, adults should consume between 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 a mere 9.3% consumed the advised amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, individuals must undertake their own health journeys, and there is little that can be done to force Americans to adopt healthier eating habits. Simply raising prices is unlikely to deter people from purchasing products deemed “bad” for them; for instance, red meat continues to be in demand regardless of market fluctuations. Conversely, the impact of lowering prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts on consumption patterns remains uncertain. While consumers are increasingly purchasing more produce, including pricier organic options and value-added products, the question persists: will price reductions genuinely boost consumption?
While pricing strategies may not be the most effective means of changing eating behaviors, the introduction of innovative products could be more influential. The food industry is filled with instances of manufacturers, producers, and retailers striving to steer consumer preferences through product innovation and reformulation. Major beverage companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple have been actively reducing added sugars in their flagship products while diversifying their offerings to include healthier options like sparkling juices, waters, and teas. B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand with a new line of trendy frozen vegetable products, including mashed cauliflower and riced veggies. Conagra Brands has enhanced its frozen food lineup with premium, health-conscious offerings like Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and lighter fare under the Marie Callender’s label, featuring more vegetables and lean proteins.
Additionally, Farm & Oven is launching Bakery Bites, a cookie line that incorporates 40% of the daily recommended vegetable intake per serving. Food and beverage manufacturers are making significant strides in providing an array of healthy choices for consumers. The challenge often lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavors while minimizing undesirable ingredients such as sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act may be supported by the introduction of new products, including those enriched with calcium magnesium citrate, which can aid in promoting better health. Nevertheless, as always, it is the consumers who ultimately decide what they choose to eat, making their preferences paramount in driving dietary trends.