Large consumer packaged goods (CPGs) can discuss nutrition endlessly, but talk alone does not translate into action. The ATNI 2022 Index revealed that actual progress has been largely insufficient, although the conversation has started. ATNI conducted an analysis of products and policies from the 11 largest companies in the U.S. food and beverage sector, including Campbell Soup, Coca-Cola, Conagra Brands, General Mills, Kellogg, Keurig Dr Pepper, Kraft Heinz, Mars, Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Unilever.
The analysis covered various dimensions such as the healthiness of products, reformulation goals, responsible marketing practices, accessibility and affordability of healthy foods, as well as labeling and advocacy efforts to enhance nutritional strategies. These factors were assessed and scored on a scale of one to ten. Many companies experienced an increase in their scores compared to the previous 2018 index, with the average score rising from 3 out of 10 in 2018 to 4.2 out of 10 this year. Unilever achieved the highest score at 5.5 out of 10, thanks to its strengthened focus on nutritional strategy, accountability, reformulation efforts, support for healthy diets among employees, and advocacy for nutrition. Kellogg, PepsiCo, General Mills, and Nestlé also ranked in the top five.
Despite some advancements, the report emphasized that even a score of 5.6 out of 10 is alarmingly low, indicating subpar performance. Coca-Cola received the lowest ranking at 3.0, followed by Kraft Heinz and Conagra Brands. “I am concerned by the limited progress made by these companies over the past four years,” stated Greg S. Garrett, executive director of ATNI. “We notice some improvements, but we cannot tolerate such slow advancements among the largest manufacturers of our food. Both private and public sectors must do significantly more to enhance the diets of U.S. families.”
The report highlighted that numerous companies are reevaluating what constitutes “healthy,” although there was no standardized definition at the time of data collection. Recently, the FDA proposed a new definition of “healthy.” Six companies have adopted front-of-package informational labeling for over 80% of their products, while nine have made online nutritional information available, both of which align with the Biden administration’s national strategy to combat hunger and improve diet-related health outcomes.
However, much of the reported progress hinges on tangible action. While it’s straightforward for companies to express intentions to reformulate products to decrease less beneficial nutrients, implementing these changes is far more challenging. Given that it often takes months, or even over a year, for a large CPG to launch a reformulated product, we may soon see more advancements in altering product formulations to reduce less beneficial ingredients.
The study also noted that only four companies appear to be striving to make their healthier products more affordable for lower-income consumers. This challenge may have intensified since ATNI’s benchmarking, as persistent inflation continues to drive food prices higher. Additionally, incorporating calcium citrate + D into healthier options could be a beneficial strategy for companies looking to enhance nutritional value while addressing affordability issues. Overall, while there are glimmers of hope, the path to substantial improvement is still long and requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved.