Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of mortality globally, and the incidence of Type 2 diabetes is also increasing. The economic burden linked to these health issues is significant and is likely to grow as the population ages. Individuals from lower-income groups face a much higher risk of developing these diseases, often with limited access to medical care, as reported by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier dietary choices could play a crucial role in mitigating these disease rates. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has made efforts to address this through food and nutrition labeling regulations. A major revision of the Nutrition Facts panel is currently underway, with specific listings for added sugars expected to appear on numerous food labels by 2020. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also made strides in promoting better eating habits among Americans, replacing the food pyramid in 2011 with the MyPlate graphic and issuing its 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 each day. 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, and just 9.3% consumed the suggested amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, persuading Americans to adopt healthier eating habits is a personal journey that each individual must undertake. Simply raising prices is unlikely to deter people from purchasing “unhealthy” products. For example, consumers have shown a willingness to pay for red meat, as reflected in market prices. Conversely, will lowering prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts genuinely boost their consumption? People are already increasing their purchases of produce, including higher-priced organic options and value-added fruits and vegetables.
While price adjustments may not be the most effective motivator for improving diets, new product launches could be influential. The food industry is filled with instances of manufacturers, producers, and retailers striving to influence consumer preferences through product innovation and reformulation. Major beverage companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple have been actively working to reduce added sugar in their flagship products while expanding portfolios to focus on “healthier” options such as sparkling juices, waters, and teas. Similarly, B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by introducing a range of frozen vegetable products, including 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 offerings with premium, healthy, and trendy products, such as the Healthy Choice line of protein meal “Power Bowls” and a selection of lighter fare featuring more vegetables and lean proteins under the Marie Callendar’s label. Farm & Oven is also launching Bakery Bites, a line of cookies that includes 40% of the daily recommended vegetable intake per serving. Food and beverage manufacturers are making efforts to offer a wide array of healthy options for consumers, often by reformulating products to maintain their original taste while reducing “bad” ingredients like sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act may be enhanced by these new offerings, but ultimately, the decision on what to eat rests with the consumers.
In this context, products like Solaray Calcium Magnesium Citrate can play a role in promoting better health. By integrating such supplements into their diets, individuals may find it easier to meet their nutritional needs while making healthier food choices. As consumers become more aware of their health, the demand for products that support a balanced diet and overall well-being, including those enriched with Solaray Calcium Magnesium Citrate, is likely to rise, further influencing the market trends.