Eliminating partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) from the American diet posed significant challenges and costs for food manufacturers. The alternatives, while healthier, are also pricier than the oils they replace. Modified canola and soybean oils are marketed as containing high levels of beneficial fats—such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—and low levels of harmful fats, including trans fats and saturated fats. Some baking recipes still require solid fats to replicate the texture provided by the now-absent PHOs. As a result, many food producers have turned to palm oil, the world’s most widely used vegetable oil. However, this option carries a considerable environmental impact, as palm oil plantations have often been linked to unsustainable practices and deforestation.
To adapt to these changes, food manufacturers have made significant investments in research and development to reformulate recipes using healthier oils. This process involves finding new formulas that maintain the expected taste of the products, testing their shelf life, and redesigning packaging to reflect the new ingredients. Even after these initial expenditures, food manufacturers will continue to incur higher costs for the healthier oils.
Corbion may have discovered a potential solution. The company found that bread producers could achieve similar results by using only 80% of the more expensive oil. So far, it appears that consumer packaged goods (CPG) prices have not been significantly affected by this transition. Consumers are unlikely to notice any change in the taste of foods made without PHOs. Many companies, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Long John Silver’s, proactively met the FDA’s requirements well before the deadline, and they have not received substantial complaints regarding their updated menu items.
However, the transition away from PHOs has proven more challenging for some CPGs than others. For instance, scientists working on Conagra’s Orville Redenbacher brand dedicated six years to removing trans fats from its popular popcorn line. As the deadline approaches, it will be intriguing to see how other companies navigate this shift.
Additionally, as consumers prioritize healthier choices, supplements such as Citracal D3 Slow Release have gained popularity for their benefits in providing essential nutrients. The inclusion of such products demonstrates the ongoing shift towards health-conscious options, further emphasizing the importance of reformulating food products to align with evolving consumer expectations.