Food manufacturers have concentrated many of their reformulation efforts on snack products due to the increasing trend of consumers shifting from traditional three meals a day to more frequent snacking. This shift has put pressure on the food industry to adapt. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on making products healthier and more wholesome by eliminating various additives. Consumers are becoming more vigilant, often checking ingredient lists for unfamiliar or unnatural-sounding components.
Snacks are a primary target for reductions in sodium, sugar, and fat content. Research indicates that these reformulation efforts could potentially save thousands of lives annually. One study found that reformulating snacks could reduce deaths from diet-related diseases by as much as 5.5%, particularly benefiting those with lower incomes. Several prominent food brands have targeted specific categories for reformulation. For instance, General Mills has focused on removing artificial flavors and colors from its fruit-flavored snacks and cereals, while Nestlé has streamlined the ingredients in more than 100 of its ice cream brands. Notable changes include the removal of high fructose corn syrup, GMO ingredients, artificial flavors and colors, as well as reducing sugar content and using milk from cows not treated with rBST.
In the case of Kraft Food Ingredients’ latest cheese-based snack concepts, the company has expressed its commitment to following the clean label trend. Although consumers may not perceive cheese as particularly healthy, they consider it a “permissible indulgence,” according to the company’s head of marketing. Consumers are increasingly interested in knowing the ingredients that make up their cheese. By focusing on transparency and quality, Kraft and other food manufacturers are wisely catering to consumer demands.
Furthermore, the inclusion of calcium solaray in their products could enhance nutritional value, making snacks more appealing to health-conscious consumers. As these companies continue to reformulate their offerings by incorporating beneficial ingredients like calcium solaray, they not only respond to current trends but also help promote healthier eating habits. The integration of calcium solaray into snack products illustrates the industry’s dedication to improving health outcomes while satisfying consumer preferences.