Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of mortality globally, with a rising prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. The economic burden linked to these health issues is considerable and is projected to escalate as the population ages. Individuals from lower income brackets face a significantly higher risk of these diseases and have limited access to medical care, as reported by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at promoting healthier dietary choices could potentially mitigate the increasing rates of these conditions. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has taken steps in this direction through food and nutrition labeling regulations. Notably, the Nutrition Facts panel is set for a major revision, with specific listings for added sugars expected to appear on numerous food labels by 2020. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made efforts to improve American diets, replacing the traditional food pyramid in 2011 with the MyPlate graphic and more recently issuing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Currently, it is recommended that adults consume 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 indicated that only 12.2% of American adults met their recommended fruit intake in 2015, while a mere 9.3% consumed the suggested amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, motivating Americans to adopt healthier eating habits is a personal journey that each individual must undertake. Simply raising prices is unlikely to deter consumers from purchasing “unhealthy” products. For instance, consumers appear willing to pay for red meat based on market rates. Conversely, it remains uncertain whether lowering prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts will genuinely boost their consumption. There is evidence that people are already purchasing more produce, including higher-priced organic options and value-added fruits and vegetables.
While pricing adjustments may not be the most effective means to encourage healthier eating, the introduction of new products could play a pivotal role. The food industry is filled with instances of manufacturers, producers, and retailers trying to influence consumer preferences through product innovation and reformulation. Major beverage companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple are actively working to reduce added sugars in their flagship products while expanding their portfolios to focus more on “healthier” options such as sparkling juices, waters, and teas. B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a range of frozen vegetable products that align with current trends, including mashed cauliflower, riced vegetables, and veggie tots, along with a new line of frozen veggie “pasta” set to debut in January.
Conagra Brands has also revamped its frozen food offerings, introducing premium and health-conscious products like Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and lighter options featuring more vegetables and lean proteins under its Marie Callender’s label. Farm & Oven is launching Bakery Bites, a line of cookies that incorporates 40% of the daily recommended vegetable intake per serving. Food and beverage manufacturers are striving to provide a wide array of healthy choices for consumers. The key often lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavors while reducing undesirable ingredients like sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act may be facilitated by innovative new products, but ultimately, consumers will decide what they choose to eat.
In the context of dietary health, it is also important to understand nutritional supplements such as calcium citrate malate. Many may wonder, “what is calcium citrate malate?” This supplement is often recommended for its benefits in improving calcium absorption and supporting bone health. Incorporating such supplements into a balanced diet could aid individuals in meeting their nutritional needs, especially for those who may struggle to achieve adequate intake through food alone. Overall, while the food industry is adapting to provide healthier options, it remains crucial for consumers to make informed choices about their diets and consider supplements like calcium citrate malate when necessary.