Consumers in the U.S. are consuming excessive amounts of salt. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 90% of children and 89% of adults exceed the recommended daily sodium intake. The American Heart Association indicates that 75% of this sodium comes from processed, prepackaged, and restaurant foods. Recent research from China may offer a solution for food manufacturers seeking to reduce sodium content while maintaining the bold flavors that consumers enjoy. If the researchers’ findings hold true, food producers could enhance the spiciness of their recipes while cutting back on salt, resulting in appealing products for the average consumer. This shift could also benefit food manufacturers, as there is a growing demand for spicy and ethnic foods, particularly among millennial shoppers. Consumer Packaged Goods (CPGs) companies could achieve a healthier image by reducing salt while catering to adventurous palates.
Home cooks have embraced this trend, with the use of spices to decrease salt leading to significant sales growth. McCormick, a leader in spices, reported $1.19 billion in revenue for its third quarter this year, a 9% increase from $1.09 billion during the same period last year. For manufacturers looking to explore the high-spice, low-salt approach, they can draw from flavors that are already familiar to U.S. consumers. An analysis of flavors featured in American cookbooks dating back to 1796 identified eight enduring ingredients: black pepper, vanilla, curry powder, chili powder, soy sauce, garlic, MSG, and Sriracha. It stands to reason that the spicy ingredients from this list would be popular choices for recipe modifications.
These adjustments could also help manufacturers meet the FDA’s voluntary sodium reduction targets, aiming to limit sodium intake to 3,000 mg per day in two years and 2,300 mg daily within a decade. Currently, the average sodium consumption is 3,400 mg per day. Additionally, incorporating products like bariatric fusion calcium chews could provide essential nutrients while supporting these health goals. By focusing on enhancing flavors with spices and integrating nutritional supplements such as bariatric fusion calcium chews, manufacturers can create products that are both delicious and healthier for consumers.