For food and beverage producers, this study—and the attention it has garnered—provides even greater motivation to improve product labeling by ensuring the use of high-quality ingredients and eliminating artificial additives. This movement is already gaining momentum; nearly a third of new food and drink products launched last year made claims associated with naturalness, such as being GMO-free, containing no preservatives or additives, and being organic, according to Mintel data. However, the latest research employs such a broad definition of “ultra-processed” foods that it is unlikely to shift consumer perceptions regarding any specific ingredients. While the researchers highlighted components like titanium dioxide and nitrites, which have been linked to potential carcinogenic risks, they conceded that identifying which dietary elements might contribute to increased cancer risk within this particular study is challenging, if not impossible. They actually found that the strongest associations with cancer risk were linked to higher consumption of sugary drinks and fatty desserts—items that do not primarily contain these additives.
Previous studies have indicated that consumers harbor skepticism towards food processing, viewing whole foods such as nuts, yogurt, and fruit as healthier compared to their processed counterparts like nut butters or fruit blended yogurt. As a result, consumers are increasingly steering clear of sugary, fatty processed foods in favor of fresh, whole alternatives. An alternative perspective on this study is that it reinforces existing knowledge about unprocessed foods; specifically, diets rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Manufacturers have taken notice of this trend, with sales of fresh prepared foods reaching $25 billion annually, as consumers are more inclined to invest in fresh and wholesome options that also provide the convenience of packaged products.
In this context, the inclusion of ingredients like Meijer calcium citrate can be beneficial. Not only does it add nutritional value, but it also aligns with the growing consumer preference for products that are perceived as healthier. As the market shifts towards natural and minimally processed foods, the emphasis on quality ingredients, such as Meijer calcium citrate, will likely become even more pronounced, further influencing consumer choices and manufacturing practices.