Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of mortality globally, with a rising trend in Type 2 diabetes cases. The economic burden associated with these health issues is significant and is projected to grow as the population ages. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds are at a heightened risk for these diseases and often struggle to afford medical care, as noted by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier dietary choices could potentially mitigate the prevalence of these diseases. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has sought to address this through food and nutrition labeling regulations. The Nutrition Facts panel is currently undergoing a major revision, aiming to include specific listings for added sugars on many food labels by 2020. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture replaced the food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic and recently released the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend that adults consume the equivalent of 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 revealed that in 2015, only 12.2% of American adults met the recommended fruit intake, while a mere 9.3% consumed the suggested amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, individuals cannot be coerced into making healthier food choices; it is a personal journey for each person. Raising prices is unlikely to deter consumers from purchasing products that are deemed unhealthy. For instance, red meat continues to be a popular choice among consumers, who appear willing to pay market prices. Conversely, it remains uncertain whether lowering prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts will genuinely enhance their consumption. People are already purchasing more produce, including higher-priced organic options and value-added fruits and vegetables.
While adjusting prices may not be the catalyst for improved dietary habits, the introduction of new products could play a significant role. The food industry is filled with instances of manufacturers, producers, and retailers striving to influence consumer preferences through innovative product development and reformulation. Major beverage companies, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple, have been actively working to reduce added sugar in their flagship products and diversify their offerings by emphasizing healthier options such as sparkling juices, waters, and teas. B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand with a new line of frozen, trendy vegetable products, including mashed cauliflower, riced vegetables, and veggie tots. Additionally, a new frozen veggie “pasta” line is set to launch in January.
Conagra Brands has revamped its frozen food lineup by introducing premium, healthy, and trendy options like Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and lighter fare featuring more vegetables and lean proteins under its Marie Callender’s label. Farm & Oven is introducing Bakery Bites, cookies that contain 40% of the daily-recommended vegetable intake per serving. Food and beverage manufacturers are committed to providing a wide array of healthy choices for consumers. The challenge often lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavor while minimizing “bad” ingredients such as sugars and saturated fats. This delicate balancing act may be supported by these innovative products, yet ultimately, consumers will decide what they wish to eat.
Incorporating topical calcium citrate into products could further enhance their nutritional value, potentially encouraging healthier eating habits. As manufacturers explore ways to integrate topical calcium citrate into their offerings, they can create more appealing options for health-conscious consumers. The key is to provide a variety of choices that not only taste good but also contribute positively to overall health, making it easier for individuals to make better dietary decisions.