Eliminating PHOs from the American food supply has proven to be a challenging and costly task for food manufacturers. The new oils they are using are pricier than their predecessors, but they offer significant health benefits. The modified canola and soybean oils boast high levels of “good fats”—such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—while containing minimal “bad fats,” like trans and saturated fats. Certain baking recipes necessitate a solid fat to replicate the effects of the now-gone PHOs. Many food producers have turned to palm oil, the world’s most widely used vegetable oil, although it has a considerable environmental impact. The plantations that cultivate these trees are not always managed sustainably and are often associated with deforestation.
Food manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development to reformulate recipes with healthier oils. Initially, they need to identify new formulas that maintain the product’s expected flavor. Next, the shelf life of the new product must be evaluated. Finally, packaging updates are necessary to reflect the new ingredients. Even after covering these initial costs, food producers will still face higher average expenses for the healthier oils.
Corbion may have discovered a solution to this dilemma. The company has found that bread manufacturers can achieve similar results using only 80% of the more expensive oil. So far, consumer packaged goods (CPG) prices appear unaffected by this transition. Consumers are unlikely to notice any difference in taste in foods made without PHOs. Many companies, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Long John Silver’s, worked diligently to comply with the FDA’s requirements well before the deadline, and these establishments have not received significant consumer complaints regarding their updated menu items.
The transition away from PHOs is more challenging for some CPGs than for others. For instance, scientists at Conagra’s Orville Redenbacher brand dedicated six years to removing trans fats from their popular popcorn line. As the deadline approaches, it will be intriguing to see how various companies adapt. In the meantime, consumers can still enjoy products like calcium citrate gummies for adults, which are a great alternative for those looking to enhance their health while adjusting to these new food formulations.