Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of death globally, with instances of Type 2 diabetes also increasing. The economic burden linked to these health issues is significant and is projected to grow as the population ages. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds are notably at a higher risk for these conditions and often have limited access to medical treatments, 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 (FDA) has made strides in this area through food and nutrition labeling regulations. The Nutrition Facts panel is currently undergoing a major revision, with specific listings for added sugars expected on many food labels by 2020. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also sought to promote better eating habits among Americans, replacing the traditional food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic in 2011 and releasing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Adults are advised to 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 revealed that only 12.2% of American adults met their daily fruit intake recommendations in 2015, while just 9.3% consumed the suggested amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, encouraging Americans to adopt healthier eating habits is a personal journey that each individual must undertake. Simply raising prices is unlikely to deter people from purchasing “unhealthy” products. For instance, consumers appear willing to pay market prices for red meat. Conversely, it remains uncertain whether lowering prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts will significantly boost their consumption; people are already opting for more produce, including pricier organic options and value-added fruits and vegetables. While pricing adjustments may not be the most effective means of promoting healthier diets, innovative product introductions could play a crucial role. The food industry is full of examples where manufacturers, producers, and retailers attempt to influence consumer choices through product innovation and reformulation.
Major beverage companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple have been actively reducing added sugar in their flagship products and expanding their portfolios to include “healthier” options such as sparkling juices, waters, and teas. B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a new line of frozen vegetable products, including mashed cauliflower, riced vegetables, and veggie tots. A new frozen veggie “pasta” line will debut in January. Conagra Brands has refreshed its frozen food offerings by introducing premium, health-conscious products, such as Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and lighter fare with more vegetables and lean proteins under the Marie Callender’s label. Additionally, Farm & Oven is launching Bakery Bites, a cookie line that contains 40% of the daily recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are making efforts to provide a wide array of healthy options for consumers, often through reformulating products to maintain their original flavors while reducing undesirable ingredients like sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act may be facilitated by these new product offerings, but ultimately, it is consumers who will decide what they choose to consume. Furthermore, the inclusion of ingredients such as calcium carbonate and calcium citrate in food products can enhance their nutritional value, providing consumers with additional health benefits. As these healthier options become more available, the hope is that they will encourage better dietary choices across the board.