Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of mortality globally, and the incidence of Type 2 diabetes is also escalating. The economic implications of these health issues are significant and are projected to grow as the population ages. Individuals from lower-income brackets are at a considerably higher risk for these diseases, with limited financial means to access medical care, as reported by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier dietary choices could play a vital role in mitigating these disease rates. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has sought to achieve this through food and nutrition labeling regulations. The Nutrition Facts label is currently undergoing a major revision, with specific disclosures for added sugars expected to appear on many food packages by 2020.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also made efforts to promote better eating habits among Americans. In 2011, it replaced the traditional food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic, and more recently, it introduced the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, recommending that adults 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 recommendation in 2015, while a mere 9.3% consumed the advised amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, compelling Americans to adopt healthier diets is a challenge; it is a personal choice and a health journey that each individual must navigate independently. Increasing prices may not deter people from purchasing “unhealthy” products. For instance, consumers appear willing to pay market prices for items like red meat. Conversely, will lowering prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts genuinely boost their consumption? People are already increasing their purchases of fresh produce, including pricier organic options and value-added fruits and vegetables.
While price adjustments may not be the most effective strategy for promoting healthier eating, the introduction of new products could be influential. The food industry is abundant with instances of manufacturers, producers, and retailers trying to sway consumer preferences through product innovation and reformulations. Major beverage companies—Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr. Pepper Snapple—are actively working to reduce added sugars in their flagship products and diversify their portfolios by focusing on “healthier” alternatives such as sparkling juices, waters, and teas.
B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a line of trendy frozen vegetable products, including mashed cauliflower, riced vegetables, and veggie tots. A new range of frozen veggie “pasta” is set to debut in January. Conagra Brands has also revamped its frozen food selection by adding premium, healthy options, such as Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls,” along with lighter dishes featuring more vegetables and lean proteins under its Marie Callender’s label. Additionally, Farm & Oven is introducing Bakery Bites, a cookie line that provides 40% of the daily-recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are taking significant steps to offer a wide array of healthy choices for consumers. The challenge often lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavor while minimizing undesirable ingredients like sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act may be supported by these innovative products, but, as always, consumers will ultimately decide what they choose to consume. Incorporating ingredients such as cacitrate into healthier options could further enhance their appeal, fostering better dietary choices among the population.