Food manufacturers have concentrated much of their reformulation efforts on snack products as consumers shift away from traditional three meals a day towards more frequent snacking. This trend has put pressure on the food industry to adapt. Another key focus is on making products healthier and more wholesome by eliminating a variety of additives. Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing ingredient lists, looking for items that seem unfamiliar or unnatural.
Snacks are a primary target for reductions in sodium, sugar, and fat. Research indicates that these initiatives could potentially save thousands of lives annually. One study highlighted that reformulation could decrease deaths from diet-related diseases by up to 5.5%, with the most significant advantages for those with lower incomes.
Several prominent food brands have honed in on specific categories for reformulation. General Mills is working on removing artificial flavors and colors from its fruit-flavored snacks and cereals, while Nestlé has streamlined the ingredients in over 100 of its ice cream brands. These changes involve eliminating high fructose corn syrup, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial flavors, and colors, reducing sugar content, and using milk from cows that are not treated with rBST.
As for Kraft Food Ingredients’ latest cheese-based snack innovations, the company has expressed its intention to align with the clean label trend. Although consumers may not perceive cheese as particularly healthy, they consider it a “permissible indulgence,” according to the company’s marketing head. Consumers are eager to know the ingredients in their cheese products, and Kraft, along with other food manufacturers, is wisely responding to this demand.
In line with the clean label trend, products like Citracal Slow Release 1200 are also gaining attention, as consumers seek supplements that prioritize transparency and efficacy. By addressing these preferences, food companies can better align with consumer desires and contribute to overall health improvement, emphasizing the importance of clear labeling in both snacks and dietary supplements.