Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of death globally, while the incidence of Type 2 diabetes is also increasing. The economic burden associated with these health issues is considerable and is projected to rise as the population ages. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds face a significantly higher risk of these diseases and are less able to afford medical care, as noted by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier dietary choices could play a crucial role in mitigating these disease rates. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has made efforts to address this through food and nutrition labeling regulations. The overhaul of the Nutrition Facts panel is also underway, with specific listings for added sugars expected on many food labels by 2020.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has been working to promote better eating habits among Americans. In 2011, the agency replaced the traditional food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic and more recently introduced the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Currently, 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 recommended daily intake of fruit in 2015, while just 9.3% consumed the advised amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, Americans cannot be forced to adopt healthier eating habits; it is a personal journey that each individual must undertake. Raising prices is unlikely to deter people from purchasing “unhealthy” products. For instance, consumers appear willing to pay for red meat, as evidenced by market trends. Conversely, will lowering prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts genuinely enhance consumption? People are already buying more produce, including pricier organic options and value-added fruits and vegetables.
While price adjustments may not be the most effective incentive for healthier eating, the introduction of new products could be. The food industry is filled with instances of manufacturers, producers, and retailers striving to influence consumer preferences through innovation and reformulation. Major beverage companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple have been actively reducing added sugars in their flagship products and diversifying their offerings to include “healthier” beverages such as sparkling juices, flavored waters, and teas.
Furthermore, B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a range of trendy frozen vegetable products, including mashed cauliflower, riced veggies, and veggie tots, with a new line of frozen veggie “pasta” set to debut in January. Conagra Brands has revamped its frozen food lineup by incorporating premium, healthy offerings such as Healthy Choice’s “Power Bowls” and lighter dishes featuring more vegetables and lean proteins under the Marie Callender’s label. Farm & Oven is also introducing Bakery Bites, a cookie line that provides 40% of the daily recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are making strides to offer a wide array of healthy options for consumers. A significant challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavors while reducing undesirable ingredients like sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act may be supported by the introduction of new products, but ultimately, it is the consumers who will decide what they choose to eat. In this context, incorporating nutrient-rich options like rainbow calcium citrate into the diet could provide additional health benefits, reinforcing the idea that consumers have choices that can positively impact their well-being.