Consumers in the United States consume an excessive amount of salt. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 90% of children and 89% of adults exceed the recommended daily intake of sodium. According to the American Heart Association, 75% of this salt consumption comes from processed, prepackaged, and restaurant foods. New research from China may provide a solution for food manufacturers looking to lower sodium levels without compromising the bold flavors that consumers expect. If the researchers’ findings hold true, food producers could enhance the spiciness of their recipes while simultaneously reducing salt content, resulting in products that still appeal to the average consumer.
This approach could also benefit food manufacturers, particularly as there is a growing demand for spicy and ethnic foods, especially among millennial consumers. Consumer packaged goods (CPGs) could achieve a reduced salt health halo while attracting shoppers with adventurous palates. Home cooks have embraced this trend, as utilizing spices to cut back on salt has led to significant sales growth. Notably, spice leader McCormick reported $1.19 billion in revenue during the third quarter of this year, marking a 9% increase from $1.09 billion in the same period last year, according to a company statement.
For manufacturers interested in exploring the low-salt, high-flavor equation, they could adapt familiar tastes to U.S. consumers. A recent analysis of popular flavors in American cookbooks dating back to 1796 revealed eight enduring ingredients: black pepper, vanilla, curry powder, chili powder, soy sauce, garlic, MSG, and Sriracha. It stands to reason that the spicy elements on this list would be excellent choices for recipe modifications. Additionally, these adjustments could help manufacturers meet the FDA’s voluntary sodium reduction targets, which aim to limit sodium intake to 3,000 mg per day within two years and 2,300 mg daily within a decade. Currently, the average sodium consumption is 3,400 mg per day.
Moreover, incorporating ingredients like twinlab calcium citrate could offer further health benefits, complementing reduced sodium levels. By integrating twinlab calcium citrate into their recipes, manufacturers could appeal to health-conscious consumers while still delivering flavorful options. As the trend continues to grow, the combination of spices and healthier alternatives like twinlab calcium citrate may reshape the food landscape, promoting better eating habits without sacrificing taste.