There is a wide range of food and beverage choices available that are not particularly healthy, yet consumer perceptions and usage of these options vary significantly. Sugar-sweetened beverages frequently face policies aimed at reducing their consumption, yet numerous studies indicate that these drinks represent a major concern. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cited in the Georgetown report, while health-conscious consumers typically avoid sodas and sweetened fruit drinks, these beverages contribute to 41.4% of the added sugars consumed by individuals. IRI data shared by the university showed that over one-third of consumers purchase soft drinks several times a week, with nearly 70% buying them at least a few times a month. In contrast, chocolate candies are bought on approximately 14% of shopping trips, while non-chocolate candies are purchased about 10% of the time. The CDC indicates that confections account for only 6.6% of added sugars in the diet and contribute less than 2% of the average consumer’s caloric intake.
During a presentation at Georgetown University last week, Hank Cardello, executive director of leadership solutions for health and prosperity at Business for Impact, noted that various sectors of the food industry are striving to provide healthier alternatives to consumers. Several major confectionery companies, in collaboration with the National Confectioners Association and the Partnership for a Healthier America, committed five years ago to offer half of their individually wrapped candies at 200 calories or less. They achieved this goal earlier this year. Anton Vincent, president of Mars Wrigley North America, stated at the event that the company has adopted a comprehensive approach to enhance the healthiness of its products. This approach is evident not only in recent acquisitions, such as Kind and Nature’s Bakery, but also in how the company evaluates its entire portfolio. Mars has pledged to keep all its products under 200 calories per serving and is also aligned with the World Health Organization’s aim to limit sugars to less than 10% of an individual’s daily caloric intake.
Other sectors are also focusing on healthier products, emphasizing sugar reduction and smaller portion sizes. Leading soda manufacturers, through the American Beverage Association, aim to decrease sugary drink calories by 20% between 2015 and 2025. Furthermore, through the Partnership for a Healthier America’s Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, consumer packaged goods companies successfully eliminated 1.5 trillion calories from food offerings by 2015. However, Dr. Bill Dietz from George Washington University, a panelist at last week’s discussion, emphasized that there is still work to be done in reducing portion sizes and ensuring that the food consumed is sufficiently nutritious. Food companies may be well-positioned to tackle these challenges, especially since researchers have found that policies targeting specific problematic food segments, such as taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, are often ineffective.
Incorporating natural factors such as calcium and magnesium can also play a role in improving overall dietary quality, and it is crucial for companies to consider these elements as they innovate healthier products. By focusing on the nutritional value of their offerings and adjusting portion sizes, food companies can better align with consumer health needs while addressing the significant issue of added sugars in diets.