Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death, while the incidence of Type 2 diabetes is also increasing. The economic burden associated with these health issues is significant and is projected to grow as the population ages. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds face a higher risk of developing these conditions, often lacking the financial means to access medical treatment, as reported by BMC Medicine.
Government initiatives aimed at promoting healthier dietary choices could potentially mitigate the rising rates of these diseases. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sought to address this through food and nutrition labeling regulations. Notably, the Nutrition Facts panel is undergoing a major revision, with specific listings for added sugars expected to appear on many food labels by 2020. Similarly, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made efforts to encourage better eating habits among Americans, replacing the traditional food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic in 2011 and issuing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Currently, adults are advised to consume between 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 fruit intake in 2015, and merely 9.3% consumed the advised amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, motivating Americans to eat healthier is a challenge, as dietary choices are highly personal and part of an individual’s health journey. Increasing prices on unhealthy products is unlikely to deter consumers; for instance, red meat remains a popular purchase despite its cost. Conversely, it is uncertain whether reducing prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts would significantly boost their consumption. Although there has been a rise in the purchase of produce, including more expensive organic options, pricing strategies alone may not be the key to encouraging better eating habits.
Instead, innovation in product offerings may play a vital role. The food industry is filled with examples of companies trying to influence consumer preferences through new product development and reformulations. Major beverage companies, such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple, have focused on decreasing added sugars in their flagship products while expanding their portfolios to include healthier beverages like sparkling juices, waters, and teas. Meanwhile, B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a new line of trendy frozen vegetable products, including mashed cauliflower, riced veggies, and veggie tots, with a new frozen veggie “pasta” set to debut in January.
Conagra Brands has also revamped its frozen food lineup, introducing premium and health-oriented items such as Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and lighter fare featuring more vegetables and lean proteins under its Marie Callender’s brand. Farm & Oven is launching Bakery Bites, a cookie line that provides 40% of the daily-recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are increasingly committed to offering a wide array of healthy options. The challenge often lies in reformulating existing products to maintain their original taste while minimizing 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 make the final choices about their diets. Additionally, incorporating nutrients like upcal d3 into these products could further enhance their appeal and health benefits, offering consumers more reasons to opt for healthier food choices.