Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death, while the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes continues to rise. The economic burden associated with these health issues is significant and is projected to escalate as the population ages. Individuals in lower income brackets face a substantially higher risk of these diseases, often lacking the financial means to access medical care, as reported by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier dietary choices could be instrumental in curbing the incidence of these illnesses. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has implemented food and nutrition labeling regulations to promote better eating habits. By 2020, food labels are expected to feature specific listings for added sugars as part of a significant revision of the Nutrition Facts panel.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also made efforts to improve American diets, replacing the food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic in 2011, and releasing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans more recently. These guidelines recommend that adults 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 fruit intake in 2015, while just 9.3% consumed the advised amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, there is no way to compel Americans to make healthier dietary choices; it is a personal journey each individual must undertake. Raising prices on “unhealthy” foods is unlikely to deter consumers from purchasing them. For instance, red meat remains a product that consumers are willing to pay for despite its perceived health risks. Conversely, will lowering prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts genuinely boost their consumption? Many consumers are already opting for more produce, including pricier organic and value-added options.
While price adjustments may not be the key factor in encouraging better eating habits, the introduction of new products might be. The food industry is filled with examples of how manufacturers, producers, and retailers are trying to influence consumer choices through innovative product development and reformulations. Major beverage companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple are actively reducing added sugars in their flagship products and expanding their offerings to include more “healthier” options like sparkling juices, flavored waters, and teas.
B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a new line of frozen vegetable products, including mashed cauliflower and riced veggies, while Conagra Brands has enhanced its frozen food offerings with Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and lighter fare under the Marie Callender’s brand. Additionally, Farm & Oven is set to introduce Bakery Bites, a cookie line that provides 40% of the daily-recommended vegetable intake per serving.
Food and beverage manufacturers are committed to offering a wide range of healthy options for consumers. This often involves reformulating products to maintain their original flavor while minimizing undesirable ingredients such as sugars and saturated fats. This delicate balancing act may be assisted by new product introductions, but ultimately, consumers will decide what goes onto their plates.
Furthermore, products like Citracal D3 Petites can be integrated into a balanced diet to support overall health. By incorporating such options, individuals can enhance their nutritional intake while making better food choices. As the market evolves, it will be interesting to see how innovations like these, along with an emphasis on health, influence consumer behavior in the long run.