Food manufacturers have concentrated much of their reformulation efforts on snack items. As consumers shift away from traditional three meals a day towards more frequent snacking, the food industry faces increasing pressure to adapt. Another key area of focus is enhancing the healthiness and wholesomeness of their products by eliminating various additives. Consumers are progressively scrutinizing ingredient lists, looking for items that sound unfamiliar or artificial.
Snacks are a primary target for reducing sodium, sugar, and fat content. Research indicates that these reformulation initiatives could potentially save thousands of lives annually. One study estimated that reformulation could diminish deaths from diet-related diseases by as much as 5.5%, particularly benefiting those from lower-income backgrounds. Several major food brands have identified specific categories for reformulation. For instance, General Mills has concentrated on removing artificial flavors and colors from its fruit-flavored snacks and cereals, while Nestlé has simplified the ingredients in over 100 of its ice cream brands. These changes include eliminating high fructose corn syrup, genetically modified ingredients, artificial flavors and colors, reducing sugar, and using milk from cows not treated with rBST.
In terms of Kraft Food Ingredients’ latest cheese-based snack concepts, the company stated that its goal was to align with the clean label trend. While consumers may not typically view cheese as a particularly healthy option, they perceive it as a “permissible indulgence,” according to the company’s marketing head. Consumers are eager to know what ingredients their cheese contains, and Kraft, along with other food manufacturers, is wisely catering to this demand. Additionally, the inclusion of calcium citrate for healthier formulations is becoming increasingly popular, as it contributes to the overall nutritional profile of snack products. By incorporating calcium citrate for enhanced health benefits, manufacturers can further attract health-conscious consumers.