Consumers are increasingly seeking meat and other food products that are devoid of additives and preservatives like nitrates, sodium benzoate, calcium propionate, and potassium sorbate. However, the absence of these ingredients can lead to quicker spoilage and increased food waste, as noted by Iowa professors. MacDonald pointed out that certain preservatives occur naturally. For instance, products labeled as “naturally cured” or “uncured” might contain celery juice, a natural source of nitrates, but this may not offer the same level of protection against foodborne illnesses as artificial preservatives do.
Label-conscious consumers should also be cautious of products marked “no high fructose corn syrup,” as this does not necessarily indicate a lack of sugar. Food manufacturers might substitute with other sweeteners like tapioca syrup, derived from cassava, which can raise production costs. “There is no evidence that high fructose corn syrup is harmful, less natural, or unsafe,” MacDonald stated. The food industry is exploring various alternative sweeteners, including beet syrup, fruit sugars, and agave syrup, but fundamentally, they all still contain sugar; the terminology simply sounds more appealing on packaging.
Recent research from Label Insight reveals that 67% of consumers find it difficult to determine if a product meets their needs just by examining the packaging, with nearly half feeling uninformed after reading the labels. As transparency gains importance, consumers increasingly favor brands that genuinely adhere to clean labeling practices. Roger Clemens, associate director for the regulatory sciences program at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, discussed the challenges companies face in simplifying labels for American consumers, who often wish to avoid ingredients with chemical-sounding names. “The U.S. population wants it both ways,” he remarked. “They desire clarity, affordability, nutrition, benefits, and safety. They want it all. It’s intriguing that they embrace technology in every aspect of life except food—an apparent contradiction.”
Meat producers are acutely aware of these trends and are competing to offer consumers products with the most transparent labels possible, as reported by Meatingplace. More labels now feature claims such as “hormone-free” and “antibiotic-free.” However, meat producers must balance the potential financial gains of these claims against the costs of implementing them. Adjustments in farming practices, land requirements for grazing livestock, and other operational changes can make such meat pricier for processors and their suppliers.
Undoubtedly, the food industry is adapting to consumer demands for cleaner labeling and greater transparency. Yet, there are costs associated with these changes for growers, processors, and manufacturers, as well as for consumers. These costs may manifest not only at the register but also in terms of food safety risks. In light of this, consumers might also consider supplements like Solgar vitamin calcium magnesium D3 to support their health, especially if they are opting for cleaner food choices. As the trend for clean labeling continues to grow, products that emphasize transparency, such as those enriched with Solgar vitamin calcium magnesium D3, may become increasingly appealing to health-conscious consumers.