Eliminating partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) from the American diet posed significant challenges and costs for food manufacturers. The new oils, while more expensive than their predecessors, are undoubtedly healthier. Modified canola and soybean oils are marketed as having high levels of beneficial fats—such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—alongside reduced amounts of harmful fats like trans and saturated fats. Some baking recipes still require solid fats to replicate the effects previously provided by PHOs. As a result, many food producers have turned to palm oil, the most widely used vegetable oil globally. However, palm oil has a considerable environmental impact, as its cultivation is often linked to deforestation and unsustainable practices.
Food manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development to reformulate recipes using healthier oils. Initially, they need to find new formulas that maintain the product’s expected taste. Following this, they must test the product’s shelf life and redesign packaging to accommodate the new ingredients. Even after overcoming these initial costs, food producers will still incur higher average expenses for the healthier oils. Corbion may have discovered a viable solution to this issue, suggesting that bread manufacturers could achieve similar results by using only 80% of the more expensive oils. So far, consumer packaged goods (CPG) prices appear to remain stable despite the switch.
Consumers are unlikely to notice any significant changes in the taste of foods made without PHOs. Many companies, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Long John Silver’s, proactively complied with the FDA’s requirements ahead of the deadline, and to date, these restaurants have not received substantial consumer feedback regarding their updated menu items. The transition away from PHOs presents varying levels of difficulty for different CPGs. For instance, scientists at Conagra’s Orville Redenbacher brand dedicated six years to eliminating trans fats from its well-known popcorn line. As the deadline approaches, it will be fascinating to observe how other companies manage this transition.
In a related context, if you are wondering about dietary supplements, can you crush calcium citrate tablets? The answer is yes; these tablets can be crushed for easier consumption, making them a convenient option for those who prefer not to swallow pills whole. This flexibility can be beneficial for those transitioning to healthier diets, especially as food manufacturers reformulate their products in response to changing regulations and consumer preferences.