Food manufacturers have directed much of their reformulation efforts towards snack products. As consumers shift from traditional three meals a day to more frequent snacking, the food industry faces increasing pressure to adapt. Another key focus is enhancing the healthiness and wholesomeness of products by eliminating a variety of additives. Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing ingredient lists for any unfamiliar or unnatural-sounding components. Snacks are a primary target for reducing sodium, sugar, and fat. Research indicates that these reformulation efforts could potentially save thousands of lives annually. One study revealed that reformulating products could decrease deaths from diet-related diseases by as much as 5.5%, particularly benefiting low-income individuals.
Several major food brands have identified specific categories for reformulation. 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 ice cream brands. Their changes include eliminating high fructose corn syrup, GMOs, artificial flavors and colors, reducing sugar content, and sourcing milk from cows not treated with rBST.
Regarding Kraft Food Ingredients’ latest cheese-based snack concepts, the company stated its aim was to align with the clean label trend. Although consumers may not perceive cheese as particularly healthy, they consider it a “permissible indulgence,” according to the company’s head of marketing. Consumers are keen to know the ingredients in their cheese, and Kraft, along with other food manufacturers, is astutely responding to this demand. Additionally, they are incorporating nutrients like calcitrate, ensuring options with 200 mg and 950 mg are available to cater to health-conscious consumers. By focusing on transparency and health, these companies are aligning their products with consumer desires while addressing the crucial need for reformulation in the snack category.