Lowering Salt, Elevating Nutri-Score: Innovations for a Healthier Future
2024. 12.13
Understanding Nutri-Score
In a world increasingly focused on health-conscious choices, the Nutri-Score system has emerged as a powerful tool to guide consumers. Introduced in Germany in September 2020, Nutri-Score provides a simplified nutritional label on the front of food packaging, making it easier for consumers to identify healthier options. The system, based on a color-coded scale from A (healthiest) to E (least healthy), has been well-received, as demonstrated by research commissioned by Germany's Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). Consumers overwhelmingly chose Nutri-Score over other models for its clarity and practicality, highlighting its potential to drive healthier eating habits.
The Impact on the Food & Beverage Industry
The introduction of Nutri-Score has significantly influenced the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry, particularly in sectors such as snacks, beverages, and processed meats. Recent updates to Nutri-Score's calculation methods are placing additional pressure on manufacturers of sweetened drinks, salty snacks, and fatty products to reformulate their offerings to achieve better scores. As a result, companies are investing in innovation to meet the dual demands of health-conscious consumers and regulatory requirements.
The Sodium Dilemma
Salt reduction is at the forefront of these innovations. With organizations like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommending a daily sodium intake of no more than 2 grams for adults, and similar guidelines established by the US government, sodium has become a hot topic in the health discourse.
According to research conducted by Kemin Food Technologies, consumers are increasingly aware of the health risks associated with excessive sodium intake. They are scrutinizing labels not just for sodium but for overall nutritional quality, as reflected in claims about calories, fat, and sugar. This trend underscores the urgency for brands to develop reduced-sodium alternatives without compromising on taste.
Balancing Taste and Health: The TasteNrich® Advantage
Reducing sodium in food products is a priority for both health-conscious consumers and regulatory bodies. Yet, the challenge remains: how to retain the salty taste consumers love? TasteNrich® bridges this gap with an innovative approach, enabling significant sodium reduction while preserving the flavor consumers crave.
TasteNrich® has proven to be a game-changer in applications ranging from breads to snacks, sauces, and beverages. By enhancing flavor and improving Nutri-Scores, TasteNrich® positions itself as an essential tool for brands striving to balance health and taste. This dual advantage empowers manufacturers to stay competitive while meeting evolving regulatory standards and consumer demands.
How TasteNrich® Elevates Nutri-Score
As Nutri-Score gains traction across Europe and beyond, forward-thinking brands have an unprecedented opportunity to lead the health-driven F&B market. TasteNrich® empowers these brands by reducing sodium, improving Nutri-Scores, and delivering flavorful products that meet growing consumer demand for healthier options.
The Nutri-Score and the global movement toward sodium reduction represent a paradigm shift in how we view food and nutrition. For manufacturers, these trends are both a challenge and an opportunity. With solutions like TasteNrich®, companies can meet these demands head-on, creating products that not only taste great but also support healthier lifestyles. Lower the salt. Elevate the Nutri-Score. Empower the future of food.
Sources
1) Eurofins, “The Nutri-Score – all important facts and novelties at a glance” 2024. 10. 8
2) Fi Global Insights, “How will the Nutri-Score system impact food manufacturers?”2019.07.11
3) Food ingredients 1st, “Scrutinizing sodium: Food formulators target reduced salt alternatives without compromising taste” 2024. 10. 04
