Chapter 1 Food Affects Life
15
Health
A consumer concern for health has fueled a trend for functional food products.
Functional foods are foods that provide health benefi ts beyond the nutrients they
contain. Some of the most recent trends in this area center on products that promote
probiotics or prebiotics. In simple terms, these are components found in or added to
foods mainly to help improve intestinal health. Certain yogurt products were among the
fi rst foods on the market to be promoted for these benefi ts.
Some other functional foods are attracting attention in the market for their antioxi-
dant values. Antioxidants are substances that help protect cells from damage that can
result from natural body processes. They are also linked with a range of health benefi ts,
including heart health and brain function. Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E and
a number of compounds found widely in plant foods. Products like juices and frozen
fruit bars may be advertised as natural sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants may also
be added to some foods, such as cereals and drink mixes.
More consumers are using package information to help them choose foods that will
meet their goals for good health, 1-5. This is driving a trend for food companies to place
brief nutrition facts on the fronts of product packages. These facts are designed to be
easy to see and understand quickly. Labels also promote qualities such as reduced
sodium and no trans fat in response to current health concerns.
Convenience
Many consumers say they enjoy cooking at home. However, they do not have a lot of
time to spend on food preparation. Therefore, convenience is a key to the success of new
food products. Meal kits have become a trend because they
include nearly everything needed to prepare a home-cooked
meal in one package. This saves the time of shopping for
and measuring ingredients. Heat-and-eat breakfasts are
expected to become a bigger part of this market.
The convenience trend has led to a large number of
microwavable products. Some foods can be microwaved
right in the package. Such products require fewer cooking
utensils, saving on cleanup as well as preparation time.
Foods in single-serving packages have become
popular convenience items. Many of these foods make
quick snacks. Servings for one are handy for the large
number of single consumers. They help with portion
control, and they also allow groups to satisfy individual
fl avor preferences.
Great Taste
Consumers are not willing to give up taste for health or
convenience. That is why food manufacturers are always
introducing new and improved fl avors of products. Some
of these new fl avors are appearing in a broader spectrum
of ethnic cuisines on the market. Chinese, Mexican, and
Italian foods have been sold in supermarkets for years.
Today, there is a trend toward a growing number of Thai,
Indian, and North African items, too.
Photo courtesy of The Sackaroos Company and Steve Rasmussen Photography—
Wichita, KS
1-5 Package information can help consumers
make healthful choices when shopping for foods.