Chapter 1 Food Affects Life
15
Health
A consumer concern for health is fueling a trend for functional food products.
Functional foods are foods that provide health benefi ts beyond the nutrients they
contain. One such food is probiotic yogurt, which contains components to help improve
intestinal health. Table spreads and peanut butter containing added Omega-3 oils,
which support heart health, are other examples.
Some other functional foods are drawing attention in the market for their antioxidant
values. Antioxidants are substances that help protect cells from damage resulting from
natural body processes. They are 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 such as 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.
Many consumers want to avoid certain components in foods for health reasons, which
impacts trends in product labeling. Claims such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free
are seen on a growing number of product labels, 1-5. 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 but do not have a lot of time to spend
on food preparation. Therefore, convenience is a key to the success of new food products.
Cooking sauces and marinades have become a
convenience trend. They offer consumers an easy way
to add exciting fl avors to meals without shopping for and
measuring many ingredients. A protein food such as meat
or chicken is often all that is needed to create a tasty main
dish. Serving the dish over simple pasta or rice turns it into
a complete meal.
Microwavable products have been popular for years,
and this trend is not likely to change. Foods that can be
microwaved right in the package require fewer cooking
utensils and save on cleanup and preparation time.
Foods in single-serving packages are common conve-
nience 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.
Food fl avors that are growing in popularity include hot,
tangy, and salty with sweet. Some of these food fl avors
are being brought to store shelves through ethnic infl u-
ences. For instance, snack foods might get added heat
from Mexican habanero peppers. One tangy food that is
From Shutterstock.com: Pepj, Carmen2011, Aquir
1-5 Consumers wanting to avoid certain food
components can look for products with claims
like these on the labels.