LABELCALC® MAY/JUNE '09 NEWSLETTER by Alyson Mar, FoodCalc Lead Dietitian
Greetings from LabelCalc!
Hello clients and colleagues. Spring and summer tend to be the hot seasons of innovation in the food industry. Here’s a little peak of what’s going on in food news and with LabelCalc to help get your creative juices flowing.
Industry News
The Cost of Health
The United Soybean Board funded a recent study that compared the connections between the healthfulness of foods and food choices; and price and food choices. The vast majority (88%) of 1,009 surveyed reported that nutrition did play some role in their food purchasing decisions in the grocery store. Fifty-four percent reported that they would pay more for healthier foods. Of those how claimed they would not pay more for healthier options, 52% claimed that the reasons are financial, and are not associated with health.
Read full article:Click Here.
Another Nutrition Labeling System: Nestle
The recently launched new labeling system provides consumers with nutrition information that goes above and beyond the conventional nutrition facts panel and ingredient statement. The system, called the Nutritional Compass is designed to help consumers make more healthful decisions in the grocery store. Along with the standard nutrition label the system also includes additional information about how the specific nutrients benefit the body, explanations of any applicable health claims, and contact information for additional nutrition advice.
Read full Article: Click Here.
Snack Attack
The profile for a typical snack food has changed in light of recent health concerns. Candies and potato chips have now been replaced by carrot sticks and nuts. With health and hunger on most American minds it’s no wonder that consumers are looking for healthier hold-me-over foods. So what’s hot in snacks? Food Product Design lists these common trends: all natural fruits and veggies, combining sweet and salty flavors, a new twist on the old pretzel, whole grains, nutrient dense concoctions, and dairy-based options.
Read full Article: Click Here.
Recessionary Spending
A recent survey conducted by the Neilsen Company reports that consumer spending habits are changing in the food and beverage industry in light of the economic situation. For starters 56% of consumers stated that they eat at home more than they use to because of financial concerns. The majority of those surveyed also reported eating out at restaurants less frequently. Other shopping habits that reflect change include buying in bulk, looking for locally produced products, and bargain hunting in the grocery isle more than ever before.
Read full Article: Click Here.
FoodCalc/LabelCalc News
Find a Consultant in your Area
If you decide that you want to use a third party consultant to help you utilize the LabelCalc system you can always send your recipes to a FoodCalc dietitian using the Expert Consulting Plan, or you can find a FoodCalc consultant in your area using our RD network. The RD network connects you with Registered Detains in your area who are well versed in nutrition analysis and the FoodCalc products.
Read more about it here: Click Here.
Read the FoodCalc Blog
If you want to hear more from your favorite online nutrition analysis professionals you’re in luck. Read our thoughts and commentary on local menu labeling and food industry news in our blog. And, don’t just read, comment too, we love hearing what you have to say even if you disagree.
Read the Blog Here: http://foodcalc.blogspot.com/