Customers will seemingly search minimally processed merchandise following current headlines spotlighting the potential well being implications related to UPF consumption, Alex Beckett, director of Mintel, tells NutraIngredients.
But, following new analysis suggesting that not all UPFs are dangerous to well being, Beckett asserts that firms ought to concentrate on speaking the advantages that processing can provide, resembling decrease prices and enhanced diet.
Rising controversy
Over current months, there was rising issues over the well being implications related to the consumption of UPFs. Analysis has more and more linked elevated consumption of UPFs with adversarial outcomes, resembling altered lipoprotein profiles, weight problems, kind 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular ailments. With rising client consciousness of the well being dangers, scrutiny over the processing strategies utilized by the meals trade has been intensifying.
But, a current research revealed in The Lancet means that while sure forms of UPFs could improve danger of illness, such well being adversities are depending on the general composition of the product. It concludes that merchandise containing vitamins resembling fibre exert helpful results and stop illness development, additional including to current arguments that the vilification of all UPFs is an “oversimplification”.
The researchers observe that ultra-processed breads and cereals, in addition to plant-based alternate options, will not be related to illness danger, while animal-based merchandise and artificially and sugar-sweetened drinks improve danger. The researchers conclude that UPFs shouldn’t be prevented however consumption ought to be restricted.
Shopper communication
Beckett explains that while the demand for minimally processed merchandise will proceed to rise following the controversy, this pattern for cleaner-labelled produce was already prevalent.
“Our analysis into wholesome consuming has discovered that 70% of UK adults attempt to keep away from ultra-processed meals. This consists of 59% of under-25s and peaks at 76% of over-55s, illustrating how youthful individuals are greater customers of comfort meals,” he asserts.
A ‘World Meals and Drinks Developments for 2024’ report by Mintel states that the heightened demand for clear label will make means for minimally processed alternate options that ought to concentrate on the constructive features of food-processing strategies, resembling those who improve diet, inhibit contaminant formation, or enhance sustainability.
Beckett provides: “In the end, pioneer manufacturers will provide a UPF various to different manufacturers, and customers’ expectations will likely be raised. If they’ll do it, why cannot that model? The difficulty is, UPF-free treats are sometimes much less inexpensive, and too many individuals are nonetheless struggling financially.”
Beckett emphasised that demand for ultra-processed meals will stay and will probably be as much as manufacturers to supply the suitable stage of element about their processing strategies..
“Higher transparency across the manufacturing course of is essential. However the stage of element is debatable. For those who’re about to take pleasure in an ice cream on a scorching day, you’re not going to hassle following an on-pack QR code explaining the hydrophilic properties of the emulsifiers, first,” he stresses.
He notes that enlightenment doesn’t essentially result in motion however “giving customers the choice to self-educate, not directly, wins belief”.
“With meals costs nonetheless excessive and UPF so endemic, most customers gained’t have any alternative however to proceed shopping for UPF. The distinction is that extra individuals will now be extra conscious of the well being implications. And for individuals who have the posh of alternative and the posh of time to scrutinise ingredient lists, comparisons will likely be made at level of sale,” he provides.
