Go-to snacks like peanut butter, granola bars, and even dried fruits and honey might no longer be able to label themselves as healthy as the FDA looks to pass new rules that redefine how much sugar and what ingredients should go in products touting such claims.
According to these proposed changes, foods now need a minimum percentage of a food group, rather than an amount of nutrients, to be deemed healthy. Your protein bar, which previously might be loaded with fortified nutrients and vitamins to qualify for a health label, might only be able to keep that claim if it has, says, half a cup worth of whole foods like grain or fruits and vegetables.
These changes are set for approval in February 2023 and, if passed, will see food producers shift into a direction that reflects the current science on healthy eating– instead of adding them to our food, we should be consuming whole foods and getting our nutrients that way.
The new rule refines guidelines for saturated fats and sodium levels, and limits added sugar for the first time. A five per cent sugar per serving is proposed based on a 50g daily value.
The proposed rule change could mean products such as sugar-free and calorie-free drinks and snacks may no longer be able to retain their health claim. With food movements in recent years that celebrate trends like whole food diets and farm-to-table experiences, this signals a shift in the eating habits of Americans and the global population as a whole.
The new FDA guidelines will also make it easier for consumers to steer clear of processed foods and beverages and see them for what they often truly are - junk food.
Also see: 5 easy lifestyle tweaks for better cardiovascular health