Food companies on quest for the next generation of healthy

For decades, packaged-food companies have been reducing fat and calories in their products. More recently the industry undertook a broad-based effort to eliminate trans fats, and even high-fructose corn syrup. But today, big food is at a crossroads. The companies that introduced products such as Doritos, Miracle Whip, Butterfinger and the venti caramel Frappuccino now maintain that the future lies in the health and wellness category. A wave of products expected to hit grocery stores in the next year will raise the ante for shoppers’ attention and compete for their trust. What constitutes “healthy” will ultimately be decided by consumers at the cash register. Several efforts are springing forth from Chicago. Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo has established a global nutrition group in the windy city’s West Loop, headed by the company’s chief scientific officer. Among other initiatives, the company is testing a reduced-sodium salt for eventual rollout in its savory snacks. Northfield, Ill.-based Kraft Foods Inc. is developing foods that “align with organic principles” by having fewer ingredients. More…

News selected by Covalence | Country: USA | Company: PepsiCo, Kraft Foods, Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Nestle | Source: The Vancouver Sun