More than ever, consumers are paying attention to what goes into their food. They don’t hesitate to scan the ingredient list before dropping an item into the shopping cart. The clean label trend is real, and it’s not going anywhere. It presents some challenges, sure, but it also presents new opportunities for food manufacturers.
What exactly does a clean food label entail? Is that the right option for your business? Keep reading to learn more.
What Does It Mean to Have a Clean Label?
What started as a vague mindset on healthy eating at a consumer level has turned into a classification of ingredients. Clean label food generally means all of its ingredients are considered “natural.” While no official definition of “natural” exists at a regulator level, major brands have begun to roll out what each considers to be in the clean label category. Most definitions include ingredients that are organic and not chemically based. A good working definition is that clean label food products are those that contain familiar, simple, and natural ingredients that are not difficult to recognize and pronounce.
Are “free-from foods” considered clean label?
Potential for Food Manufacturers
In a consumer market as segmented as this one, clean label products can provide manufacturers an opportunity to carve out a niche. Some have used “clean” ingredients for a long time and can now enjoy the benefits of being part of a major trend. In a health-conscious environment, it always helps to have an edge. The clean food label can be a powerful marketing tool when applied honestly. Which brings us to another consideration. . .
Risks and Downsides
Of course, it’s not always as easy as slapping the clean label on a food product and then reaping the benefits. As with any claim that’s based largely on perception, it’s open to interpretation. Calling a food “healthy” or “clean” can open a food manufacturer to accusations of misrepresenting a food product, causing a public relations backlash. When there’s no official standard in place, your definition might not agree with a consumer’s. For example, some products might have fewer vitamins than expected, or more gums, starches and emulsifiers than a purist might view as acceptable.
What PacMoore Offers
PacMoore has long been an industry leader when it comes to specialty foods of all types. Clean label, kosher, gluten-free, organic, non-GMO — you name it, and PacMoore likely offers the ability to process it.
Our comprehensive services provide a pathway for a food manufacturer to carve out a specific market segment. Whatever your specific ingredient requirements, PacMoore can help to make sure you meet them. To learn more about the clean label food category, and to find out what PacMoore can do for you whether in dry blending, extrusion, spray drying, consumer packaging or otherwise, contact us today.
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