(NC) You may not realize it, but grocery store shelves look very different today than they did just a few years ago.
A recent study conducted by the association, Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC), found that manufacturers have introduced 750 better-for-you food options since 2011, building on the 1,280 products reported in 2011. That's almost 2,000 food and beverage products available in your favourite store that are better for your health.
What does this mean for the consumer?
As you shop for the products needed to make a great meal for family and friends, you now have many more choices aimed at better nutrition. In fact, according to the survey, companies have introduced 68 per cent more products with reduced sodium since 2011, and have also increased their reduced-calorie options by 39 per cent.
So how do you know if you're making the best choices for you and your family?
Start with the Nutrition Facts table printed on every packaged food product, in every store across the country.
It's the simplest way to learn if a product has a little or a lot of a nutrient. You can use the label to compare products and look for the nutrients most important to you, like sodium, fats, fibre and calories.
Canada's food and beverage manufacturers say they have never been more committed to producing new, safe, high-quality and nutritious foods for us to enjoy – and the companies emphasize that they are committed to helping Canadians lead more active healthy lives. This includes producing innovative products (in addition to those you've enjoyed for generations), investing in community health and wellness programs, and helping people to improve their nutrition literacy.
Maisie Vanriel, FCPC's registered dietitian and vice president of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, points out that the companies are doing this because it's what consumers want and expect: more choices and better choices. More information about the survey is available at www.fcpc.ca.
