Consumers are becoming more conscious of what they eat for various reasons, like wanting to lose weight, dealing with food sensitivities, managing health issues, and following dietary trends so they need to have a clear understanding about the ingredients in their food.
In the food service industry, success depends on a few key factors: being responsive to consumer preferences, keeping up with nutritional laws and trends, and providing easy access to food options. “One simple way to meet consumer needs conveniently is by offering clear information about the nutritional content of our food,” says 365 Retail Markets head of Europe Rutger Planken.
The United Kingdom reports that allergies affect 25 per cent of its population. These allergies can range from mild intolerances to severe reactions. Dealing with food sensitivities can range from being a hassle to more serious consequences and can cost a lot of time and money for both the person affected and the establishment that served the food causing the reaction.
“To avoid these issues, food service operators can take a proactive approach by providing nutritional information for all the products they offer. By sharing this data, they can disclose the ingredients used in their food, which helps identify any potentially harmful substances to individuals. This approach applies not only to allergies but also to other dietary restrictions like veganism, pescatarianism, or any other specific nutritional practices,” Mr Planken said.
Providing clear nutritional information on food labels is also crucial for empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their dietary choices. By having access to this information, they can assess which products align with their specific dietary concerns and health goals.
Such labeling eliminates the need for guesswork in their daily routine, allowing them to easily adhere to dietary restrictions and preferences. It enables individuals to maintain consistency in managing key dietary decisions, monitor their macronutrient intake, and track their calorie consumption without unnecessary hassle.
“Ultimately, having conveniently labeled meal contents equips consumers with the necessary tools to make deliberate and health-conscious choices,” he concludes
