Understanding HFSS Changes and the Impact on Manufacturers: A Guide for Joseph Flach & Sons Customers
The food and beverage industry is undergoing significant changes, with new regulations around products high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS). These changes are expected to reshape how businesses market and formulate their products. For manufacturers, this presents challenges but also opportunities to innovate and adapt. At Joseph Flach & Sons, we provide a wide variety of ingredients that can help support your business during this transition.
What is the HFSS Change?
The HFSS regulations, introduced by the UK government, aim to reduce the consumption of products that are high in fat, salt, and sugar, particularly among children. These changes will include an advertising ban on TV and online platforms for products that fall into the HFSS category. This will affect how manufacturers market their products and could lead to changes in formulations, labelling, and even product offerings.
The new regulations also cover restrictions on placement of HFSS products in supermarkets, including promotions like “buy one get one free” and discounts that encourage bulk buying. The goal is to combat rising obesity levels and encourage healthier choices, particularly among younger audiences.
What Does This Mean for Manufacturers?
For manufacturers, these changes present both challenges and opportunities. While some products may fall under the HFSS category, leading to restrictions on how they are marketed, there is a growing demand for healthier, more sustainable ingredients. Consumers are increasingly seeking products with lower fat, salt, and sugar content, and this trend is pushing companies to reformulate existing products.
If you’re in the manufacturing sector, the time is now to explore alternatives to common ingredients like sugar, salt, and MSG that can help meet these new standards while maintaining or even improving product quality. By making these adjustments, manufacturers can not only stay compliant but also tap into the growing consumer preference for healthier options.
Replacing Sugar, Salt, and MSG with Our Product Lines
At Joseph Flach & Sons, we offer a range of products that can help you reduce the reliance on HFSS ingredients. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Sugar Alternatives: For manufacturers looking to reduce or eliminate sugar in their formulations, we offer options such as Stevia. This natural sweetener can help maintain the desired sweetness of products without contributing to the high sugar content that would fall under HFSS regulations.
- Salt Alternatives: Reducing sodium content is a key focus in many reformulations. Our range includes Seaweeds like Irish Moss and Bladderwrack, and Himalayan Pink Salt. These ingredients not only provide a healthy alternative to traditional salt but also offer unique flavours and nutritional benefits, making them ideal for manufacturers looking to innovate in the low-sodium space.
- MSG Alternatives: MSG is used to enhance the savoury flavours in foods. Various herbs such as garlic, tarragon, rosemary and peppercorns add a spicy, savoury flavour to foods. Other spices such as turmeric and cumin are good alternatives to MSG and add warmth to any dish.
By leveraging these ingredients, you can create formulations that meet the regulatory requirements and appeal to consumers who are becoming more mindful of what they eat.
Benefits of Reformulating Your Products
Adapting to these changes presents several benefits for manufacturers:
- Compliance with New Regulations: Reformulating products to reduce fat, salt, and sugar ensures compliance with the upcoming HFSS restrictions, safeguarding your marketing opportunities.
- Health-Conscious Consumer Demand: There is a growing demand for products that are lower in fat, sugar, and salt. Consumers are becoming more informed about their dietary choices and prefer healthier alternatives.
- Enhanced Brand Reputation: Brands that prioritise healthier products are likely to see increased customer loyalty and trust.
- Innovation: The shift towards healthier products opens up space for innovation, allowing you to experiment with new ingredients, flavours, and formulations that resonate with modern consumers.
How Joseph Flach & Sons Can Help
At Joseph Flach & Sons, we are committed to providing our manufacturing clients with high-quality, sustainable ingredients that meet emerging health trends and regulations. Our broad selection of herbs, botanicals, and natural alternatives can help you reduce your reliance on HFSS ingredients while creating products that satisfy both regulatory standards and consumer demands.
For more information on the HFSS regulations and what they mean for your business, you can read the full updates from IAB UK, the UK Government’s Consultation, and The Grocer’s coverage.
We look forward to supporting you as you adapt your business to the future of healthier food and beverage products.
Feel free to contact us to discuss how we can help support you in sourcing new ingredients to meet the HFSS regulations. Get in touch with the team on + 44 (0)1733 371221 or email us at [email protected].
