Is Packaged Food Healthy? Nestlé CEO Shares Insights

In the world today, packaged foods are central to diets. But is packaged food healthy? Nestlé CEO Laurent Freixe recently spoke to these worries, standing up for the position of packaged food in light of ongoing debate over its nutritional quality and contribution to public health. Here’s a closer examination of the controversy, the advantages and disadvantages of packaged food, and what it means for consumers.

What Did the Nestlé CEO Say?

Laurent Freixe, chief executive of the world’s largest packaged foods group, highlighted the importance of packaged food in delivering secure, reliable nutrition to millions. “Packaged foods are very, very important for mankind,” Freixe said. “They keep food quality and fight food waste.” He also conceded that Nestlé is with the mission of encouraging varied and nutrient-dense diets.

These words are timely, as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to become the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A longtime promoter of healthy diets, Kennedy has already denounced sugary and ultra-processed foods. Nestlé, with its huge range that spans from KitKat to Maggi noodles, is under greater scrutiny under Kennedy’s tenure.

Are Packaged Foods Healthy? The Pros

Packaged food has a number of benefits that have established it as a mainstay in homes across the globe:

Convenience: Packaged foods are ready to eat or need little preparation, making them suitable for hectic lifestyles.

Food Safety: Packaging ensures that food is not contaminated, increasing shelf life and minimizing the risk of foodborne diseases.

Nutrient Fortification: Packaged foods are often fortified with vitamins and minerals to fight deficiencies. For instance, breakfast cereals usually have added iron and folic acid.

Waste Reduction: Freixe is correct in pointing out that reducing food waste is important. Sealed packaging avoids spoilage and wastage, a significant problem in international food supply chains.

The Disadvantages of Packaged Food

Although packaged foods are convenient, they have some significant disadvantages:

High Sugar and Sodium Content: Most processed foods contain high levels of added sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats, which are known to cause obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Ultra-Processed Ingredients: Research indicates that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with adverse health outcomes. In 2019, research in The BMJ established that the intake of ultra-processed foods raised the risk of premature death by 15%.

Loss of Nutritional Value: Food processing may result in some foods losing fiber and essential nutrients. For example, grains that are processed into packaged bread or snacks do not contain fiber present in whole grains.

A Balanced Approach to Packaged Food

The secret to getting through packaged food is balance. Not all packaged foods are the same. Reading labels, selecting minimally processed items, and prioritizing whole foods can assist consumers in making informed choices.

Nestlé’s recognition of the value of good nutrition and varied diets is an indication that even large food manufacturers are aware of the changing needs of health-conscious consumers. As the regulatory environment shifts under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the focus on the quality of packaged foods and their nutritional content will only increase.