Nestlé plans more healthy products, sharpens focus on responsible sourcing

01 Apr 2020 --- Nestlé is accelerating the health and nutrition of its products this year, part of several goals in line with all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. In its just-released 2019 Creating Shared Value Progress Report 2019, the Swiss food giant has named 36 societal and environmental commitments to be achieved by the end of 2020. The goals, which are divided into three categories; those that affect individuals, communities and the planet, are underpinned by food security, nutrition and ethical sourcing of ingredients.

“We continuously improve the nutritional profile of our food and beverages, for instance by reducing sugar, salt and saturated fat or by increasing vegetables, fiber-rich grains, pulses, nuts and seeds, proteins and essentials vitamins,” a spokesperson at Nestlé tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

Creating better nutrition through food products demands the reformulation of some foods and new launches of others. Last year, Nestlé launched nearly 1,400 products to address the specific needs and key nutritional gaps of babies, children, expecting women and new mothers. It has also expanded its all-natural offering and launched organic breakfast cereals.

The reports shares that Nestlé has already achieved two food reformulation goals for better health by the end of Q1:

• Nestlé has added at least 750 million portions of vegetables, 300 million portions of nutrient-rich grains, pulses and bran, and more nuts and seeds to its products.
• All Nestlé-branded cereals now carry a Green Banner, denoting it as a source of fiber and made with whole grains.

A work in progress
Formulation for healthier products are “still in progress” for the removal of all artificial colors from products (with the exclusion of pet food). The goal to “continue the removal of unfamiliar ingredients” is ongoing as well, with expectations for great progress by the end of 2020.

This year, Nestlé launched vegan sausages in Europe as part of its latest plant-based offerings.Nestlé notes that currently 1.67 percent by weight of the colorants used in its foods and beverages is defined as artificial. The company notes, “We continue to seek non-artificial color solutions that are acceptable in both performance and cost. However, sometimes it is difficult to change to non-artificial colors that provide the same consumer experience and meet demands for affordable pricing.”

As part of the company’s efforts to simplify ingredients lists, Nestlé launched "Nesquik All Natural" in Europe last year. The cocoa beverage contains only five ingredients, uses less sugar and is sold in recyclable paper packaging.Aligning with Innova Market Insights’ second Top Trend for 2020, “The Plant-Based Revolution,” plant-based products have been highlighted recently in Nestlé NPD. This move away from meat is a two-fold approach to both satisfy market demand and work toward less greenhouse gas emissions.

“Consumer preferences are evolving fast. By moving to plant-based, we continue to offer products that are healthier and have a better environmental footprint. This supports our ambition to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” adds the spokesperson.

Recent examples of Nestlé’s plant-based offering include the plant-based version of cocoa malt Milo drink in Australia, as well as vegan sausages launched in Europe. Last year, the company rolled out its Garden Gourmet Incredible Mince and an improved version of its Garden Gourmet Incredible Burger.

“This report highlights the progress our company has made in the past year. We know we have much more to do on many issues, which is why we already have new commitments on climate, and plastics and packaging for example,” says Rob Cameron, Global Head of Public Affairs at Nestlé.

By Missy Green