Thanks to reader JMN, I learned that Canada’s largest grocery chain, Loblaws, will soon be removing all artificial dyes and colors from all of its house brands.
This news comes on the heels of our recent discussion about the decision of confectioner Nestle to remove these artificial additives from all candies sold in the United Kingdom.
What’s promising to me about both of these developments is that neither move was the result of governmental regulation but instead, presumably, a profit-driven desire to meet a perceived consumer demand. Says an expert cited in the Canadian news story:
“I think the real trend here is to say…we’re really concerned about your health and therefore we’re doing everything we possibly can to assure you our products are taking [that] into account.”
Even though the evidence linking artificial dyes and flavours to health problems isn’t conclusive, Prof. Mendelson said switching to more natural ingredients may be a sure-fire way to increase profits.
“[It’s] an opportunity to position yourself as being highly interested in health and health sells,” she said. “It’s a way to differentiate in a very crowded marketplace.”
Dare we hope that American companies might someday follow suit? Or are American consumers just too wedded to their brightly hued (and presumably a bit cheaper) foods?
Do You Love The Lunch Tray? ♥♥♥ Then “like” The Lunch Tray! Join over 3,000 TLT fans by liking TLT’s Facebook page (or follow on Twitter) and you’ll get your Lunch delivered fresh daily, along with bonus commentary, interesting kid-and-food links, and stimulating discussion with other readers. You can also check out my virtual bulletin boards on Pinterest and find selected TLT posts on The Huffington Post.
Jenn says
Yay! I may be as to start buying groceries again at superstore in Canada. Great step.
Amy says
Great news for Canadians! This is purely anecdotal, but I believe we are seeing the tide beginning to turn in the US on artificial colors/flavors/preservatives. I rec’d a flyer on new products from Trader Joe’s today, and it clearly notes when their products do not contain those things. I was struck by how much they are using the clean angle in their marketing, so it must be paying off. Too early to call it a trend, but it is a welcome sign.
Gina says
Too bad Canada is about a six hour drive! I do see a trend and it’s going in the right direction.
We need to keep bringing attention to these issues so that more people are aware and can send a message with their dollar. Thanks for sharing!
Anna @ hiddenponies says
GREAT news! They are my go-to store anyway, and I love their efforts to introduce healthy foods at affordable prices!