In a world where bigger often seems better, it's no surprise that even our snacks and meals have undergone a transformation – they've gotten supersized. A recent visit to a supermarket in Mumbai left me bewildered at the sight of the colossal pack sizes of processed foods. I have given up processed foods almost entirely since the start of the year. So packaged food aisles are pretty much dead zones for me. I don’t know whether such packs have been around for a while or are they a more recent phenomenon.
While it might appear tempting to purchase these gigantic bags of chips or mountains of sugary cereal, there's more at stake than just a full stomach. The truth is, these supersized products can pose significant health risks to individuals, families and the wider population.
The Health Risks:
Let's address the elephant in the room (or should we say, the jumbo-sized bag of chips). Supersized processed foods can lead to various health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Here's why:
Overconsumption: When faced with a vast quantity of food, our natural inclination is to consume more. That's just human nature. These large pack sizes encourage mindless munching, leading to excessive calorie intake and, ultimately, weight gain , metabolic imbalance and eventually chronic health conditions that compound leading to a suboptimal life.
In India people have a concept of not wasting food. This especially applies to packaged food. The last chip in the packet , the last drop of coke will be diligently consumed by some member of the family. While the spinach in the refrigerator may languish and eventually be disposed of in the bin due to it becoming soggy.
Alcohol and nicotine have a taboo associated with it (though that is rapidly reducing). Ultra processed foods face no such stigma even though it is as much an addiction as alcohol and nicotine. This is worse because it impacts even young children. Their taste buds are being shaped from a very early age.
High Sugar , Salt and chemical Content: Ultra processed foods often contain high levels of sugar , salt and an array of chemicals, colorants and preservatives which are known contributors to health problems. In supersized portions, these ingredients can wreak havoc on your body, increasing the risk of hypertension and other related conditions. I remember seeing a 52 gm salted chips packet where the Sodium content was 4 times the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance). Teenagers routinely buy this as a snack. It is assumed by all that youngsters won’t put on weight as they are active. Everything is not about weight. Consider this..3 times a week a person is taking 4 times the RDA of Sodium. And it’s not the only thing they consume. There is an alarming level of sugar, palm oil , trans fat and chemicals in the total processed foods that an average person consumes these days.
Is it any surprise that an increasing number of people in their late teens and twenties develop Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues ?
Loss of Portion Control: Supersized products blur the lines of what constitutes a reasonable portion. This lack of portion control can make it challenging for individuals to monitor their food intake accurately.
Companies Must Produce and Sell Responsibly:
In an era where businesses have a significant impact on society, the question arises: Shouldn't companies be accountable for what they create and sell? Here are some reasons why responsible selling matters:
Ethical Responsibility: Companies have a moral duty to consider the well-being of their customers. This encompasses the composition of the product and the pack size. Selling products that are knowingly harmful in excessive quantities can be seen as a breach of this responsibility.
Most sellers of ultra processed foods are large multinational companies who definitely have the resources to create products that do far less harm to the human body and environment. Channeling the resources to ads and brand ambassadors seems to be a greater priority than doing R&D to create more healthier products.
Long-Term Brand Value: Building trust with customers is essential for the long-term success of any business. Companies that prioritize customer health over quick profits are likely to enjoy more enduring brand loyalty.
The debate about supersized processed foods isn't just about portion sizes; it's about responsibility. Brands and retailers have the power to make a difference by selling responsibly. In doing so, they not only protect the health of their customers but also contribute to a healthier, happier society.
Consumer’s Responsibility
We live in an era where information is readily available at our fingertips. The consequences of consuming processed foods on a daily basis is well documented and explained by doctors, nutritionists and fitness experts. There is no excuse for being a willing victim to the myopia and greed of multinational corporations and retailers.
Mankind may solve climate change before ultra processed food companies start to create and sell responsibly. It is imperative for the consumer to take charge of their health. The best option is to unplug from processed foods and switch to fresh/lightly cooked meals and snacks. At the very least limit the consumption to 2-3 times a month rather than a daily norm.
So, the next time you spot that colossal bag of chips or cereals, remember that it is not about what is seemingly the best value for money; it's about what's best for you and your family. In the end, it's not the size of the bag that matters, but the size of the adverse impact it has on our lives.
Savitha Rao
Author and Founder of India Positive Citizen, Tulsi Shakti and Poshan Pack