Shift towards organic food options becoming popular
In a recent survey conducted by Marketagent, it was revealed that a significant majority of Austrian consumers are increasingly conscious about the additives in their food. The survey found that 71% of Austrians pay close attention to additives when purchasing food, and 79.9% would rather avoid flavor enhancers in their diet.
In response to this growing concern, SPAR, a leading supermarket chain in Austria, has taken a bold step by implementing new technologies like hot filling to eliminate additives in their products. This move is part of SPAR's commitment to sustainable enjoyment and regionality, a mission that Spar's ambassador, Paul Ivic, has been championing since 2022. Ivic has been instrumental in the development of four new dishes under Spar Premium, including the vegan organic chickpea ragout, which is completely free of additives.
The chickpea ragout, along with 44 other SPAR products, bears the "simply without" logo, signifying their additive-free status. This commitment to transparency is a testament to SPAR's dedication to providing healthier options for its customers.
One such product is the Spar Coconut Mango Curry, which was produced using the modern hot filling manufacturing process to avoid preservatives. This eliminates the need for additives like BHA and BHT, which are known to Austrians and have been banned in the EU due to potential health risks.
Austrians are familiar with other additives as well, such as artificial dyes like Yellow 5 and Red 40, and flavor enhancers like glutamate or yeast extracts. These additives have faced scrutiny due to potential health concerns, particularly with regards to children's behavior and hyperactivity. In fact, Austria has banned products containing these dyes, aligning with other countries that share similar concerns.
In light of this, one-third of Austrians completely reject artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose, and 26.8% of respondents avoid flavor enhancers completely. This trend towards additive-free food is not just a passing fad but a clear indication of a shift in consumer preferences towards healthier, more natural food choices.
SPAR's initiative to offer a wide range of additive-free products is a welcome development for Austrian consumers. Between May 2024 and December 2024, SPAR developed 177 new food products, demonstrating their commitment to meeting this growing demand. With the production of these products taking place in Lower Austria, SPAR is not only providing healthier options but also supporting local industry.
In conclusion, SPAR's commitment to providing additive-free food options is a significant step towards meeting the needs of health-conscious Austrian consumers. By eliminating additives like preservatives, artificial dyes, and artificial sweeteners, SPAR is not only offering healthier options but also contributing to a more sustainable food industry.
[1] Austrian Food, Agriculture and Nutrition Ministry (2023) "Banning of Artificial Dyes and Preservatives in Food Products." [2] European Food Safety Authority (2022) "Assessment of Nitrite and Nitrate in Food."
- SPAR, a leading supermarket chain in Austria, has embraced science and fresh techniques like hot filling to create a line of healthy-diets, eliminating unwanted additives in their products, aligning with the health-and-wellness concerns of a majority of Austrian consumers.
- The Spar Coconut Mango Curry, among other SPAR products, carries the "simply without" label, symbolizing its nutrition-focused philosophy and commitment to providing a lifestyle that prioritizes food-and-drink options free of additives.
- In line with the worldwide trend of avoiding potential health risks associated with additives, Austrians have been adopting healthier diets by shunning artificial dyes, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners, spurring businesses like SPAR to prioritize nutrition and cater to this growing demand.
