What Consumers Think About Spices and Health?
At the 2026 Annual Meeting Pre-Conference Symposium, Elevating Spices in Today’s Health-Focused Food Regulatory Landscape explored how spices can play a pivotal role in the evolution of U.S. food policy, including in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) priorities. From health policy to regulatory trends, consumer research, and practical applications of using spices for color and as alternatives to salt and sugar, attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of how the spice sector can naturally add flavor and color to whole, healthy foods.
This presentation: What Consumers Think About Spices and Health? examines evolving consumer perceptions of spices as natural sources of color and flavor, alongside growing scrutiny around heavy metals and contaminants. It also highlights the powerful role spices can play in enhancing the appeal of wholesome, nutritious foods—offering both opportunity and responsibility for the industry in today’s regulatory environment.
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Related Resources
ASTA 2025 Regulatory Workshop, Through the Lens of MAHA: How Do We Promote the Benefits of Spices?
Ivan Wasserman of Amin Wasserman Gurnani discusses public health initiatives like the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement that call for reduced sodium, sugar, and fat gain momentum, spices have a powerful role to play in promoting healthy dietary choices. He explored how to effectively promote the health and wellness benefits of spices while making sure claims are compliant. Hot topics and watchouts are covered in this overview about packaging health and wellness messaging.
Product Grouping in Practice: ASTA and the Spice Industry’s Approach
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