Smaller Portions Tap Growing Consumer Need

Food companies, in their effort to promote healthier eating habits, are tapping a growing consumer need for portion control – which might just get us to snack more often.    

Mars, Inc., the maker of Snickers, Twix. M&M’s and many other tasty delights announced it will no longer sell candy bars that contain more than 250 calories by the end of 2013.  This means that some of its best sellers will slim down.  Snickers regular size will shrink from 280 calories to 250 calories, and the 540 calorie King Size version will be replaced with multi packs of smaller units.  Mars also announced it will trim its sodium levels in its products.

This move ties in nicely with Michelle Obama’s Partnership for a Healthier America initiative.  Sixteen of the biggest food manufacturers have signed on to reduce 1.5 trillion calories by the end of 2015 by reducing calories or portions, or both.  With 2/3 of Americans either obese or overweight, and childhood obesity on the rise, this move is needed.