As a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), I always get excited when National Nutrition Month rolls around every March. This year’s theme is “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” and is all about how food and beverage choices can help power your day.

During my six years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), I saw first-hand how food security impacts families’ ability to live active lives. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating well, and as dietary preferences continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: giving consumers the ability to access and choose foods that fit their lifestyle is essential.

Access to safe, nutritious, affordable and convenient food and beverage choices is what the consumer packaged goods industry is all about. Add in its commitment to transparency, and you have an empowered consumer.

Put simply, supporting nutritious choices comes down to a few key ingredients:

Start with the science
Scientific evidence should be the cornerstone of any nutrition recommendation. That’s why the industry adheres to the rigorous evidence- based safety standards and nutrition policy established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the USDA, to provide science-backed guidelines on labeling, ingredient safety, transparency and product claims. One of the most visible outcomes of this guidance is the Nutrition Facts label, a mandatory inclusion on a myriad of packaged foods from refrigerated and frozen to the breakfast and beverage aisles. By clearly presenting key nutritional information, the Nutrition Facts label (and even bringing it to the front of the package – but more on that later) empowers consumers to make informed decisions about what ends up in their home.

These regulatory frameworks help ensure that consumers have access to accurate, comprehensible information, as well as a wide variety of options that support their ability to make informed choices for themselves and their families. Together, science-based standards and clear labeling help connect consumers with this growing range of nutritious options, making it easier to build balanced diets that fit their needs.

Mix in consumer choice
The consumer is at the heart of everything food and beverage brands do, and for generations, the CPG industry has listened closely to consumers to incorporate their evolving preferences and needs. Consumers deserve a variety of options that align with their evolving dietary and lifestyle needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, and today’s marketplace reflects that progress and innovation.

Today’s grocery aisle looks different than it did just a couple years ago – and that’s because food companies are evolving with nutritional guidelines and what the consumer wants. Today, consumers can find protein-packed options across categories, from Greek yogurt, plant-based burgers and protein-enhanced pastas to snack bars, and fortified cereals. Similarly, fiber-filled choices now include products made with ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, oats and added functional fibers in breads, snacks and beverages, offering convenient options that align with a wide range of dietary needs and lifestyles.

Processing plays a big part in the accessibility and affordability of these nutritious options. For example, fortification, pasteurization and fermentation are all forms of food processing that ensure consumer safety, affordability and nutrient retention. Consumer Brands’ Food Processing Facts website helps share the important benefits of food processing.

Top with transparency tools
Tools that support transparency, such as industry-led initiatives like Facts up Front and SmartLabel, help make it much easier for consumers to find the information they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

The Nutrition Facts Panel is great, but the CPG industry wanted consumers to be able to quickly access and assess the product nutrition information. In partnership with the FDA, the industry created Facts up Front, a voluntary industry-led consumer transparency initiative that delivers at-a-glance nutrition information, such as calories, saturated fat, sodium and added sugars in a clear and simple format right on the package.  It also highlights nutrients to encourage, like dietary fiber and potassium.

With SmartLabel, consumers can quickly access additional information beyond the nutrition label, from allergens and product claims by scanning a QR code, allowing them to make real-time decisions while shopping. When used alongside federal nutrition education initiatives, these tools empower consumers to make informed decisions about what they eat and serve their families.

This commitment to transparency is why Consumer Brands created National Consumer Transparency Week, a moment to highlight the industry’s long-standing dedication to providing clear, accessible information through tools like Facts up Front and SmartLabel, as well as Truth About Ingredients and Food Processing Facts.

National Nutrition Month may be coming to an end, but with science as the foundation, the CPG industry supports consumers year-round by offering a variety of food and beverage options, along with tools to help them make informed choices to best meet their personal needs and preferences.