More food companies need to talk about this
Alright, PODI lifers, we debated this post a LOT in-house. And here’s why: it’s about nutrition.
A couple of months back, I started making some BIG changes to my diet. I’d been reading up on how to stay energetic through stressful days and avoid lifestyle diseases (a major concern for South Asians). Learning how much your diet affects your gut health, and in turn, your mood was eye-opening! 😳
I’d struggled to make these dietary changes stick in the past. The biggest shift? Cutting back on my beloved carbs (I love rice! 🍚) and upping my protein intake. And guess what? To boost protein, I also had to up my fiber intake by eating more veggies so everything would, well, move smoothly out of my digestive tract (you get me, right?).
Here’s the problem, though: proteins and veggies without seasoning? Blaaand city. So, I started experimenting with condiments. The more I read ingredient labels though, the more I realized how lucky I was to always have PODIs on hand. Why? Because the two biggest players in the seasoning and condiments world - salt and sugar - are everywhere.
And let me tell you, as a small biz owner in the packaged foods industry, I get how tough it is for up-and-comers to compete. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, and getting our products onto your table isn’t cheap (but that’s a story for another day).
Salt and Sugar are Everywhere
The truth is, if your products don’t taste AMAZING, you’re gonna become history real quick. So how do you make them taste that good? You’ve got two routes:
- Route 1 - Pump them full of fat, salt, and sugar - all the things your body is wired to crave.
- Route 2 - Use high-quality, nourishing ingredients and put in the time and effort to develop recipes that taste great and are good for you.
Spoiler alert: We take Route 2. It's harder, costs more, and takes longer, but it’s how we stay true to you and our values.
So, how do you know if the packaged food you're buying is any good? It’s simpler than you think! Two quick steps:
- Flip It & Check the Nutrition Facts
The first thing to check is the serving size. Is it reasonable, or is it waaay smaller than what you'd actually use? For example, a single tablespoon of regular soy sauce contains a whopping 36% of your daily sodium intake. And let’s be real, who stops at one tablespoon? Most of us dunk 🥢 our sushi in waaay more than that.
Some brands use these tiny serving sizes to make their products look healthier. I’ve seen seasonings claim that 1g is a serving! In comparison, a single serving of our PODIs is a generous 9g. That's three PODI teaspoons full of flavor! 🌶️
Other examples of sneaky high-sodium foods you should watch out for:
- Hot sauces (yep, that kick often comes with a side of salt)
- Canned soups (even the “healthy” ones can pack a sodium punch)
- Salad dressings (sneaky with both salt and sugar!
- Check the Ingredient List
Did you know ingredients are listed by weight, from most to least? Take a wild guess what the top ingredients in most seasonings are. If you guessed salt or sugar, bingo! 🎯
With our PODIs, salt is waaaay further down the list. And sugar? Not present at all! Plus, we steer clear of artificial preservatives 🙅♀️, which brings me to my next point…
Why the big fuss about salt and sugar? Aren’t we using such small amounts in seasonings and condiments that it doesn’t really matter? Well, actually...
The Impact of Salt and Sugar in Condiments and Seasonings
According to recent studies, condiments, and seasonings contribute to a surprising portion of our daily salt and sugar intake. For example, the CDC reports that 70% of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods and restaurant meals - many of which rely on condiments and seasonings for flavor. Sugar is a similar story - everyday condiments like ketchup, BBQ sauce, seasonings and salad dressings pack hidden sugars, which can quickly add up over the course of a day.
Why We Need to Cut Back on Salt and Sugar
Too much salt and sugar are linked to a host of health issues including inflammation. High sodium intake is a major contributor to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, but most people regularly exceed that.
And sugar? Excess sugar consumption is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even heart disease. Cutting back on these sneaky ingredients helps you stay healthier, feel more energetic, and keep your diet in check.
And let’s not forget artificial preservatives, which can disrupt gut health, trigger allergies, or contribute to long-term health risks. Science increasingly shows that avoiding artificial preservatives is better for your body and overall well-being, promoting a healthier gut microbiome and reducing potential toxins in your diet. Natural, fresh ingredients are the future!
How You Can Bring Change
Does this mean your meals have to be bland? No way! You really, truly don’t have to choose between big flavors and good health. We, along with a growing number of like-minded brands, are proof that you can have both. But this is where you come in - we need you to help push the industry in the right direction.
This weekend, go to your pantry and check the labels on your favorite foods. If you see lots of salt or sugar, then you can choose more consciously next time. And remember, when you support brands like ours, you’re voting with your dollars for better, healthier, and more flavorful food options. Together, we can create a tastier, healthier world! 🌍😋
If you’ve made it this far, buckle up, because we’re diving deeper into the science of flavor in our upcoming posts. Trust us, it’s a wild world where your taste buds aren’t always as reliable as you think! But here’s the good news - once you understand the science, you can use it to your advantage - for your taste buds AND your health! Stay tuned!
