AUSTIN, Minn. — Hormel Foods Corp. has initiated a clean label program aimed at simplifying the ingredient statements on many of its products. The company said its line of Valley Fresh, Hormel Compleats and Hormel Always Tender lines have been reformulated, and projects are currently under way to simplify the ingredient statements of Hormel chili, Dinty Moore stew and SPAM products.
“We know that a growing number of consumers are looking for products made with simple, familiar ingredients,” said Scott Aakre, vice president of corporate innovation and new product development at Hormel Foods.
As an example of the effort, Hormel Foods’ Valley Fresh chicken line now only contains chicken breast meat with rib meat, chicken broth, sea salt and rosemary extract.
“This initiative is in alignment with our company’s continuous improvement process and better positions our products with current consumer preferences,” said Kevin L. Myers, senior vice president of R&D. with Hormel Foods.
The company said its food service division is focusing on clean labels as well. Such brands as Hormel Fire Braised meats, Hormel Natural Choice meats and Hormel Fuse burgers all have been reformulated and have no preservatives, artificial colors or nitrites added.
