Podcast Episode 170: Nutrition Science, The Food Industry & Sugar Reduction Strategies – Dr. Marianne O’Shea

Feb 3, 2021

This episode is not sponsored, however I have some recent digestive health content that was sponsored by PepsiCo that is separate from this podcast. See “Related Posts” for links to those posts.

The Food Industry Strives to Meet Changing Consumer Needs and Preferences

Science is our compass. All of our actions are driven by science, not by trends. It’s important for us to persevere in our efforts to improve the nutrition profile of some of our products, especially iconic brands that consumers love. I’m happy that I work for a company that will keep working at it until we get it right.”

As consumers increasingly demand more nutritious food and beverages, the food industry is responding with innovation and reformulation. Nutrition science is the guiding principle as well as the bridge between nutrition research and food industry goals.

For example, PepsiCo continues to add product offerings with positive nutrition like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy, protein and hydration. In addition, they are reducing added sugars, sodium and saturated fat in many products to keep up with evolving consumer tastes and preferences.

Product nutrient improvements, no matter how small, can enable improvements in total diet which over time can lead to small improvements in health.”

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

  • How innovation and reformulation are improving nutrient profiles of different products
  • Specific goals for reducing added sugars, saturated fat and sodium by 2025
  • Strategies for reducing added sugars
  • Challenges in reducing added sugars
  • Research on the safety of low calorie sweeteners
  • Why industry funded research is important

Marianne O’Shea, PhD

Podcast Episode 170: Nutrition Science, The Food Industry & Sugar Reduction Strategies – Dr. Marianne O’Shea

Marianne O’Shea is Vice President of Global Nutrition Sciences for PepsiCo, leading a dynamic team of nutrition experts to guide the nutrition strategy fueling PepsiCo’s innovation and portfolio transformation through nutrition science. Marianne and her team collaborate with internal cross functional teams and business units worldwide to implement nutrition and health science programs that capitalize on the company’s strengths and address gaps in PepsiCo’s portfolio. Marianne joined PepsiCo in 2010. Prior to that she held various R&D roles within several sectors of the industry including nutritional ingredient suppliers to both food and supplement industry. Marianne is a co-author on more than 50 publications and book chapters on the health benefits of grains and lipids and is co-inventor on several patents. Marianne holds a degree in biochemistry from University College Dublin and has a PhD in biochemistry and nutrition from Dublin City University.

The nutrition community has a responsibility to clearly communicate science-based information. There is a lot of information out there that is not science-based and I’d like the nutrition science community to be seen as a credible source of information.”

Resources:

Visit Our Nutrition Story to learn more about PepsiCo’s nutrition initiatives

Learn more about how PepsiCo is improving choices across its portfolio

Learn more about working at PepsiCo on their career page

Learn more about how PepsiCo is helping build a more sustainable food system

Dr. Marianne O’Shea on LinkedIn

 

Related Posts:

Digestive Health: Probiotics, Prebiotics & Fermentation – Podcast Episode #162 with Dr. Elieke Kearns

Fiber’s Role in Digestive Health – Beyond Soluble and Insoluble – Blog post

 

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Partnerships:

American Association of Diabetes Educators

Sound Bites is partnering with the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (formerly the American Association of Diabetes Educators)! Stay tuned for updates on the podcast, blog and newsletter!

nternational Food Information Council Logo

Sound Bites is partnering with the International Food Information Council! Stay tuned for updates on the podcast, blog and newsletter!

 

Music by Dave Birk

Produced by JAG in Detroit Podcasts

 

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