Mexico fills up on protein
from its traditional high-carb diet, often opting instead for high
protein/low carbohydrate eating habits.
According to a survey by HealthFocus International, a market research and consulting firm specializing in consumer health and nutrition, 59 per cent of Mexican shoppers believe high protein /low carbohydrate eating habits are a reliable way to lose weight.
"More than one in three shoppers always or usually maintain a high protein/low carbohydrate diet," said a spokesperson for HealthFocus, "though the focus is more on the high protein part of the equation, than on the low carbohydrate."
Indeed, the survey shows that while 12 per cent of Mexican shoppers have decreased their intake of carbohydrates in the last two years, 27 per cent of them have begun eating more protein.
This trend is already starting to be played out on the shelves of Mexico's supermarkets where food companies are starting to modifty the protein and carbohydrate content of traditional snacks.
"We're adapting our offerings to the needs of the market," said Ayax Carranza from the tortilla and corn flour maker Gruma.
In May, Gruma launched a low-fat version of its packaged tortilla brand Mision in the state of Nuevo Leon and the company is considering the possibility of bringing its reduced carbohydrate tortillas, which are already available in the US, to Mexico.
Snack-food company Sabritas, a unit of PepsiCo is also gearing up to target body-conscious Mexicans and has recently launched a low-fat variety of the Sunchips snacks that Pepsi's Frito-Lay sells in the US.
Sabritas market studies have found that about 18 per cent of Mexico's 100 million inhabitants watch their diets, and this is expected to rise to include 30 per cent of the population in the next few years.
Data from Mexico's National Institute of Public Health suggests that more than half the female population is overweight and shows that obesity rates have more than doubled since 1988. In that same period, soft-drink consumption rose nearly 40 per cent while that of fruit and vegetables dropped about 30 per cent.
