Jenny Craig’s more sustainable packaging, new meal choices are healthier for planet, people
Under the umbrella of the new Jenny Craig Cares program, the forward-thinking changes were made to “help further distinguish Jenny Craig in the premium home delivery space and demonstrate how we are continuously evolving,” Lindsay Ostenson, Jenny Craig brand and products, told FoodNavigator-USA.
She added: “This evolution furthers our commitment to convenience, personalization and being Earth-friendly, which are key features we know today’s busy consumer increasingly desires.”
New meals target special dietary needs
Since its inception, Jenny Craig has worked closely with members to craft menus that meet their personalized needs. Recognizing that many consumers are taking a more nuanced approach to their diets and are looking for on-trend claims that may not previously have been available, the program now offers new options, including low-sugar, meatless and those specifically formulated for men and women.
“At Jenny Craig we are always looking to meet consumers where they are in their lives in order to offer them all the tools they need for weight loss success. We know our members seek a program that can provide them with a variety of premium foods based on their specific dietary preferences and needs. Offering a wider range of menus allows consumers to pick the foods they like and that best fit their lifestyles,” Ostenson said.
The brand isn’t stopping with low-sugar and meatless, though. It plans to offer a variety of new menus over the coming months that will cater to different dietary preferences as well as flavor profiles, Ostenson added.
“We are always evolving and innovation. We look forward to sharing more news later this fall,” she said.
Green Cell Foam offers a sustainable packaging solution
In addition to offering meals that are healthier for members, Jenny Craig has overhauled its packaging and delivery schedule to be healthier for the planet.
The company is replacing the Styrofoam packaging it previously used for its meal deliveries with KTM Industries’ Green Cell Foam insulation, which is 100% compostable and water soluble.
“Green Cell Foam has been rigorously tested in an independent laboratory to be compostable as per ASTM D6400 and is BPI certified,” Ostenson said.
She noted that when the Green Cell Foam is placed in water it creates a “slurry that will biodegrade in any environment where moisture and microbes are present – including freshwater and seawater.”
As such, members can melt it down their drains, place it in a bucket of water to create “an ideal plant food mixture” or even use it as a clean fire-starter for fireplaces, firepits and barbecues, according to the company.
Recognizing that boxes will not always be delivered under sunny skies and that there is a risk that the packaging could become wet in transit, Ostenson said the Green Cell Plus foam has an LDPE film that provides a water barrier to the hygroscopic foam so that the meals will be delivered safely.
“This film is microperforated, which allows the Green Cell to act as a desiccant for any excess moisture in the cooler,” she said.
She acknowledged that if a liquid product inside the box were to burst, it would “cause failure in the Green Cell,” but she said this “almost never occurs due to the shock-absorbing properties of Green Cell itself.”
A new schedule
In addition to changing the packaging material, Jenny Craig changed the delivery schedule for packages to further enhance their sustainability and convenience for members.
“Initially, members ordered their food in two-week shipments in large Styrofoam coolers. With the rollout of the new packaging, we added the option for members to select one-week shipments, understanding many individuals may not have the space to accommodate two week’s worth of food in their freezer,” she said.
The one-week meal delivery packaging also is 30% smaller with the use the more compact Green Cell Foam, which in turn allows the outer box to be smaller while maintaining the same size of product in each cooler, she added.
“Collectively, this change with help Jenny Craig save 770 trees per year,” she said. In addition, she noted, the smaller boxes and Green Cell packaging are 133% more efficient to ship and warehouse due to is fold-flat design.
Reflecting on the package changes, Ostenson said that consumer response has been positive, with many noting it is more manageable for storage purposes.
