1. Digestive Wellness
Digestive wellness is once again the number one trend for the coming year and with good reason. Emerging research, media
attention and consumer demand is driving this trend, with prebiotics and fibre
leading the way for innovation.
Pushing the fibre trend, resistant starch (RS) - a
specific type of fibre - looks set to hit the mainstream in the very near future
- only recently promoted on pack and in general media, RS looks set to redefine the
future of fibre, appealing to younger consumers and Millennials.
FODMAPs are making their mark too, with this trend now being
forecast as the next gluten free - new to FODMAPs? Find out more in our
latest hot topic here.
2. Plant-Based
Another consistent
trend and one that’s unlikely to be going anywhere soon, plant-based presents
opportunities for everyone in the food industry.
Snacking in
particular is a key sub-driver for the plant-based trend (previously a top 5
trend in its own right) with most consumers not only wanting to snack more
frequently, but wanting to snack better and include more veggies. Convenience plays
a big part here, specifically for young consumers.
Advances in
technology are also helping drive this trend, with many fruits, vegetables and
legumes now being used in previously unthinkable formats - the proliferation of
‘healthier’ alternatives to chips is a key example, with chickpeas, lentils and
peas increasingly being used in place of potatoes.
3. Good Carbs, Bad
Carbs
With the ketogenic diet currently a media focus
and a recent survey revealing that 25% of Australians are avoiding carbs(1), the
low-carb diet is still very much on our radar.
In recent years though, the message has been one
of balance rather than exclusion, with ‘quality’ carbohydrates being shown as
an essential part of a healthy diet. This has led to the evolution of the idea
of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ carbs, the former generally including whole grains,
vegetables and fruits and the latter consisting of refined carbohydrates like
biscuits, doughnuts and other 'non-whole grain' grain foods.
While there is undoubtedly a way to go on
general perception of carbohydrates, for now both the public and the media are
moving in the right direction with a focus on ‘quality’ carbs.
Find out more on the merits of carbs in a
balanced diet here
and how carbs can assist with sports performance here.
Plus our hot topic on the Ketogenic Diet delves into the pros and cons of this
controversial diet - read more here.
4. Authenticity and Provenance
The trend for product provenance has been growing
at a steady rate for the last few years, and is now just beginning to take off
as many mainstream consumers buy into the trend.
Several factors have helped push this trend, perhaps
one of the most important being a move back towards a more traditional style of
eating for younger consumers. Generation X and Millennials particularly seek a point
of difference in their food.
Industry has also taken a big step in promoting
these products with the realisation that products with a story offer more to many consumers and help to foster connections between people and industry.
The popularity of sourdough bread is a prime example of the provenance trend making
an everyday product exceptional.
To find out more about other current trends like Snacking and the New Nordic Diet, simply search our blog!
References
1. New Nutrition Business. 2018. 10 Key Trends in Food, Nutrition and Health 2019.
