The Future of Functional Foods and Beverages

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People these days are living fast-paced lives. While productivity has increased a hundred-fold in the twentieth century, the caveat with living a fast life is that so many people are prone to getting sick easily because of stress and changes in their eating habits. With many restaurants and fast food chains providing useful takeaways, this has contributed to the ballooning size of the nation. As a result, food companies started creating functional foods and beverages to help people get more nutrients from the products they were already consuming. The future of functional foods and beverages is bright since shifting consumer preferences have focused on simple, easy to read ingredients.

Increasing Health Awareness Among Consumers

There is an increasing awareness about the long-term benefits of proper nutrition these days, especially among millennials. This focus on nutrition has the food and beverage industry looking at the types of foods that they provide to their consumers.  Increasing consumer awareness has led to a positive revolution in the food industry as many companies are looking at the development of healthy functional foods and beverages that can be sold to people who are always on the go.

According to the market research conducted by Grand View Research Inc.,  this industry is forecasted to reach $255 billion by 2024. But food manufacturers should do more than produce nutrition bars and cereals as consumers are always looking for new products that contain higher amounts of functional ingredients such as fiber, calcium, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s. This means that current food manufacturers should step up their game to produce products that are not only playful to the palate but will also help reduce the risk of developing different metabolic diseases.

The Niche Market is Crucial to Growth

Demographic studies show that it is not only the millennials who are interested in functional food and beverages but even the Generation Xers and Baby Boomers as well. This presents food manufacturers the challenge on how to manufacture foods that will work for different consumers while, at the same time, managing their specific health concerns.

Millennials, in particular, represents the largest population of consumers. Most of the food processors are continually experimenting with different kinds of ingredients to produce foods that are not only functional and healthy but will also complement the taste buds of the different target niche markets. The future of functional foods and beverages is enormous, but manufacturers have to focus on creating products that appeal to individual niches to win.

Taste and Ingredients are Important to the Future of Functional Foods and Beverages

The survey shows that taste is always the gold standard when developing functional foods and beverages, but many millennials are looking for products that do not contain synthetic ingredients such as preservatives and sweeteners. Most prefer that food manufacturers use botanicals and natural food ingredients like fruits and vegetables. Aside from taste, they are also looking for foods that will benefit their overall health such as those containing fewer calories or added vitamins and minerals. They are also keen on buying food products that contain superfood ingredients and those that come with clean labels.

How are you developing products for future consumer’s preferences?

Inspired by www.naturalproductsinsider.com

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Broccoli Powders Reduce Food Waste and Enrich Better-For-You Products

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Food waste is a common problem, especially when using different kinds of produce. For instance, a stalk of broccoli does not get utilized, and more than 40% of the vegetable gets thrown away. This is just one of the top reasons why broccoli powders and other vegetable powders are a growing category of ingredients for better-for-you products

Converting broccoli and other vegetables into powder has a lot of potential. The vegetable powders can be used by food & beverage brands to improve the nutritional profile of their products. Consumers are searching for simple, easy to read ingredients that have positive impacts on their health.

Broccoli Powders and Vegetable Powders Pack a Nutritional Punch

John Lloyd, CEO from Hort Innovation, noted that an average adult in Australia does not consume the recommended daily amount of vegetables. This is also the same with American consumers. To address this problem, Australian researchers converted broccoli into a powder that can be used in different applications. The people behind the broccoli powder belong to R&D and Marketing Sydney-based company, Hort Innovation. This product aims to provide consumers not only one serving of broccoli but more by just using two tablespoons of the powder.

NutriFusion has taken this a step farther with our GrandFusion fruit and/or vegetable blends. By blending powdered fruits and vegetables, we can create a complete combination of essential micronutrients. We have fruit and vegetable blends with up 21 vitamins and minerals all from plants. Food, Beverage, Supplements, and Pet brands are adding this to their products to quickly enhance the nutritional profile without impacting the flavor or texture.

Perfect for Better-For-You Products

It can be added to coffee, tea, and other beverages. Moreover, it can also be added to different kinds of food such as pastries, cakes, and many others. Broccoli powders and vegetable powders provide convenience especially among those who dislike eating their greens. It is advantageous for many people as it does not only help improve the intake of vitamins and minerals, but it can also provide a substantial amount of proteins and fibers.

There is simplicity involved when making this broccoli powder. Mary Ann Augustin, the lead researcher for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), noted that the broccoli powder was made from whole broccoli that has been dried and pre-treated to lock in the flavor and nutrient profile. With this process, nothing is lost because even the stalks and leaves are used.

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The Future Of Vegetable Powders

But aside from broccoli, companies like NutriFusion also produce other vegetable powders such as spinach, kale, and alfalfa. But more than vegetable powders, the NutriFusion also developed fruit powder blends made from blueberry, strawberry, apple, cherry, and many others. Many food manufacturers are now incorporating fruit and vegetable powders to improve the nutritional content of their products.

Converting vegetables into their powder form can also help reduce the output to the environment. Vegetable powders provide options to growers to grow value-added vegetables in order for them to earn more. The success of broccoli proves that other vegetables and produce can be used turned into powder and food manufacturers can become successful in their endeavors.

Inspired by www.fooddive.com

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Functional Beverages Will Be More Personalized in 2019

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Many consumers these days are becoming wiser as they prefer to consume foods that are adding value to their health. This is the top reason why functional beverages are growing in popularity. Functional beverages are loved by consumers because they are not only delicious, but they are also healthy for the body.

Functional beverages contain vegetables, fruits, and herbs thus they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. But more than the usual vitamins and minerals, many brands and companies are also incorporating other beneficial ingredients to help consumers achieve their health goals. For instance, some functional beverages contain CoQ10 and melatonin to promote better heart health, cognitive function, sleep, energy, etc. But aside from these, it is essential to know about the upcoming trends of functional beverages for 2019.

Coffee And More

Coffee, being the most popular beverage in the world next to water, will embrace different formats for the coming year. While coffee is already considered a healthy drink, many beverage manufacturers will fortify coffee to meet the health goals of different individuals. One can expect to find coffee enriched with so many ingredients such as MCT oil, adaptogens, and CBD oil.

Colorful Functional Beverages

One of the top trends for functional beverages in 2019 is to make them more vivid. But food manufacturers will shy away from artificial coloring as they can get hands-on natural and antioxidant-laden colorings. Ingredients like beet, blue algae, butterfly pea flower, and matcha will be used to make beverages look like the colors of the rainbow. The butterfly pea which can change color from blue to pink when the acidity is altered will be extremely popular in new products launches in 2019.

Superfoods Backed By Ancient Tradition

Many consumers are familiar with superfoods but next year’s trend on the functional beverage is to use superfood ingredients that are backed by ancient tradition such as Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ayurveda. You can see so many products these days that contain superfoods used in Ayurvedic medicine such as turmeric, goji berries, ashwagandha, and many others.

Probiotics

Probiotics will also be a significant trend in functional beverages because of their proven health benefits. But instead of the usual yogurt, you can expect probiotics drinks to be sold on supermarket shelves. For instance, kombucha and cider juices will grow in market share. They are currently dominating many mocktails and cocktail menus.

Sustainable Functional Beverages

Being health conscious also equates to being sustainable and environmentally-friendly. As such, many people will also be looking for functional beverages that promote sustainable living. Ingredients like Cannabis oil that is known to help relieve pain and other mental disorders are seen as a sustainable source of healing compounds as it is known to require less water and space to grow. However, growing such ingredient is still limited as there are laws that restrict its cultivation.

The year 2019 will be an exciting year for functional beverages. Learn more about our functional ingredients, fruit and vegetable powders by downloading our R&D kit below.

Inspired by www.naturalproductsinsider.com

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Mintel: 5 Tea Trends to Watch in 2019

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Today’s consumers no longer fancy the traditional bland cup of tea. They are now always on the hunt for new and innovative teas. They are hoping to find flavors and benefits that are, new and genuine experiences. Check out Mintel’s top 5 tea trends to watch in 2019.

Daring Tastes

Green Hills Rum and Honey Flavoured Herbal Tea: This brand of uniquely flavored teas are perfect for consumers hoping to stray away from sweet drinks, or even alcoholic ones! This tea suits the global trend of moving towards an overall healthier way of living. You can still enjoy a lovely and refreshing beverage while also feeling good about doing so. This tea—though labeled rum—is created with a blend of apple, cinnamon, and licorice.

Green Power

Pompadour Veggie Mix Infusión de Verduras Relax: This Spanish tea was created with the plant-based consumer in mind. Vegans and vegetarians are pleased with the green power of this tea. The flavorful tea was created through an infusion of tomato, apple, basil, cinnamon, and other vegetables in order to suffice the pallets of health-conscious consumers.

Relaxation

Fabindia Organics Organic India Certified Organic Tulsi Honey Chamomile Tea: This Indian tea is made with ingredients known to have the ability to relax even the most stressed. Made from Tulsi, and chamomile, this tea has its roots in Indian Medicine. This is the perfect tea to indulge in when you are looking to wind down and relax. The brand is innovative in the way that it educates consumers about age-old Indian teas.

Strength

Lipton Daily Boost Green Tea with Ginger, Lemon Verbena and Turmeric: This German tea has the goal in mind to push consumers into a strengthened state. This tea is created using natural ingredients and nutrients known to have many health benefits for people who drink it. This tea is perfect for anyone looking to switch up their traditional tea and experience a healthier, tastier alternative.

Health Crazed Tea Trends

Cofco Chinatea Pro Tea: This Malaysian tea is concerned with more than just your taste buds. This tea promotes a healthier gut with its probiotics. CCP tea can hold up in even the hottest of temperatures which are something normally uncommon for probiotics. This is the perfect tea for anyone looking to find a drink to help manage their weight.

Long gone are the days of having a boring old cup of tea. With these new 5 tea trends in mind, you will be opened up to a brand-new world. Teas are different everywhere you go in the world, but the refreshing feeling after taking a sip will always be the same. Whatever your needs may be, from relaxation to just a tasty beverage, these teas will have you covered!

Inspired by www.mintel.com

Are you creating the world’s next favorite tea? Download our R&D resource kit to learn more about how you can add essential vitamins from fruits and vegetables to your next functional tea product.

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Plant-Based Eating Makes Consumers Feel Healthier

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A new wave of health consciousness has become ingrained within American culture. Over half of U.S. consumers have started plant-based eating as they are under the impression that it makes them healthier. A majority of consumers have also said that this change was indefinite and some were hindered from making this change because of taste preference.

This new trend has promoted a healthier America, which will have a ripple effect on the rest of the world. Plant-based eating also supports new opportunities for growth in the market for food. Research has shown that these changes are more than simple experimentation and has instead resulted in a new way of life for many consumers.

New Products Follow the Health Trend

These results are not outlandish as there is increasing support for plant-based eating. Companies are beginning to follow consumer health trends and have started to release more plant-based products. About 1/5 of Americans eat a diet consisting of predominantly plant-based foods, while 6/10 have stated that they reduced the amount of meat that they eat.

Plant-Based Eating is for Flexitarians

While in the United States more than half of all consumers are beginning to eat and drink more foods that are plant-based, that number increases to over 65% globally. In addition to this, many people are also decreasing the amount of meat they are eating. Over half say that this change is a permanent one.

People have many reasons for their reduction or outright stopping of the consumption of animal products. Some include wanting to affect the environment positively. Others believe that a meat-free diet is much healthier, some people want to limit the amount of cholesterol they intake, and even still some people prefer the taste of meat-free products.

With each passing year, the number of vegans and vegetarians are increasing in America. A study in 2017 found that about 6% of Americans reported being vegan, while in 2014, that number was only 1%. Again, many people have their reasoning, but it is undeniable that there has been a shift in the way Americans eat. Many people no longer consume animal products at all, something that would be considered odd only a few years ago. However, the growth in flexitarianism and plant-based eating is growing quicker than veganism or vegetarianism because of the stigmas that come with those words.

In 2017, sales of non-meat-based foods were up to over $3 billion, while only a year ago, it was less than $1 billion.

Taste is NOT an Issue

One major concern of many consumers is the difference in taste. However, in recent years there have been many advancements to make plant-based foods much more appealing to the taste preferences of meat lovers. Shoppers are in awe at the taste of plant-based burgers and other meats which they believe to have an even better flavor than their meaty counterparts.

Even large-scale meat companies are beginning to buy into vegan-friendly companies. Tyson Foods, as well as Dean Foods, have both since invested in small stakes in different plant-based companies. It is very probable that this trend will continue, and large-scale companies will adapt to the needs and wants of the modern consumer.

Inspired by www.fooddive.com

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Why Plant-Based Colors are Popular

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In today’s world, the colors of food are just as important as the flavor. In snacks geared for veggie and plant lovers, plant-based colors like kale and carrots are becoming increasingly popular. These vibrant ingredients promote feelings of satisfaction in consumers and play a significant role in how people select their snacks. This is apparent in large companies who use this strategy to attract more consumers.

Another avenue for brightly colored snacks is social media. Influencers who post pictures of eye-catching and mouthwatering snacks play a significant role in the consumer experience. Colors make snacks seem more appetizing, and people are more likely to purchase them.

Artificial Colors Are Yesterday’s Snack

Manufacturers have experienced a 75% rate of growth for products which use bright, appealing colors, in a survey taken from 2009-2013. These snacks have become increasingly popular as they allow for trendy, visually pleasing photos, which draws in the attention of potential buyers.

Recent years have also seen the rise in the desire for cleaner, natural products. Consumers are beginning to stray away from artificially produced snacks in exchange for a healthier solution. Included with natural products would be the colors used to create said products. Consumers would instead purchase snacks made without artificial colors.

Large companies have started to phase out artificial coloring and have settled for naturally vibrant ingredients. Many companies in the food industry have already created brand new recipes and items with plant-based colors to reflect the change in consumer desires.

Plant-Based Colors Means More Sales

In a research study, it was found that an overwhelming 9 out of 10 shoppers had decided to buy a product based on the color of it, and the imagined taste associated with the color. Items that were deemed to be more visually pleasing had a much higher chance to be purchased.

Today’s market reflects that purple is a surprise favorite color for food and has been popping up in drinks and snacks. In addition to the visual aspect, consumers believe that products of this color are more likely to be beneficial to health. The health-conscious consumer is much more likely to buy a plant-based snack as opposed to one with artificial ingredients.

Brightly colored foods are most popular within the younger community as they are perceived as better photos for social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. These colorful foods are then shared within the user’s followers often resulting in new customers.

Large companies such as Kellogg, and Barry Callebaut, have recently launched products to capitalize on the color craze. The products they introduced were unique in their color composition using vibrant, plant-based colors in an attempt to pop out at buyers. This is contrary to the traditional plain colors associated with these foods.

A Health-Conscious America

The rise of a health-conscious and social media driven society has pushed the snack market into new territory. It is safe to believe that this trend will not end soon and that snacks and food, in general, will progressively become more colorful in an attempt to appear more appealing. Whether it is the cereal we eat in the morning or ice cream after dinner, many products will continue to become more and more unique.

Inspired by www.fooddive.com

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Fresh Snacking is a Driving Force in Clean Label Products

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In a recent article from Mintel, they provided new statistics showing that fresh snacking is a driving force behind clean label products. While consumers have been gravitating towards organic, natural, and non-GMO to define a clean label product, “fresh” has emerged a new attribute. According to Mintel’s research, consumers are determining fresh as free of preservatives and typically a refrigerated product. How much is fresh snacking growing in the marketplace?

The Growth of Fresh Snacking

New data from SPINS shows that 94% of adults snack daily with the entire snacking market size at over $57 billion in sales annually. While conventional snacking makes up the lion share of the market, health and wellness snacking have been on the rise with a 6% annual growth rate. To no surprise, the health and wellness sector of the market is being driven by the growth in fresh snacking products. Mintel identified the top products that clearly define the fresh snacking category: protein snack packs, refrigerated protein bars, drinkable soups, yogurts, guacamole, hummus, and bottled smoothies.

The millennial and iGen consumers are a driving force behind these products as they continue to demand clean labels with simple, whole food ingredients.

How is Fresh Snacking Evolving?

Protein and essential nutrients have been important attributes in the evolution of fresh snacking over the past 10+ years. Mintel estimates that fresh snacking started in 2005 due to innovation from smaller brands and experimental convenience formats from big brands. SPINS data showed that the market began to take off in 2008 as fresh snacking product launches increased 4x over between 2008 and 2017.

 

The fresh aspect of the new snacks became a rallying call for brick and mortar retailers as the shipping costs of e-commerce make it virtually impossible to deliver these types of products for a profit. New surveys from Mintel indicate that 33% of shoppers are now looking for new foods on the perimeter of the grocery store with 25% saying that is where they make impulse purchases.

The Future of the Category

As the category continues to explode, there will be opportunities for new segments to jump in like chilled desserts. New segments will continue to take advantage of the use of whole food ingredients and no preservatives. Some brands are looking for a way to add whole food, plant-based vitamins and minerals to the products to enhance the nutrition facts label and their ingredient statement. Companies like NutriFusion are providing new products with easy to use fruit and vegetable powders rich in vitamins and minerals. Brands are making powerful claims like Rich in Antioxidants,  Vitamins From X fruits and vegetables, etc. to entice consumers to buy at the perimeter of the store.

What comes next for the fresh snacking category?

Inspired by www.mintel.com

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Fruit Powder Industry Expected to Grow to $23.96 Billion by 2025

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Fruits contain concentrated amounts of plant-based vitamins and minerals. They also contain high amounts of fiber and antioxidants. Consumption of fruits is beneficial to the body but not everyone loves eating them. People also have to consume a lot of fruits to get the health benefits that your body needs. This is where fruit powders come in. The fruit powder industry is expected to grow to $23.96 billion by 2015 according to Hexa Research. Fruit powders have a positive outlook specifically in the nutraceutical industry as many consumers are looking for ways to supplement their nutrition using natural food products.

Rising Awareness to Healthy Food Ingredients

There is a rising awareness for consuming healthy food ingredients. Fruit powders contain important micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. They also contain high amounts of amino acids. Aside from the rising awareness of healthy food ingredients, fast-paced lifestyles have also inclined people to opt for convenience without sacrificing the nutritional content of their food. This grab-n-go mentality is fueling the demand for fruit powder worldwide.

fruits vegetables fruit powder vitamins minerals plant-based ingredientsPreventive Healthcare Is Another Driving Force

Another driving force of the nutraceuticals industry is healthcare. Organizations are developing measures for preventing cancer and other chronic diseases. Fruit powders contain high amounts of antioxidants that have been proven to help reduce the risk of cancer progression. It is no wonder why those in the healthcare industry are also using fruit powders to develop products for preventive health care.

Studies show that the intake of more fruits and vegetables can help prevent gastrointestinal tract cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), low intake of fruits can increase the risk of stomach cancer by 30%. In fact, inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables resulted in 5.2 million deaths around the world in 2013 alone.

Large Companies Are Following Suit

The increasing demand of fruit powders from the nutraceutical industry is propelling this particular sector. This is expected to drive even large companies to use fruit powders or extracts to improve their product line. For instance, companies such as Unilever are improving their image by developing product lines such as the Replenish Shampoo and Trireme Botanique Nourish – both containing coconut extracts. Fruit powders are not only popular in the food industry but also in the cosmetic industry.

Other large CPG companies are looking at fruit powders to add back the vitamins and minerals typically lost in processing. NutriFusion fruit powders and vegetable powders are some of the most robust in the industry. With NutriFusion fruit powders, brands can add 50% daily value of 6 different vitamins from fruits with only 225mg of powder. Check out the NutriFusion R&D kit to learn more.

Global Implication for Fruit Powder

Consumers are becoming more aware of their health and this is evident in their preference for simple food ingredients such as fruit powders. This trend is not only popular in the United States but also in other countries. In Europe alone,  the reported revenue for the fruit powder industry exceeded $3 billion in 2017. Fruit powder demand has formed micro-industries such as the probiotics and superfoods. Aside from the European market, the fruit powder industry is also expected to grow in the Asia-Pacific region with an expected track of 8.4% annually particularly in countries like China, Vietnam, Thailand, and India. Hex research believes supportive government policies can boost the production and growth of this industry over the long term.

Inspired by www.prnewswire.com

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