Is Broccoli America’s Favorite Vegetable?

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Green Giant is a well-known brand that markets high quality and delicious vegetables. For National Eat Your Vegetables Day (June 17) they took an open-ended survey from each state nationwide. From that survey, they concluded that America’s favorite veggie is broccoli. To come up with unbiased results, the company surveyed a variety of people across the nation. The Green Giant surveyed almost 4,000 people to determine their findings.

Survey Finds Broccoli is America’s Favorite Veggie

Some key findings from the survey include that broccoli is the most popular vegetable in 47% of the states. In only 9 of the U.S. states, corn was the favorite, making it the second most favorite vegetable. Ironically, Idaho who is known for their potatoes was the only state to choose peas as their favorite. Noticeably missing from the favorites list are celery, onions, peppers, and spinach.

California, Nevada, Texas, and Florida are some of the states whose favorite vegetable was broccoli. Potatoes surprisingly were only chosen as a favorite by only five states. The cucumber was favorited by two states. There were five states who chose carrots. Four states chose green beans as their favorite. Large population states like New York, California, and Florida, all chose broccoli.

More Information on the Survey

After the survey data compilation, it showed that the Green Giant surveyed a total of 3,902 United States residents. All of these people surveyed were 18 years old and above. They all also have agreed to be part of this open-ended survey regarding their favorite vegetable and which state they live in. The Green Giant used Crowd Tap to conduct this survey from April 20, 2018 to May 4, 2018.

How Green Giant Is Making New Products

As the Green Giant continues its research on the development of their products, they will take into account the findings from their surveys in order to make better-suited products for their consumers.  Green Giant is still also looking to expand their Veggie Swap-Ins line, which includes Green Giant Veggie Tots, Green Giant Veggie Spirals, and Green Giant Riced Veggies. There are many more options available from this line. Their website www.greengiant.com has additional information about their lines and their products.

About Green Giant

For over a 100-years, the Green Giant has been picking vegetables at the peak of their perfection and also helping families find new ways to enjoy their products. Over the years the Green Giant became known for their delicious and high-quality vegetables. They have introduced new innovative products that families have loved over the years. Recently, the Green Giant launch of its award-winning Veggie Swap-InsTM line that included many different products, created new convenient and delicious frozen vegetables for families to enjoy.

FDA Approves 8 Ingredients for Fiber Claims

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Food manufacturers today boost their products by adding fiber to make them healthier. Fiber is not only found in bread but even in ice cream, brownies, candies, and gummies. For instance, a small bag of Smart Sweet gummy bears contains 28 grams of fiber so that you can get a whole day’s fiber requirement from your favorite sweet.

Fortifying food with fiber is the recent hype among food manufacturers, and the US Food and Drug Administration is supporting the bandwagon by finally approving ingredients that can boost the fiber content of different products. This initiative stemmed after the 2016 rule that indicated that added fiber does not only add the non-digestible carb content on food, but it provides overall health benefits.

Approved Fiber Claims

Today there are eight (8) ingredients approved by the FDA, and these include alginate, arabinoxylan, inulin and inulin-type fructans, galactooligosaccharide, high amylose starch, resistant dextrin/maltodextrin, and polydextrose. While there are the only eight on the list,  the FDA mentioned that it is planning to add other dietary fibers as long as scientific evidence proves that they provide additional health benefits.

Many food manufacturers are ecstatic with the decision of the FDA since it gives their new products the green light. Companies like General Mills and Activa have developed products that include fiber in them. For instance, General Mill’s Fiber One line of products contains inulin and inulin-type fructans. Other brands that contain inulin fiber include Frutafit from Sensus America, Oliggo-Fiber from Cargill, and Orafti from Beneo.

Health Benefits of Fiber

Speaking of health benefits, consumption of fiber can help stabilize both blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It can also help lower the blood pressure and promote good bowel movements. The presence of fiber in the intestinal tract can increase the efficiency of the body for mineral absorption. But more importantly, fiber can also aid in weight loss as it increases the satiety level for a long time.

Consumption of at least 15 grams of fiber daily can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes and colon cancer. But in reality, so many people don’t even come close to the recommended minimum daily amount of 28 grams.

The Dark Side

The effects of putting fiber into food have done most companies good regarding marketing their products. Many consumers believe that food containing fiber is healthier. But this also presents a problem. According to Bonnie Liebman, director of nutrition from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, this might confuse people regarding which foods are truly healthy. For instance, they might opt for a brownie with added fiber over peach because they choose for convenience over real nutrition.

Because of this, it is essential for food manufacturers to explain what type of fiber they are using on their products as well as the kinds of health benefits that consumers can get from them. That way, people will be able to compare the benefits to naturally fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They can also impose upon the consumers to not be too indulgent on their products and that natural fibers occurring in fruits and vegetables should be prioritized.

Inspired by apnews.com

Generation Z Prefers Snacking Than Eating Full Meals

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In this fast-paced society, many people prefer snacking over eating a sit-down meal because they don’t have enough time. This is the reason why many people opt to grab something quick for breakfast because convenience is critical. Generation Z is a driving force in this switch to convenient snacking from traditional sit-down meals.

The Benefits of Snacking

As such, many consumers are looking for ways to curb their hunger and satisfy their appetites. Snacking is a cheaper, faster, and more viable option than eating full meals. Today, convenience is everything as time is a scarce commodity for most people. But this does not mean that people should forgo nutrition to save more time.

It is crucial to start the day by opting for healthy choices and eating smart. For example, people who want to save time can eat five smaller and separate snacks for lunch. By doing so, they can avoid waves of hunger thus increasing productivity levels. By snacking more often, it allows the stomach to digest food more smoothly, so you do not feel lethargic after consuming a big meal.

Food Manufacturers Are Supporting the Generation Z Snacking Trend

The increased propensity towards snacking among Generation Z is the reason why many food manufacturers are also developing nutrient-dense snacks that can be an excellent alternative to full meals. These include protein bars, protein powders, and other meal replacement products. The development of these food products has also coincided with increased activity levels of consumers. These food items are no longer just favorite among athletes but even students carry them in their backpack so that they can have their meals on the go.

Today, many snacks are made from a wide variety of nutritious ingredients and these include meats, dairy, grains, and fruits. Most food manufacturers are also making snacks that contain ingredients that are exotic and healthy to attract Generation Z consumers. Examples of popular snack items include granola and protein bars as they are kept for longer periods of time. Aside from convenience, people opt for snacks that also have longer shelf lives so that even if they leave them in the fridge or their bag, they are still edible after a day.

The Future of Snacking

Gone are the days when snacking is associated with eating something in between meals. There are so many benefits of snacking. Snacking is definitely replacing full sit-down meals. To support this trend, many food manufacturers are providing people with more better for you snacking options. To date, it is easy for people to find quality snacks that can fuel them throughout the day. With snacking having a big following among Generation Z, it is likely that we will see a lot of meal alternatives in the future. This is definitely a generation of practicality and efficiency.

Inspired by www.theshelbyreport.com

Organic Sales Are Still Growing!

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The sales of organic fruits and vegetables were estimated to be at $5.5 billion in 2016. According to the Organic Trade Association, this value was up by 5% over the previous years. The organization also noted that more than half of American households bought organic produce in the earlier years and that the millennials are the driving force of the sales, primarily since their purchasing powers have increased.

Millennials as The Driving Force of Organic Sales

Brian Vertrees, director of business development of Naturipe Farms LLC, noted that the sales of organic berries are up in retail stores. In fact, the sale of organic berries is the second-largest in the organic produce industry.

The growth category of organic products has not reached a plateau yet as millennials are demanding more organic products. According to Chris Glynn from Tanimura & Antle Inc., young adults are the primary drivers of the trend. As the new group becomes parents, the need for healthy food becomes their main priority.

The growth of organic produce is also driving the sales of different categories within the produce department as more consumers are not only demanding organic products but are also looking for affordable products with functional benefits. Eating organic is more than a trend and a marketing tool, it has become a way of life for many people particularly those who are looking for ways to eat healthily and sustainably.

The Shift in The Market

 

Consumers want to buy fresh produce that is grown in safe and sustainable methods. The growth of organic sales is a key indicator that this trend is here to stay. Many food manufacturers and industry players have expanded their line of organic products to increase their market reach.

Organic produce and products are changing the industry. Even farmers have increased their production of organic fruits by getting certified for their next harvest season. For instance, there is an increase in the production in the state of Washington in the past years; seemingly everyone is jumping on the organic bandwagon

The Future of Organics

There are many benefits of consuming organic foods. The sensitivity of consumers towards the food that they eat and how it affects their health is the reason why the organic market is widely embraced by everyone. Although many industry experts have forecasted that the organic industry will plateau, it has not happened yet and will likely not happen anytime soon. As more and more young individuals opt for healthier options more than the cost and convenience, food growers, manufacturers, and even retail stores will continue to meet the demands of the consumers. The trend will always be up as long as the younger demographics continue to buy into a healthy lifestyle.

Inspired by www.thepacker.com

NutriFusion Fruit and Vegetable Powders Nutritional Claims FDA

Fruit Powders and Vegetable Powders Are Versatile for CPG Brands

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With growing demands from consumers for clean label products, the popularity of fruit powders and vegetable powders has skyrocketed. While fruit and vegetable powders have been used for a long time in baked goods, the movement of clean labeling and eating has revolutionized the use of these powders and extended their use to many other categories.

Recent trends of food focus on more than just taste and color as many consumers are looking for products that have functional benefits and clean labels. Fruit and vegetable powders fit the bill as they can easily be incorporated in labels and they give the consumers the impression that the product is more natural and healthier than the conventional products.

Today, many food manufacturers have incorporated fruit and vegetable powders in making their products. They are not only used in making healthier versions of donuts, muffins, and cookies but virtually many types of products including pasta, cereals, and so much more. Powdered produce is way better than fillers as they increase the nutrient content of food. GrandFusion powders especially set products apart from the crowd. The NutriFusion technology enables companies to add a small amount of fruit and veggie powder (225mg) and add 50% daily value of 12 different vitamins at the same time. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of fruit powders and vegetable powders.

The Benefits of Fruit Powders and Vegetable Powders

There are so many benefits of using fruit and vegetable powders. Several studies indicate that it can boost overall health. In the 2016 study conducted by researchers from the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, adults who consume powdered blueberry showed better signs of cognitive performance. Researchers noted that consumption of such powders can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Other studies noted that fruit powders contain rich amounts of polyphenols that can help maintain good heart and cognitive functions. What makes powdered produce powerful is that they are denser compared to whole foods thus the concentration of nutrients is larger. Imagine that one teaspoon of powdered spinach may be equivalent to several cups of raw spinach. So, if you use two or more teaspoons, you do the math.

The Need for Nutrient-Dense Food is High

 

There is a growing desire especially among the younger consumers for foods that are loaded with high amounts of nutrients and minerals. In a recent report released by market research company Mintel entitled “Snacking Motivations and Attitudes US 2015,” it is more likely that younger consumers prefer snacks with added nutritional value such as fiber and protein content compared to the elderly consumers.

Powdered produce also contains high amounts of antioxidants and fiber content. In fact, one can get more fiber and antioxidants with a few tablespoons of powdered produce compared to eating a whole cup of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, they also contain high amounts of natural sugar thereby omitting the need for more free sweeteners.

Inspired by www.bakingbusiness.com

NutriFusion Fruit and Vegetable Powders Nutritional Claims FDA

Watching The Moving Target On Consumer Preferences

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For several years already,  consumer preferences have placed importance on their health and wellness. In the recent American Bankers’ Association annual convention, Todd Hale noted that while people want healthy foods, they also want to indulge. Fortunately, there is a growing trend of healthy indulgent categories. For instance, favorite comfort foods such as pies and other specialty desserts have experienced growth according to Nielsen data.

Retailers Take Advantage of the Desire for Freshness

There is an increasing desire for consumers to eat sweet goods that are fresh. Most consumers prefer fresher products, and this fact is used as an advantage by retailers. Food manufacturers use specialized packaging on cakes, cookies, and donuts. Moreover, they also place these products around the store so that consumers can easily access them and not just go to the center store anymore to get them. Another strategy that retailers do is to use technology such as television screens to showcase their indulgent offerings.

Retailers know that consumers who are not afraid to indulge are likely to gravitate towards eating healthy. Jones-Barber from Dawn’s Bakers Truth noted that with the changing trend of people wanting to eat healthily, it is the role of food manufacturers and retail companies to deliver products that are healthy and also satisfies the indulgence of consumers.

Today’s Consumer Preferences Driven by Transparency and Truth

Aside from eating healthy, consumers also demand transparency and truth. This is the reason why many food manufacturers including Kroger are now jumping on the bandwagon for organic brands that come with clean labels. Consumers are now opting for food products wherein they know what they are made from or where they come from.

To date, there is a multitude of food manufacturers that create products with clean labels. Health-conscious individuals are also leaning towards products with a clean label because they are deemed healthier as they don’t contain preservatives, additives, and synthetic color and flavor.

Health and Wellness is a Moving Target

While it is easy to say that food manufacturers should focus on creating healthy products, it is often considered by food manufacturers as a moving target. The thing is that the term “health and wellness” can mean different things to different consumers.

Food manufacturers still need to define what their consumers think about “health and wellness.” Consumer feedback is essential for food manufacturing and retailers to address the needs of their consumers. This is the reason why there are so many products like trans-fat-free, sugar-free, and other ingredients that make a particular product more appealing to health-conscious consumers.

The ever-changing preferences of consumers make food manufacturers adapt to the ever-changing needs thus creating a wave of food trends along the way and demanding innovation from food manufacturers. And because it is a moving target, it can move quickly to new challenges and trends are created now and then.

Inspired by www.foodbusinessnews.net

NutriFusion Fruit and Vegetable Powders Nutritional Claims FDA

Consumers Going All In On Allergy Free Foods

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Over the past 20 years, there has been an increase in the number of people who suffer from food allergies. The increasing number of individuals with food allergies is one of the top reasons why most people develop specialized diets with preference to clean eating and non-GMO foods.

With consumers suffering from food allergies, more people want access to allergy free foods. In the 2004 passage of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act, all food manufacturers in the United States are required to label their products with ingredients that may contain top allergens such as dairy, soy, gluten, peanuts, eggs, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. This is the reason why you will see these ingredients in the label list in plain language. Thus, if the product contains “soy lecithin,” it should still indicate “Soy” on the package.

Allergy Free Food is on the Rise

Katherine Allmandinger, manager of strategic insight for Nielsen’s health and wellness practice, noted that there is a growth of allergy free foods in the market today. About 46% of consumers say that the allergy free claims of food manufacturers influence their purchase decisions.

In fact, there are two types of consumers who buy allergy free products–the worriers and wonderers. While worriers have medical bases to avoid a particular kind of ingredient due to adverse reactions, this only reflects a low percentage of the actual consumers who want allergy-free foods.

It is essential to take note that average consumers are not necessarily looking for allergy-friendly foods because they suffer from specific allergic reactions. Instead, they look for these foods because they want to cut out on too much dairy or they want to jump in on the bandwagon of eating healthy.

How Food Manufacturers Make Allergy-Free Products

Before the popularity of allergy-free foods, people only ate naturally allergy-free food. For instance, Enjoy Life, a food company in the United States, has been making allergen-free products for over a decade. Their factories were some of the first to have no cross-contamination with other products.

 

On the other hand, other food manufacturers are developing products that use alternative yet non-allergen ingredients. For instance, snack company Quinn uses sorghum instead of other gluten-containing grains to create their products. They also tested other ancient grains to be able to develop allergy-free products for their customers.

Allergy-Free Foods are a Trendy Niche in the Market

As food allergies continue to rise all over the world, the allergy-free food trend will likely flourish as more and more people want food products that are healthier. In fact, there are many noticeable booths and shops that showcase allergen-free options. Moreover, many food manufacturers are innovating their products so that they are not only healthy but that they also pass the taste test.

Inspired by www.fooddive.com

The Mighty Cauliflower Is Not Just Hype

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Time Magazine declared in 2017 that the lowly cauliflower is the new “it” vegetable while Bloomberg dubbed is as “the new kale.” Although these declarations should have encouraged people to eat more of this vegetable, its sales remained flat for a few months. In fact, Nielsen Perishables reported that while the sales of cauliflower grew to 8% annually from 2011 to 2016, it remained flat ever since.

How the Cauliflower Debuted As the “It” Veggie

Although people have been intrigued about cauliflower for a few years, it was only now that it was presented under the limelight. It was the Cauliplower’s 2017 debut that made this vegetable famous. It was during the expo when consumers were first introduced to the first gluten-free cauliflower pizza crust. To date, nearly 9,000 stores distribute this product that led to the creation of a new baking mix by the company. This also sparked the trend which resulted in the market seeing products like cauliflower chips and cauliflower pretzels. Gone are the days when the only cauliflower product available at Trader Joe’s is cauliflower rice.

What makes the vegetable trendy is that it is healthy, full of fiber and low in carbohydrate content, which makes it a very logical alternative to grains especially among people who cannot eat grains. Grains have been blamed for digestive issues which are pushing the gluten-free trend. This vegetable also fits well with the growing vegan and plant-based movement. In a report released by GlobalData, there was an increase of 600% of people who opt for the vegan lifestyle in the U.S.

High Demand, Low Production

 

There is an increased consumption of fresh cauliflower according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. The per capita consumption of cauliflower is estimated to 2.18 pounds in 2017 that is 38% higher from the 1.57 pounds in 2016 and 1.33 pounds in 2010.

Despite the increased consumption per capita of cauliflower, there is still a limited supply of cauliflower to meet the growing demands of the consumer. This is expected to drive the prices of the vegetable higher. But will this make a price war in the market? Not entirely as the agriculture sector is working hard to meet the growing demands of this wonder veggie.

On the other hand, cauliflower contains a minimal amount of starch, which makes formulation challenging to create new products without using specialized equipment. For instance, cauliflower pretzels and crackers need special tools to develop the new products according to Ground Up COO Vincent James–maker of cauliflower crackers and pretzels.

The lowly cauliflower has emerged into a superfood, and it has come a long way since it debuted in the expo. If food manufacturers can continue to create more opportunities to develop cauliflower-based products despite the challenges such as the high price and low demand, then this vegetable will have a long way to go before it reaches its full potential.

Inspired by www.fooddive.com