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Environmentally Friendly Foods
Sustainability and environmental concerns are as top of mind with consumers as
convenience."With growing unrest over climate issues and their impact on the
future food supply, products that feature some aspect of sustainable ingredients,
upcycled ingredients, or environment-friendly packaging, are leading the way,"
says Jonathan Deutsch, Ph.D., CHE, CRC, Drexel University.
Bold brand names, engaging visuals, and purpose-driven
messaging are differentiating these products in several
categories. Plant-based foods' continuing growth plays a
role here. Ingredients like mushrooms, seaweed, and jackfruit
have been developed into different products and pasta's
pandemic-fueled comeback made room for more innovation
with black rice, pumpkin, red lentils, lupini, and purple carrots.
Expect to see more from visionary entrepreneurs engaging
in regenerative agriculture who are creating seed-to-shelf
future supply chains, funneling resources into the research
and restoration of more localized, biodynamic food systems,
carbon farming and indigenous farming practices, soil
fertility, and seed diversity.
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Health in Balance
Consumers will seek more balance between their desire for health and
sheer indulgence. Functional foods won't suffer as a result: with interest
in immunity, gut health, memory, and so many other health components,
manufacturers are introducing functional ingredients into products
anywhere they can. And "better-for-you snacks like dehydrated
vegetables or mushroom chips continue to dominate," says Lindsay
Leopold, food stylist. Following stringent healthful routines can also be
stressful and the past several years have jump started the need for
joy. Look for overall well-being to take center stage, which includes
making room for the desire to reward yourself for being so good.
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Naturally Occurring
Sweeteners
Real food ingredients that fulfill sweet cravings are
pushing back against the health halo of natural sugar
alternatives that undergo significant processing. Expect
more dates in every shape and form, pure maple syrup,
coconut sugar, fruit juices, and honey. "Used across
categories ranging from sparkling tonics to pasta sauce,
to artisanal chocolate to classic bakery treats, natural
sweeteners give brands a platform for differentiation as
well as the appeal of a clean label," says SherpaCPG's Ho.
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