Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/838473
Tracking the Evolution of Specialty Food Categories Then, Now, Next The Rise of Better-for-You Chips Then: With the fat-free diet craze in full swing, the humble potato chip got a health makeover. Mass-market brands attempted fat-free versions made with Olestra. But with the introduction of Terra Chips, white potatoes took a back- seat as sweet potatoes, taro, and other root vegetables stole the snack spotlight. Now: The better-for-you chip trend reigns. Chips made of kale, lentil, quinoa, chia, chickpeas, and more—and cooked with a variety of oils including avocado and sunflower—fill store shelves. Next: Antioxidant-rich purple potatoes are showing up more often in chips, and seaweed is poised as the next superfood darling to appear in snacks. 1990s 2000s Organic, Local, and Sustainable Foods Are Everywhere Then: Consumer interest in natural foods hits far and wide with the publication of Michael Pollan's "The Omnivore's Dilemma" sparking conversations about sustainability. Now: Confusion over the meaning of "natural" hasn't dis- sipated consumers' desires for clean ingredients. Organic, local, and non-GMO rank among the most important claims to shoppers. Next: Sustainable farming and food sourcing is resonating more frequently as a product claim, leading to products made with insect proteins or upcycled food waste. Drink Mixers. Cocktails ruled in the 1950s and 60s, with some classics making a comeback over the past decade thanks to the popularity of period television drama "Mad Men." Bar menus show- case the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Sidecars. Retail has seen a revival of spe- cialty cocktail mixers, tonic waters, and bitters. Snack Bars. The late 60s and 70s brought many "astronaut" prod- ucts, from Tang to Space Food Sticks. Dubbed a "balanced nutrition food" in rod form, these sticks were a precur- sor to energy bars. Bars are back in vogue but with clear- er nutrient profiles. The lat- est crop is chock full of nuts, seeds, protein, and high-antiox- idant superfruits. Bars that upcy- cle food waste like grains and fruit are starting to pop up as well. Boomerang Trends (cont.) —today 40 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com