Consumers have become increasingly aware of their health and wellness over the past several decades; many now believe that diet and exercise alone are no longer enough. Today, emotional and mental health has become nearly as important as physical health. Consumers now look to combine high-quality food that is real, fresh, and varied with exercise, sleep, and stabilizing mental practices to energize and strengthen their bodies.

Though consumers are taking a more holistic approach to wellness, food still plays a vital role. Over 40% of consumers experimented with a diet in the last 12 months.1 In some cases, more progressive consumers even monitor the impact of specific foods on their bodies and metabolism. This awareness of the effects of diet on the body causes them to be more concerned about choosing the right kinds of protein, the right types of fat, and the right kinds of and amount of carbs. Food has to taste good and have nutritional value. Fortunately, food ingredient technology advancements have created more options than ever for these wellness-minded consumers.

Healthy enhancement


An exciting part of today's wellness trend is healthy enhancement. Healthy enhancement refers to the addition of functional and nutritional ingredients to traditional favorite foods. To maintain a healthy diet, many consumers look for foods that are high in protein and fiber, and fortified with vitamins and minerals. However, there is a challenge to this trend. Products that are 'fortified' can carry the perception that they are synthetic or 'over-processed,' so it is important to choose ingredients that can maintain your clean label.

Protein

Protein enrichment has been an established trend for some time; however, the protein market is changing. More consumers are looking for a whole lifestyle approach to nutrition, seeking protein sources in everyday fare beyond traditional shakes & bars. At the same time, the trend toward plant-based eating has created significant interest in plant proteins. Though plant-based proteins have traditionally had a tricky time living up to their animal-based counterparts, advanced processing technologies have helped improve the taste, texture, and flavor of many plant-based options.

Fiber

Claims of “High/Added Fiber” have leveled off from previous highs, but remain important to North American consumers.3 The various health benefits of fiber are significant drivers that keep dietary fiber marketing growing in North America even as the number of new product launches with fiber claims has leveled off.

Vitamins and minerals

It is possible to get all the nutrients we need from a varied and nutritious diet; however, whether through circumstance or choice, not everyone will follow one. Fortification with minerals can add in nutrients that are lost through processing and can be a positive way to improve the nutritional profile of products.

 

Healthy reduction


Another noteworthy part of the wellness trend is healthy reduction. Healthy reduction refers to the removal or reduction of ingredients perceived as unhealthy. Many times, these ingredients must be replaced with other components to maintain the taste and texture consumers demand. Again, it is important to choose ingredients that help keep a clean label.

Fat

The number of new product launches in the fat reduction category is actually on the slight decline. For example, North American product launches that included fat claims were down 45% in 2019, from their peak in 2014, although fat claims remain the most common Wellness claim3. However, this reduction comes from an incredibly high base suggesting that the demand for fat-reduced products isn’t waning.

Sugar

To reduce sugar intake, consumers have the options of sugar reduction and sugar substitution. With two out of five U.S. consumers using sweeteners "because they like sweet things but want to reduce calories," sugar-related label claims continue to grow. The top three categories for claims are soft drinks, dairy, and snacks. At the same time, there is steady growth in the use of non-nutritive sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit.2

Sodium

Historically a target for reduction and reformulation, salt remains the most used ingredient in food & beverage new product launches. That could be about to change as the World Health Organization member states have agreed to reduce the global population’s intake of salt by a relative 30% by 2025.

SOURCES:

  1. The Hartman Group
  2. Innova Market Insights
  3. Mintel
  4. Euromonitor
Customer value
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Customer value
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