The Nutritious Food Trends

The Nutritious Food Trends

GAIN defines in its report a “nutritious” food as “a food that in the context where it is consumed and by the individual that consumes it, provides beneficial nutrients (e.g. vitamins, major and trace minerals, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, dietary fibre) and minimises potentially harmful elements (e.g. antinutrients, quantities of saturated fats and sugars).”

Here is a sum-up of the most important nutritional food trends (according to experts) that will shape the food and beverage industry in 2022. 

For beverages :

1- Alcohol-free drinks

Also known as “Mocktails”, these “alcohol-like” beverages are growing on the market because of lockdowns when people didn’t drink as much ; raise of awareness about the damages alcohol can cause on emotions and feelings ; but also a willingness in consumer claims of lower-calorie options. For this reason, alcohol-free sparkling beverages are forecasted to grow next year as it can even be perceived as a healthier option to sodas for younger consumers.

2- Functional drinks 

R&D in the beverage industry has supported innovation to introduce new kinds of beverages on the market that can be consumed as a soda substitute : the functional drinks. These beverages are marketed as a support to digestion, flat stomach and gut health. 

From Kombucha, Kefir but also probiotic sodas or botanical tonics, these beverages are taking a huge market share on the sodas’ segment and manufacturers are developing more options with different tastes like berries, hibiscus, mint etc. to gain more customers.

3- Non-dairy milk smoothie

Smoothies are not a new trend in terms of nutritious beverage because it has grown on the market for several years. But experts say that with the plant-based diet emerging more and more in consumer behavior, dairy-free smoothies could boom in the beverage industry next year.

Alternative dairy such as grain, coconut, rice, nuts, oat etc. are growingly used in industrial smoothie bottles for supermarkets, restaurants, fast food etc. 

For food :

1- Grains and seeds gain market shares 

Grains, nuts and seeds had experienced a decrease in consumption those past years because of many allergies and intolerances and they are forecasted to make a huge comeback. This is because of their recognition for providing a high rate of protein and healthy fats that boost the immune system but also the brain functioning. They are also perceived as sustainable staple food because the farming processes help address soil health too and preserve the agricultural fields.

For instance in the industry they are introduced in ice cream, cheese or nut butter ; but also in restaurants in salads, smoothies or stir-frys.

2- Spices & plants in sauces, dishes

With the lockdowns that forced consumers to stay at home and cook by themselves, they started to reproduce their favorite dishes from restaurants, especially spicy foods. 

Apart from the taste, spices and plants have high nutritional values. Asian, South-American but also West-African inspired foods have brought new spices on the market. 

For instance Aji amarillo which has been used in Peruvian foods before starts becoming more popular in Europe. 

Turmeric has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine, and now it’s introduced in cereals, ice cream sandwiches and even in sauerkraut, the famous dish from France.

Moringa also known as “the miracle tree has been used in India as an herbal remedy before being processed in powder to add in smoothies, sauces or bakeries. 

Ginger had been a staple ingredient in West African cuisine before being recognized as a superfood on the western market and considered as a support to longevity and good health.

3- Chickpea snacks

Chickpea has been introduced in many consumers’ diets as a staple food for years now : hummus, falafels, meat substitute, protein pasta etc. Thanks to innovation, chickpea has become the basic component of many snacks introduced on the market recently : chips, cereals, bars and even pizzas. 

4- Food supplements for specific needs of organism 

Food supplements boost the organism and help prevent health diseases because they act as supports for organs’ functioning, memory, sleep and so, improve the overall wellness.

As many diets such as plant-based, vegetarianism etc. are still emerging, supplements have become a habit for many consumers who can even find snacks, beverages supplemented with nutrients.
For instance, collagen has been considered as a beauty supplement only for a long time but it is now recognized for its health and wellness benefits. Since it is odorless and tasteless, industries add collagen in many recipes. In a short time, it has become one the most competitive industries in the world.

To deep dive the subject, you can find our articles about the organic food market and the plant-based market.

uFoodin Team