Superfood Trends Driving Demands in the Food and Beverage Space

Plant-based foods and functional products will be popular while sustainability and waste reduction become key consumer concerns.

FREMONT, CA: A rise in grocery costs has been one of the most significant changes in the food industry in recent years. More people prefer to prepare their meals at home, a cost-effective approach compared to eating out. As food prices continue to rise, consumers will seek affordable options to stay within their budget. Inexpensive protein sources like tinned fish and canned beans may become more popular, while pricier cuts of meat might take a back seat. The growing trend of consuming less meat is expected to continue, with 27 percent of people opting for reduced meat consumption. Consequently, interest in healthy plant-based alternatives is on the rise, leading to significant growth in sales of plant-based foods.

Burgers remain the most popular within the plant-based category, but manufacturers are expanding their offerings to include sausage links, patties, chicken nuggets, tenders, and cutlets. Plant-based seafood is a growing segment, with innovative products like frozen vegan sushi and onigiri entering the market. Beyond meat alternatives, the focus on plant-based eating is inspiring creative ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables into diets. Many people are exploring new and exciting ways to include more plants on their plates without adopting a vegetarian lifestyle. This shift has led to creative uses of vegetables and fruits, such as avocado or kale sauce, as a butter substitute.

Packaged food manufacturers also respond to the demand for creative plant-based products by incorporating fruits, vegetables, and legumes into pantry staples like pasta. Chickpeas, lentils, edamame, spaghetti squash, green banana, and hearts of palm-based pasta are now available, offering protein and fiber-rich alternatives with fewer carbs than traditional pasta. According to Everydayhealth.com, concerns about personal health and the planet's health are driving the rise of climatarian diets, with consumers seeking sustainability at the supermarket. Many shoppers are likelier to purchase packaged foods with sustainability claims on their labels. Additionally, a newer concept known as the regenivore diet is gaining traction, where individuals prioritize their health and the environment and actively support practices like regenerative agriculture and upcycling to restore ecosystems and reduce food waste.

Food waste remains a significant issue, with over one-third of the US food supply ending up in landfills or compost heaps. People are adopting meal planning strategies to reduce waste, and manufacturers are exploring upcycling practices to use parts of foods previously discarded during manufacturing. These trends reflect a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable and responsible food consumption. As we move into 2023, these trends in plant-based products, food waste reduction, and functional foods and drinks will likely shape the future of the food industry.