Learn more about what will shape better-for-you innovation, including:
- Snack Formulations
- Plant-Based Alternatives
- Immune-Boosting Ingredients
While most consumers perceive the term “better-for-you” as generally healthy, it can take on different meanings for everyone. For example, better-for-you could be a nutrient-dense midday snack or an immune-boosting beverage, for others, better-for-you aligns with gluten- or dairy-free needs. What’s clear is that shoppers want products that meet their individual needs and preferences. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to the eating habits of today’s consumers – instead, they’ll be looking for food and beverages that meet personalized health and wellness criteria, such as added protein and fiber1. In fact, around 63% are interested in products customized to meet their individual nutritional needs2.
What does this mean for brands? To address a range of better-for-you demands while being an innovator within the industry, formulators need to take note of food and beverage preferences of their customers and utilize ingredients that meet their specific needs.
Let’s explore three consumer demands helping shape the better-for-you industry:
Snack Formulations
As consumers increase not just their snacking-but healthy snacking habits-the better-for-you snack market will evolve. But there’s something interesting happening within the snacking industry – consumers still want to indulge when they snack to satisfy emotional needs but want their snacks to be healthy, too, to benefit their physical health4. Because of this, shoppers are seeking new twists on snack offerings, with:
- 55% willing to spend more on functional snacks that meet their individual health goals5
- 73% expressing a desire to try new global flavors, and want brands to be a part of that experience5
By blending healthy ingredients, such as almond protein powder or flavored almonds, into traditional snacks, like crackers or trail mixes, brands can introduce enticing offerings that stand out in the market. Almond ingredients not only bring added health benefits, like protein and vitamins, they also help formulators achieve the desired taste and texture experience better-for-you consumers expect.
Plant-Based Alternatives
Over the past decade, plant-based alternatives have skyrocketed in popularity amongst global consumers. However, today’s buyers are wary of the ingredients included in those plant-based alternatives.
To innovate a better-for-you, plant-based product, formulators can use nutrient-dense, simple and vegan ingredients with appealing tastes and textures. Naturally plant-based, nutritious and recognizable, almond ingredients can help take alternative product innovation to the next level.
Immune-Boosting Ingredients
Today, consumers expect the most value out of their food purchases, and desire immune-boosting benefits. Research shows that:
- 58% of consumers choose immune system support as the most important benefit of healthy eating7
- 45% of consumers seek products that support their immune system8
- 42% want foods that contribute to both their physical and mental health8
- 34% are interested in foods with mood-boosting ingredients8
With this in mind, brands must look to incorporate a boosted nutrient value to their portfolio to remain innovative. Instead of offering a gluten-free cookie, formulators can incorporate ingredients that bring added value to the product, such as fiber or protein. With the help of immune-boosting benefits like vitamins, protein and iron, almonds and almond ingredients can help position brands as innovators within the better-for-you category by checking off multiple consumer trends all within one product.
By continuing to innovate offerings, such as better-for-you brownies or protein-packed baking mixes, brands can keep a finger on the pulse of consumers and stay ahead of the curve of demands. Formulators can use in-demand ingredients, like almond inclusions and almond protein powder, to help spark interest in a new trend-setting product that not only tastes great-but brings multiple health benefits.
For more insight on the growing interest in better-for-you products, check out our article with Kurt Waananen, R&D Director at Blue Diamond Growers, here. If you’re looking for more information on what to expect from better-for-you innovation, contact us today.
References:
- “Consumers want specific health and wellness benefits in their products in 2023, study finds,” Food Dive. 2022.
- “Which global trends will shape innovation in 2023,” Food Navigator-USA. 2022.
- “Better-for-you Snacks Market Value,” Perfumer Flavorist. 2022.
- “What will drive the healthy snack space in 2023,” BakeryAndSnacks.com. 2022.
- “ADM outlines nutrition innovation trends for 2023,” Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery. 2022.
- “Power of Plant-Based” Report Shows US Consumers Want Tastier, Healthier Alternative Proteins,” Vegconomist. 2022.
- “What today’s health-conscious consumer wants from a snack,”BakeryAndSnacks.com. 2022.
- “What counts as ‘better-for-you ‘confectionery?,” Food Business News. 2022.
