Discover what health benefits global consumers are seeking, such as:
- Energy & Strength Management
- Improved Gut Health
- Increased Immune Support
Despite varying preferences for cultural cuisine, it’s clear that consumers across all regions of the world often have one thing in common: the desire for nutritious foods. With about $1.5 trillion spent yearly, at an estimated growth rate of 5% to 10% per year, the global health and wellness industry has a massive influence on global consumer purchases1. People around the world are increasingly interested in improving their health and plan to spend more money on wellness products, despite rising global inflation1.
To strike a balance between rising costs and the strong desire to fuel themselves with nutritious food and beverages, global shoppers are closely evaluating products to determine which offerings provide the most overall value for their dollar – even if that means they spend a bit more.
Learn more about the consumption preferences and health benefits that are trending globally:
1. Energy & Strength Management
It’s clear that protein is a priority for U.S. consumers, with 41% wanting to incorporate protein into their diet2.This uptick in protein consumption is making strides in other areas of the globe as well due to its impact on improving energy levels and managing overall strength. Since the 1960s, people have dramatically increased their protein intake each year. As of 2022, for example:
- Maldives increased 168% 3
- China increased 160%3
- Algeria increased 106%3
Globally, about one in three consumers across all generations cite protein as an important consideration when choosing a sports and functional nutrition drink4. Additionally, 80% of consumers who have tried plant-based protein plan to replace some or all animal-based protein with plant-based alternatives5. To meet this rising demand, the quality of an offering needs to justify its price. Therefore, formulators can utilize quality ingredients that check various boxes for global consumers by not just providing a boost in plant-based protein, but offering other benefits, too. For example, almond protein powder is naturally rich in protein, but also a plant-based, clean-label ingredient that helps consumers meet their nutritional goals. When used within sports nutrition bars, smoothies, or even cookies, almond protein powder can increase the functional protein content while still addressing nutrition and taste expectations of a global audience.
2. Improve Gut Health
Quickly taking over the food and beverage industry is the demand for products that improve gut health and promote healthy digestion. With 76% of global consumers recognizing the link between digestive health and overall well-being, and 68% interested in products that address digestive health6, it’s clear that ingredients that prioritize gut health are in-demand. Food manufacturers can use ingredients rich in fiber and prebiotics to help promote a healthy digestive system.
Almond ingredients like almond butter or almond flour can be incorporated within traditional better-for-you baked goods, such as muffins, pancakes and even cookies, to increase fiber content. By using almond ingredients within these formulations, food innovators can develop a product that isn’t just great-tasting, but provides the added nutritional benefits that help consumers justify the value of their purchase.
3. Immune System Support
Since the start of the pandemic, consumers across the globe have only become more focused on adding foods that improve their immune system into their everyday diets7. In fact, 70% of global consumers have changed their diets and lifestyles to improve their immunity7. Whether it be from a vitamin supplement, fortified protein bar or boosted beverage, people all over are looking for food products that can help them defend against illnesses.
Naturally a good source of vitamins and minerals that help boost immunity, almonds are a valuable ingredient for innovating a functional offering. When food and beverages include recognizable ingredients like almonds on the label, consumers can trust they’re getting the nutritional benefits they desire with an additional value of ingredient transparency. This sense of comfort and recognition of where the ingredients come from help position it as a premium offering, bringing more value to the final product.
While it’s evident that the global interest in nutritious foods is expanding, concern surrounding inflation still remains. Shoppers want to know that they’re getting the most value out of the products they choose to purchase. This is why it’s critical that formulators rely on ingredients that deliver nutritious benefits while also addressing demands for great taste and texture. Blue Diamond almond ingredients naturally provide the nutritional benefits consumers all over the world are seeking, with added benefits of brand transparency and a high quality that consumers can trust.
To learn more about the health benefits global consumers are demanding, check out our Q&A article featuring expertise from Laurie Colin, Senior Technical Business Development Manager at Blue Diamond here. If you’re hungry for more insights on what health benefits global consumers expect from your next innovation, or want to find out which flavored almond inclusions are available in your area, contact us or request a sample today.
References:
1 “How to thrive in the global wellness market,” McKinsey. 2022.
2 “Consumers Overdoing It on Protein, Falling Short in Other Nutrients: Study,” Progressive Grocer. 2022.
3 “Top 20 Countries That Eat The Most and The Least Protein Per Capita,” How To Cook. 2022.
4 “Future of Functional Beverages In Europe,” Glanbia. 2023.
5 “Consumer insights,” Good Food Institute. 2022.
6 “Consumer interest in digestive health take center stage,” Beverage Industry. April 2023.
7 “Immunity Insights: Immune System Health in the Food & Beverage Space,” FONA. 2022.
