Food forecasts abound this time of year. It’s exciting to see what innovations gain critical mass and which ones will peter out. Here are nine that we think have great legs.
1. Next-level meat alternatives
A perfect storm of health, diet, environmental and ethical factors means consumers’ appetite for plant-based meat is getting bigger than ever. It doesn’t hurt that with innovations such as the Impossible or Beyond burgers, going vegetarian doesn’t mean you have to forgo beloved meaty flavors and textures. Plant-based foods will continue to surprise and inspire—and now they are cropping up well, everywhere.
The Impossible Slider made its nationwide debut last September at all 377 White Castle locations in the U.S, after a partial rollout proved to be an immediate hit. Last year, KFC announced plans to test a plant-based chicken option in its UK and Ireland restaurants. Plant based alternatives are even challenging the meat-based snacking world of jerkies and pork rinds, as more people, even those who don’t identify as vegetarian, want a break from meat or simply crave savory umami.
2. CBD-infused everything
While hemp hearts, hemp seeds and hemp oil are nothing new to food and body care lovers, the focus on CBD products makes CBD this year’s new avocado toast—there’s just no avoiding this trend. Many brands, wanting to hitch their star to the potential stress relief benefits of hemp, are looking to explore the booming cannabis biz. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects (you don’t get high). It has long been found in lotions and oils to help reduce inflammation and pain. Many beverage behemoths are jumping on the growing trend, as cannabis-infused beverages are elbowing their way into the alcohol market. While CBD has already made its way into coffee, cocktails, olive oil and even pet food in recent years, expect to see it go even more mainstream in other products including yogurts, soups and even salad dressings.
3. A boom in shrooms
A growing body of research on mushroom’s capacity to support the immune system, promote healthy blood sugar levels and hormones, and support brain and liver health has contributed to an explosion of mushroom-centric products. These super-fungi are found in mushroom supplements, along with a newer array of mushroom teas, tonics, broths, and coffees.
4. Bone broth
Bone broth, a tasty delivery system for collagen, is finding a receptive audience among consumers. As people grow more aware of collagen’s benefits—glowing skin, joint health and a stronger gut—manufacturers are exploring more ways for consumers to think outside of the broth. Now you can find bone broth protein bars, pre-made soups, gummies and even bone broth-infused coffee on supermarket shelves.
5. Sustainable packaging
As the ocean’s garbage patches proliferate, brands are becoming more conscious of the way they package their food and drinks. Many companies have taken significant steps to tackle their plastic use, turning increased attention to biobased packaging material. According to Whole Foods, “Some companies are making commitments to ban straws, while brands like Whole Foods Market are setting up regional pilots to test recyclable strawless, sipper lids made from PET, without increasing the plastic content of a lid/straw combination.” This is one of those trends whose import and impact will keep growing, becoming the status quo rather than a passing fad.
6. Plant-based foods
This just in: a new study conducted by Nielsen and commissioned by the Plant Based Foods Association “found that sales of plant-based foods grew by an incredible 20 percent in the 52 weeks ending June 16, 2018, reaching a total of $3.3 billion.” Plant-based foods are no longer relegated to niche status, bit one of the quickest growing segments of food sales.
7. Shelf stable probiotics
In 2019, expect even more innovative probiotic integrations in food—and not just in the supplement or refrigerated aisles. The discovery of new strains of probiotics has made it easier for manufacturers to add functional probiotic ingredients to staples such as probiotic granola, oatmeal, nut butters, soups and nutrition bars.
8. Fat bombs
Sugar bombs are out, but “fat bombs,” the affectionate terms for snacks rich in fats, are proudly busting on the scene. As keto, paleo, grain-free and even “pegan” (paleo + vegan) diets expand in popularity, fat finds itself at the epicenter of demand. Be on the lookout for ready-to-drink butter coffees and ghee flavors that range from sweet to savory.
9. Conscious consumption
Consumer purchasing power continues to motivate changes in the food, beverage and body care industries, as shoppers expect more social responsibility from the brands they support. In 2019, awareness of the need for environmental stewardship and animal welfare expands to include more people-focused causes as well.