Everyday Edibles Meet Evolving Demands

Brands continue to creatively upstream everyday edibles with enhanced versions of mass-market products – from photogenic pantry staples to nutrient-dense savoury snacks and plant-based sweet treats. These launches are feeding consumers’ demand for design-forward packaging, globally derived flavours, super-functional benefits, and indulgence with a healthy halo.

Low-Guilt & Feel-Good Beverages

Mood-boosting claims stood out amid a surge of new better-for-you drinks, responding in part to reduced alcohol consumption and aligned with a boom in mood-support supplements. Elsewhere in this fast-moving sector, more brands are spotlighting low-sugar content and boosting caffeine across beverage categories, from kombucha to protein shakes.

Plant-Based Foods for Post-Hype Consumers

As the plant-based meat category stalls, companies are shifting from basic analogues (like vegan chicken pieces and burgers) to ready meals. This is stimulating an array of new products, most notably globally inspired frozen dishes. Others are leveraging pumped-up flavour and fun branding, adopting “low-key vegan” labelling. See also our Veganism Forecast 2023.

Ingredient Watch: Mushrooms & Algae

As detailed in Wellness Ingredients to Watch 2023, both adaptogenic mushrooms and algae/seaweed continue to boom as brands and consumers embrace their functional prowess. These eco-friendly ingredients feature in myriad new products, from oatmeal to puffed snacks.

Regenerative Momentum

As global food giants start committing to regenerative agriculture methods, more natural foods brands are making regenerative claims – in evidence around the show. Going further, several young businesses are conceiving their product ranges through a regenerative lens.