Citrus Evolution

Health signaling citrus fruit flavors and ingredients will evolve from consumer’s interest in immune boosting food and beverage products during the pandemic. 78% of U.S. consumers seek out products with vitamin C and 40% plan to increase their consumption of functional foods in 2022 as brands leverage consumer’s association of citrus flavors with antioxidants and immune support. Exotic citrus flavors like yuzu, blood orange, kumquat, and tangerine will feature more unique flavor profiles in the year ahead.

Trendsetters: Wedderspoon, President’s Choice, Vizzy, Southeastern Grocers, Imuraya

Keto Craze

Health and wellness brands are tapping into the keto trend as the market carries strong momentum with an uptick of new keto products expected to hit store shelves in 2022. While the terms “keto” and “keto-friendly” have no regulatory definition, a keto-centric diet is roughly 70% fat, 20% protein, and 5% simple carbohydrates. With 24% of surveyed consumers interested in practicing the keto diet, the diet’s continued growth will enable opportunity to branch out into popular keto categories – snacks, cereals,
bars, breads, and cookies.

Trendsetters: 360 Nutrition, Thin Slim Foods, Hungry Buddah, Nature’s Path, Taika

Gut Feeling

The digestive health movement continues to flourish as more pre, pro, and post-biotic ingredients are finding themselves in a series of new lineups ranging from nutritional drinks and juices to snacks and dairy. 8 in 10 global consumers prioritize gut health with 58% aware of the positive role gut-supporting ingredients have on overall health, wellness, and immunity. Postbiotics, byproducts of fermentation, are the fastest growing area related to gut health, witnessing a 1300% increase in Google searches during the last 2 years.

Trendsetters: Core Foods, Humm Kombucha, Chobani, Simple Truth Organic, Uplift Food

Taste the Trend