From pharmaceutical alternatives to functional food ingredients, the botanical category encompasses a broad array of components used in diverse ways. Regulations and media attention greatly impact the future of individual ingredients.
Single-servings added convenience to milk. Ingredients added flavor to ice cream. Butter added color-filled fun for kids of all ages, and consumers added indulgence to their list of desires; dairy products enjoyed a year of surprises at every turn.
As the U.S. population continues its obsession with body image and healthfulness, manufacturers have responded with a variety of foods and beverages containing low-calorie sweeteners that address the craving for sweet items, without the large number of calories.
Americans' on-the-go needs led to convenient options and a surge in meal/meal center products in 2001. Meanwhile, the ready-to-heat-and-eat phenomenon extended into processed meats and poultry items.
New flavor profiles and packaging inspired many of the products introduced in the snacks category. However, a new breed of snack also saw its popularity rise, as nut- and meat-based snacks found a willing audience.
New cereal introductions continued to focus on kids. Meanwhile, baked goods had a similar child-oriented theme, accentuated by products with a healthful agenda.
The beverage category saw a great deal of new product activity in the course of the past year. Some was due to mergers and acquisitions; some just had their own twist.
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