Recipe innovation is at the forefront of product development, and to win new customers, traditional combinations (featuring such standbys as pepperoni, sausage, or mushrooms) are giving up space to new meat combinations, as well as novel vegetable crusts, sauces, plant-based toppings, other natural ingredients and spices sourced from the world’s cuisines. 

According to a 2020 Probiotic Survey by the FMCG Gurus research arm of M&R Insights Ltd., the number of consumers in North American stating that they purchased probiotic products in the 12-month pre-Pandemic period between 2018 and 2020 rose from 45% to 61%.

Decades of research have connected increased fiber consumption to a wealth of health benefits. The range is as comprehensive as heart health, reduced cancer risk, better blood sugar management, lower cholesterol, mental well-being, cognitive health, and even better dental health and reduced risk of dementia.

For several years, reports of a decline in consumption of dairy milk has led some to erroneously believe the dairy industry is slowing down, or even moribund. Huge growth in plant-based dairy analogs, and flat liquid milk sales certainly cannot be denied, but according to research by multiple organizations, dairy foods are enjoying a steady growth. A new report from Innova Market Insights revealed global sales for yogurt (both dairy and alternative) is on target to pass the $100 billion mark this year.

Looking at the position fibers and gums are playing in everyday foods and beverages reveals product developers paying closer attention to these key ingredients for their dual functions as both texturants and nutraceuticals. This has become especially evident where those two functions merge—in plant-based products designed to mimic meat and dairy.

While the alcohol-free cocktail trend started a good half-decade or more before the 2020 onset of social disruption, lockdowns, and domino-like closings of clubs, pubs, and restaurants, those upheavals certainly contributed to the rapid rise in consumers choosing to teetotal. Somewhat. Throughout the past two years, consumption of alcohol beverages also rose markedly.

With such an acute focus on well-being in the wake of a year and a half of an ongoing global health crisis, consumers are paying closer attention than ever to the ingredients in the foods they eat. Moreover, with working from home shifting from a temporary to a permanent state for many workers, these same consumers have learned the hard way that calories count, so counting calories is back.