Prepared Foods

2021 Predictions: eCOMMERCE

Fast Growth eCommerce Sales Exceed Expectations; Brands, Retailers Must Adjust

The convenience, reliability, and safety of eCommerce is now more valued than ever

December 30, 2020

The events of 2020 have upended almost every norm across the globe. The impact has been felt deeply in the most fundamental areas of our lives, including all things food-related.

2021 Predictions: FLAVORS, SPICES & SEASONINGS

Flavored Nation

It’s all about flavor. That truth may be self-evident, yet it’s never been more manifest.

Dotty Griffith

December 31, 2020

No Comments

With the recent jump in home cooking, the role of flavor has been especially magnified as food serves a magnified role in providing excitement, comfort, health, indulgence, self-care, and family bonding.

2021 Predictions: COLORINGS

Natural Colors Continue to Secure Domination in Prepared Food Products

The shift away from artificial colorants is driven almost entirely by consumer demand

David Feder , RDN

December 31, 2020

No Comments

The growth in sales of natural food colorants is expected to continue growing strong. The food color market reached $2.85B at the end of last year (about double the 2015 figures), and boasts a CAGR of nearly 6%.

2021 Predictions: CONSUMER INSIGHTS

Today’s Consumers are Shifting to New Eating Behaviors

Look for consumers to settle into the new normal as it helps them remain distanced while saving trips to the store

Darren Seifer

December 18, 2020

No Comments

You don’t have to be an expert in, well anything, to know 2020 was a year like no other.

Words like “unprecedented” were heard on a daily basis.

2021 Predictions: FOOD & BEVERAGE TRENDS

From Unrest to a Reset: The Road Ahead

SRG projects solutions, safety and simple pleasures for 2021 and beyond.

Amy Shipley

December 30, 2020

No Comments

Amidst the chaos of 2020, we’ve also experienced extraordinary resilience, ingenuity and creativity to address numerous challenges. SRG is fortunate to work with companies that are investing more in consumer research and “futures” work across the globe.

2021 Predictions: BOTANICALS

Plants Used as Food and Medicine Continue to Intertwine

Assaults on physical and mental health are compounding the toll already taken on an aging yet active population

Kerry Hughes

December 17, 2020

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Recent events have not only driven consumers to seek ways of staying healthy but pulled the mental health side of mind-body wellness to the forefront. The stress of having lives and routines (and incomes) disrupted, illnesses threatening or even invading the family, and social isolation has led to an unprecedented 40% of US adults reporting that they’re struggling with mental health problems.

2021 Predictions: FOOD & BEVERAGE TRENDS

Five New Ways to Connect with Consumers

Mattson predicts re-invention of the product development process will continue well into 2021

Brenda Fong Caroline Lafleur Melanie Lai

December 10, 2020

No Comments

Without doubt, one of the most impactful 2021 trends will be the continued impact of COVID-19 and how it has transformed the way we live, learn and work.

2021 Predictions: FOOD & BEVERAGE TRENDS

Mission Field Predicts a 2021 Return to Normal, with Some Lasting Changes

National online survey tracks shopper attitudes toward in-store sampling

Carolina Fryer

December 10, 2020

No Comments

We all know it’s been quite a year. Enough said. I want to start by focusing on the remarkable resiliency and adaptability of US consumers.

2021 Predictions: DIGESTIVE HEALTH & IMMUNITY

Digestive Health, Immunity Continue to Share an Expanding Spotlight

American interest in digestive health extends to ingredients that can prevent disease

David Feder , RDN

December 9, 2020

No Comments

For the past few years, we’ve noted in these pages that digestive health, and the probiotic bacteria and prebiotic fibers and starches that support it, would continue to be the hottest trends in “better for you” food and beverage development.

2021 Predictions: CONSUMER INSIGHTS

Today’s Consumers are Shifting to New Eating Behaviors

Look for consumers to settle into the new normal as it helps them remain distanced while saving trips to the store

Darren Seifer

December 9, 2020

One Comment

You don’t have to be an expert in, well anything, to know 2020 was a year like no other.

2021 Predictions: BEVERAGES

Consumers Turn to Beverages to Boost Mind & Body

The spotlight will be on products that promote health and wellness, escapism and value

Holly McHugh

December 4, 2020

No Comments

In 2020, the world as we knew it was turned upside down. Coronavirus changed the way consumers shop, socialize, entertain and more which is why it will be the biggest driver of food and beverage trends in 2021.

2021 Predictions: FLOURS & STARCHES

Fine Grain

Flours and starches are stepping up their game for both function and health.

Kantha Shelke PhD, CFS

November 30, 2020

No Comments

Flours and starches are perhaps the hardest working ingredients in food manufacturing. For that reason, they’re ubiquitous in food products and relied on for their effect on texture, which is a signature attribute of many foods.

2021 Predictions: FIBERS & GUMS

Hardworking Gums and Fibers

Functional gums and fibers are meeting new trends and consumer demands.

December 1, 2020

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As consumers seek healthier options and greater convenience in prepared and packaged foods, gums and fibers are receiving new recognition as important ingredients for health and biological functions as well as stability and texture. Fibers and gums often provide added health benefits — including improvements in blood sugar regulation, weight loss, and gut health — while lending texture and structure to foods and beverages.

2021 Predictions: SWEETENERS

Sweeter Times Coming

The search for sweetness is only natural.

Alexa Bosshardt MPS, RDN

November 30, 2020

No Comments

Consumer commitment to reduce sugar consumption continues to drive industry opportunities to develop non-nutritive sweeteners that perform and taste like table sugar. Blending nutritive sweeteners with high-intensity sweeteners (HIS) has become the standard, with stevia being the common go-to, typically in blends with everything from corn-derived sucrose or dextrose to maltose or tapioca sugar, or recent arrivals like coconut sugar.