Each year the food industry huddles and tries to digest
what’s going on and predict what the next big trend will be based on previous
years. As a leading protein company, it’s important that we stay abreast of
these trends, most especially when developing prototypes for our customers and
presenting products at trade shows like IFT and Supply Side West.
1. Everywhere Protein
As more clinical research emerges touting the myriad
benefits of a higher protein diet (high metabolism, better weight loss,
increased fullness), we will continue to see the rise of protein-fortified
foods throughout not only the USA, but the worldwide markets too. In fact, the whey
protein market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% and
the milk protein market at 6.8% CAGR. Driven by millennials (21 – 34 years old)
and boomers (50 – 64 years old), 2018 alone saw launches across various food
segments from ready-to-drink coffees, frozen novelties, pastries, extruded
snacks, waters and even iced teas featuring both whey protein and milk protein
isolates. 2019 isn’t expected to slow down the product launches – look for
newer delivery methods such as protein-fortified fruit pouches and even energy
shots.
2. Functional & Nutritious Waters
An up and coming trend in the bottled water segment is protein,
alkaline and caffeine fortified waters. Several brands have launched waters
that are fortified with 10% of more of the daily value for protein from whey
protein isolate in enticing flavors like yuzu basil, guava nectarine
and elderflower chamomile. Other
companies have also started to fortify their bottled water with caffeine and
other botanicals, offering a calorie-free pick-me-up for consumers. Lastly,
there’s been an influx of waters boasting the effects of drinking more alkaline
water (pH greater than 7), buffered with electrolytes like potassium,
magnesium, calcium and phosphorus; expect to see more mainstream companies
hopping on this buzzing thirst quenching bandwagon.
3. Shifting Sweetness Preference
Shift in sweetness palette will continue to impact the food and
beverage markets in 2019. With the FDA mandating all companies roll out the new
labels by 2020, companies will have to call out “added sugars;” this includes
honey, syrups, sugars and fruit juices used as sweeteners. Consumers are very
aware that added sugars need to be kept at a minimum (current guidance is less
than 10% of total calories should come from added sugar). This label mandate
will only bring more awareness to the issue. Look for a rise in products
sweetened with stevia, erythritol and monk fruit. Our product development team
has already been formulating with these all-natural sweeteners in applications
like nutrition bars, baked goods and instant puddings currently used in the
weight-loss nutrition space.
4. Plant-based Nutrition, Benefits and Libations
Other macro trends impacting the food and beverage industry is
the continued rise in demand for plant-based nutrition, alcohol-free IPAs and
even adult-beverages infused with various components of the cannabis plant. Consumers
can expect to see more robust offerings featuring savory flavors like rosemary,
lemon, saffron and Korean gochuchang. Continuing with 2018 weekly product
launches featuring CBD, expect more libations to launch and feature flavors
like hibiscus, rose, mint and basil.
5. Automation of Restaurants
2019 is set to see some big changes in the ways which we eat
and procure foods. For example, quick service retails stores across the nation
are bringing robotics and automation to their business. Driven by rising labor
costs and diminishing availability, automating the food preparation also bypasses
some traditional food safety concerns such as forgoing improper handling of
foods and eliminating the possibility that an employee forgets to wash their
hands. Some restaurants are even piloting automated mobile bakeries in an
attempt to rebrand and redefine the food home delivery experience.
6. Nutrition & Dietary
In nutrition trends look for the continued rise and
dominance of clean label ingredients. One particular trend is the blending of
mushrooms with meat mixes, offering an alternative way to introduce plant-based
nutrition into the omnivore’s diet. Also, under this nutrition trend are the foods
that will comply with dietary protocols like Keto and low FODMAP (fermentable
oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols). AMCO Proteins’ Milk
Protein Isolate, Whey
Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Hydrolysate
can be formulated to adhere to both of these dietary protocols.
7. Flavor Trends
International flavors are still the buzz and will continue
to be moving into 2019. Consumers are demanding more adventurous flavors and
want to tantalize their palettes with both bold (spicy) and subtle (floral)
flavors. Savory protein-fortified snacks flavors such as Thai curry maple,
Korean gochuchang honey and rosemary olive oil will make their way into
consumer’s hands. Coffee beverages and alike are expected to see a pivot from
the nostalgic pumpkin spice late and traditional café mocha to bold flavors
like masala mocha and white chocolate juniper. The excellence in these flavor
combinations is that they marry the idea of international flavors with familiar
indulgences (i.e. mocha, white chocolate); look for these flavor combinations
in barista shops and bottles in the aisles. Flavored waters and seltzers are
another segment exploding with floral combinations such as basil lemon,
hibiscus chamomile and lavender chamomile.
Predicting the next big “pumpkin spice latte” will be challenging, but all roads seem to point to one flavor making a huge impact: Maple. Maple is a flavor that is nostalgic to many and lends itself to many applications from sweet to savory: from oatmeal (maple brown sugar) to nutrition bars (maple walnut), to savory creations like smoked maple and bourbon brisket sandwiches to sweet/savory combinations like maple and bacon glazed donuts. One thing is clear – the industry continues to shift towards cleaner labels, bolder flavor combinations with a huge focus on international taste. As the world’s flavors continue to converge onto the American palette, consumers will continue to demand cleaner labels combined with superior and innovative flavors to keep their interest piqued.
To learn more about AMCO Proteins' full line of protein ingredients and solutions, Contact Us today.
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