Now that plant-based alternatives for conventional meat products have entered the mainstream, there's a new wave to catch: the fast-growing market for plant-based seafood.

With Americans encouraged to work from home, the pandemic is injecting some much needed new energy into coffee sales. New research from Mintel, the experts in what consumers want and why, suggests that the at-home coffee market is set to grow by 4.9% this year alone to reach $15.6 billion, compared to a total of 3.9% growth experienced between 2015 – 2019.

Recent ADM OutsideVoice℠ research shows that 77% of consumers intend to make more attempts to stay healthy in the future. Food and beverage manufacturers who successfully balance consumer health concerns with affordability are most likely to win with consumers. 

Thanks to technological advances and ever-expanding choice in foodservice and retail venues, each of today’s consumers can adopt a more individual approach to eating.

Prepared Foods talks consumer insights with Lesle Na, Director of Business Development with Ibotta Insights. It is a consumer research agency under the umbrella of Ibotta, whose smartphone app lets consumers earn cash back on in-store, mobile app, and online purchases with receipt submission, linked retailer loyalty accounts, payments, and/or purchase verification. 

This new report dives into understanding the role of health within the indulgence and snacking category (globally, regionally, and across 22 countries) to help companies ensure their products are well positioned for today and for the future.

Through a series of virtual classes, each with a contemporary take on mastering everyday home tasks and need-to-know life skills, “students” will learn everything from creative baking swaps and transforming food scraps to stocking up on grocery staples and choosing the right cleaning products.

Previously, consumer's increasing desire for fresh unprocessed, healthier foods—found in store sections such as produce, meat and poultry, seafood, dairy, and deli and bakery—has been the main driver for the center store decline.

The current tracker data shows consumer purchase motivators are shifting to satisfy psychological mood lifters and sensorial cravings as the coronavirus pandemic continues. While functional health and safety were found to be important during early stages of the pandemic, those motivators have decreased in importance as consumers report seeking out experiences to change their mood.

Looking ahead to the years after the COVID-19 outbreak, consumers are expected to show higher levels of interest in their immune health. This could open doors for more products with a specific focus on immune health rather than those with multiple health messages of which immunity is simply one of many.