2021 Food and Beverage Trends

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Consumers’ growing interest in cleaner living is broadening and this is raising expectations around what constitutes a “clean label.” In fact, this evolving demand necessitates use of more meaningful storytelling.

When assessing consumer response to bakery, it is impossible to put bread and cakes in the same basket. The former is seen as an everyday staple with health and nutritional benefits, while the latter are pleasurable indulgences for more occasional use. It is very much a tale of two concepts.

“Eat Pretty” was one of Innova Market Insights Top Trends for 2020, but interest continues to grow for 2021 and beyond. That’s because the “Beauty from Within” concept is taking on a whole new meaning and the food and beverage market continues to see a growing number of launches bordering on the cosmeceutical. 

Consumers have been trying foods, ingredients, and substances that help them build immunity, prevent inflammation, aid their digestive health, and relieve stress and anxiety, according to NPD’s Health Aspirations and Behavioral Tracking Service, which continually tracks consumption habits linked to wellness goals and identifies long-term, mainstream trends. 

Royal DSM, a global science-based company in nutrition, health and sustainable living, launched Hologram Sciences, a consumer-facing company that will create brands targeting various health conditions. By combining health diagnostics, digital coaching and personalized nutrition, Hologram Sciences brands will provide consumers with more holistic solutions to manage health. The mission-driven company combines top Silicon Valley talent, formerly of Uber, Fitbit and Facebook.  

Sir Kensington's, best known for making premium condiments and dressings, has revamped its polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles. The new packaging not only gives the brand an iconic shape within the condiments landscape, but it also pushes the brand closer to its sustainable packaging and sourcing goals.

Pegasus Tech Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based global venture capital firm which supports innovation for global corporations, announced a business collaboration with Japan’s food giant Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

Flavor is the single most important choice factor and purchase driver for ice cream shoppers. However, there are other trends in ice cream development that help to build further competitive edge. These include non-dairy formulations, low sugar recipes, cleaner labels and ethical ingredients.

Although there may be a pandemic-related slowdown, there’s no stopping new product development targeted at the commercial and non-commercial foodservice sectors. To help readers with new product development strategy, Prepared Foods asked Jeff Miller, founder and CEO of Cutting Edge Innovation, to create a thought leadership series connecting R&D strategy to foodservice sales. Cutting Edge Innovation advises on foodservice strategy, sales, business development, and innovation. Miller also created an online course, “Turbocharge Your Foodservice Sales.”