Exploring the rise of gut-friendly ingredients and their role in boosting immunity, supporting mental health, and driving innovation in food and beverage products
The primary immune-supporting ingredient category is that of probiotics, those beneficial microbial organisms that confer some form of health benefit either directly or indirectly when ingested. With probiotics carrying the immune health banner, it’s no surprise that throughout 2024 interest in probiotics and health by both consumers and product makers rose beyond even those levels seen in 2023.
While most morning meals are prepared at home, on-the-go and away-from-home breakfast occasions are expected to experience some growth through 2027, driven primarily by Gen Z and millennial consumers.
Prior to sharing our outlook for 2025, we wanted to review the predictions we made for 2024 to determine what we got right and what might not have fully taken shape. Here, we've collected capsule information for each section of our 2024 Predictions, in areas such as sustainability, foodservice and global flavors. Within each capsule, you will find our 2024 predictions and assessments of their accuracy.
Designed with Gen-Z Chips Ahoy! lovers in mind – this oversized treat is perfect for on-the-go snacking during their busy lives or to split with a friend.
Gen Z consumers are just starting to learn their way around a kitchen and will want to advance their cooking skills but also balance quick dinner meals.
KRAFT says that it recognizes a majority of fans – Gen Z in particular – are hungry for more intense, exploratory flavors but prefer to try them in familiar products from trusted brands.1,2 As a comfort food, known for more than 85 years, KRAFT Mac & Cheese aims to delight its fans with the new flavors.
For the second year, respondents ranked “Easy (Under 30 Minutes) Meals” as their top curiosity for the year ahead, once again underscoring that even the most food-forward consumers are craving approachable, simple meal inspiration.
The trend toward global culinary exploration is driven by younger generations. Among those participating in our annual surveys, Millennials and Generation Z globally are somewhat more likely to express interest in more unusual, adventurous and exotic flavors.
T. Hasegawa researches how flavors transition from emerging trends to mainstream “must haves”
May 3, 2024
Each month, California-based flavor manufacturer T. Hasegawa USA publishes a report detailing emerging consumer trends in CPG food / beverage and foodservice menus.
Molson Coors innovates in flavored alcohol category with bubble-free line in four fruit flavors
April 17, 2024
Coupled with emerging social media trends of de-carbonating beverages and growing non-alcohol refreshers platform, Molson Coors developed Happy Thursday to meet the needs of this new age of drinkers in the alcohol category.