Let’s face it, we’re eating at home now more than recent generations before us. A year into the pandemic, Americans are adapting to a new normal, consisting of meals that are wholesome, convenient and provide a sense of comfort and personalization during trying times.
Nothing comforts us more than a full stomach, but that doesn’t mean consumers are forgetting about nutritious attributes during mealtime. And, a sweetener like honey added into a meal can offer a better-for-you ingredient, great flavor and familiarity from a prepared entree that a consumer has never tried before. This familiarity and trademark sweetness are one of the many reasons why honey is trending in the packaged entree segment.
Trend No. 1: Personalization
Innova Market Insights’ “Top 10 Food and Beverage Trends to Accelerate Innovation in 2021” report assigns personalized nutrition as the No. 3 trend on their list. Consumers want to feel wanted, special and like the food that is being “served” on grocery store shelves mimics what they would receive at their favorite restaurant. “Consumers expect a tailored approach to eating, with technological breakthroughs, constant new launches and exciting sensorial experiences providing the opportunity for customized lifestyles to extend to food and beverage consumption,” the report read. And, with 64% of global consumers finding ways to adapt products to individual style, beliefs and needs, it’s imperative that manufacturers design foods that speak directly to the person.
