As a CPG company, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve and identify emerging trends in the food industry. This can help you make strategic decisions about your product development, marketing campaigns, and overall business strategy.
Here are some of the top food trends that we expect to take off in 2023.
#1 The plant-based food trend is here to stay
The plant-based trend has hit the mainstream as U.S. consumers continue to prioritize the health, environmental, and ethical benefits of the foods they eat. We’re likely to see more and more brands pop up in this space as these products become more accessible and affordable.
Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat were CPG brands at the forefront of this trend, producing plant-based meat products that look and taste like real meat. Using Helio, it’s possible to identity a slew of meat and seafood alternatives —like Jack & Annie’s, a company that’s using jackfruit to create delicious “meatballs” and “tenders,” and boasts a growth score of 100 percent according to Helio’s Growth Predictor (HGP).
#2 Consumers go with their gut with pre- and probiotics
The popularity of probiotics has been growing in recent years as consumers become more aware of gut health benefits.
Probiotics are a way to improve digestion, boost the immune system, and fight off harmful bacteria. Consumers’ inclination towards health and wellness has increased the demand for probiotic-containing products, including yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and supplements.
Many CPG companies are now incorporating probiotics into their products or offering probiotic supplements. Companies like Chobani contain probiotics in their food products and have even created probiotic drinks. Pre- and probiotic-packed sparkling waters are also having a moment, led by brands like Olipop, Culture Pop, and Poppi.
#3 Consumer behavior continues to shift towards health and wellness
Consumers are looking for more health and wellness products because they want to feel good and live long healthy lives. Fitness and overall health have become critical drivers for buyers’ decision-making.
In a recent survey, 80% of consumers worldwide said they were planning to eat and drink more healthily as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
So what are the product attributes and categories that consumers are interested in? Mushroom coffee, algae capsules, bone broth, and meat-free products are some of the top-of-mind “healthier for you” products that are taking off.
Healthy diets and recipes will also continue to dominate social media, increasing the demand and driving sales growth for healthy and nutritious food. Young consumers will expect healthy food products to be easily accessible—millennials and Gen Z will want them available in nearby supermarkets like Walmart, grocery stores, and grocers, online, and mobile apps.
#4 Natural, organic and sustainable products gain ground
Consumers are becoming more interested in natural and organic products, and this trend is expected to continue growing in 2023. We expect to see more brands offering sustainable food that are free from artificial ingredients and GMOs, with an increased focus on sustainability throughout the supply chain amidst the global food shortage.
We also expect to see more brands using sustainable packaging options like recycled materials or compostable packaging. Versed, a community-created skincare brand with a Helio Growth Predictor score of 100, is one of these companies — they have maintained a net-zero emission status since launching in 2019. This will be a crucial area to watch in the coming years as consumers become more conscious of the impact their purchasing choices have on the planet.
#5 Post-COVID momentum on e-Commerce sales will continue
Another impact of the pandemic on the ecosystem was more food brands being sold online. “Click-and-collect” experienced a 113% increase in user growth, while Instacart saw a 17% increase in merchants on its platform and had $15.7 billion in sales overall.
With retailers such as Gopuff, Gorillas, and Foxtrot disrupting the space, our forecasting shows that e-Commerce sales and growth rate will remain strong in 2023.
Helio can help you uncover emerging trends and food brands
As a CPG leader, staying ahead of the curve and preparing for what’s new and now is essential.
Helio is the most forward-looking CPG data and insights platform. It gives leaders in Brand Management, M&A and Corp Dev, Insights/Market Analytics, and Innovation/Strategy the intelligence they need to grow and scale, create new products and understand their consumers deeper.
Request a demo today to learn more about how Helio can help you uncover emerging trends and brands in the food space.
