Naturality

Trend - Health & beauty companies that make melatonin-based sleep supplements are releasing these supplements in new hard candy or mint formats. These mints appeal to consumers who do not enjoy the traditional melatonin gummies, offering more variety for consumers who struggle with regular sleep habits.

Insight - Adults face countless avenues of stress in their lives, whether related to professional or personal lives, or habits such as using smartphones or computers before bed. Many such adults find themselves unable to fall asleep quickly or regularly, and as such they turn to sleep-focused supplements, such as CBD, magnesium, or melatonin. In response to the growing desire for these supplements, brands are releasing new supplement formats, namely mints, to appeal to more consumers' preferences.

Trend - Social media has inspired dental care brands to innovate by developing products focused on oil pulling. This ancient Ayurvedic practice entails swishing oil in the mouth for a set time before spitting it out. It claims to reduce plaque buildup, prevent gum disease, and freshen breath.

Insight - Health and beauty trends, especially on TikTok, are introducing a new era of self-care practices that redefine how people approach wellness and aesthetic routines. In response, brands are creating products that resonate with current social media trends, encouraging new consumers to share and experience their effectiveness firsthand. By integrating social media influences into product development strategies, brands can appeal to consumers who prioritize community and seek experiential products.

Trend - Animal protein brands with CPGs are more heavily emphasizing ethical farming practices on product packaging. In addition to organic or cruelty-free labels, the ethically sourced label denotes a higher level of care given to the farmed animals, ensuring consumers of the brand's priorities and values.

Insight - When buying animal products consumers are increasingly considering factors related to health and morality, in addition to price. These consumers are more likely to purchase organic or 'clean' meats when all else is equal, showing the efficacy of these labels. This is due to consumers becoming aware of the living conditions of livestock and the health effects of processed or overly-treated meats. In order to better connect with these consumers, brands are showcasing ethical farming practices.

Trend - Businesses across the hospitality industry are investing in single-use paper-based cutlery. These cutleries are to be used in establishments or at home, and can be easily composted once used. This reduces waste in the home and reduces time spent cleaning dishes in high-volume restaurants or hotels.

Insight - While most consumers use reusable metal cutlery in the home, the norm for many take-out restaurants is to provide single-use plastic cutlery, which directly conflicts with the increasing number of consumers adopting eco-friendly lifestyles. These consumers vote with their dollars and prefer food brands with more sustainable solutions, whether it be where the food is sourced from or the packaging offered with the meal. As a result, brands are adopting compostable packaging and cutlery.

Trend - Brands in the micromobility space are further embracing sustainability through the incorporation of hydrogen fuel cells. When compared to lithium-ion batteries, these fuel cells charge significantly faster, use fewer resources, and are less prone to heat-induced damage.

Insight - Consumers who get into the micromobility space do so for a variety of reasons, often related to either convenience, cost, or environmental concerns. While traditional bikes offered these benefits over gas-powered vehicles as well, electric bikes boast more utility for these consumers, leading to many regarding them as vehicle replacements. Brands in the space are now pushing both the convenience and environmental friendliness even further by crafting ebikes with hydrogen fuel cells.

Trend - Brands in the beverage space are creating coffee creamers with simple ingredient lists. These creamers are often plant-based or organic, and focus on conveying to the customer that they use as few chemicals as possible, resulting in better-for-you alternatives to traditional artificial creamers.

Insight - The average consumer is becoming increasingly aware of the nutritional benefits of products, particularly as regulations around food packaging increase, requiring brands to disclose potentially harmful ingredients. These factors have contributed to an increase in attention given to clean-label products, particularly those without compromises, across the food industry. As a result, brands in the beverage space are now reducing ingredients lists, and are instead prioritizing clean, simple recipes.

Trend - Amid rising concerns about the ethical and environmental impacts of cocoa farming, many businesses are introducing products that minimize or replace the ingredient. These alternatives aim to combat deforestation, human rights abuses, and wildlife loss in hopes of reducing industry reliance.

Insight - Amidst the global cocoa shortage, confectionery businesses are looking for alternatives to help them deliver the same cocoa-infused creations without profiting from unethical business practices. In response, cocoa-free products are entering the market, appealing to businesses and consumers who wish to avoid contributing to the industry's existing issues. Businesses that cater to the demand for sustainable and honest sourcing practices can attract consumers who value ethical production systems.

Trend - Smartphone manufacturers are creating devices with e-ink displays. These displays are power-efficient, emit no blue light, and have slower refresh rates. The phones are designed for longer battery lives and distraction-free usage, as e-ink displays are not suited for gaming or media consumption.

Insight - Modern consumers are faced with near-constant distraction from technology, whether it be a television, smartphone, watch, or many other device types. However, not every individual is fond of this lifestyle, with many opting for a return to form where devices were used only when necessary. These consumers gravitate toward minimalist, feature-stripped devices. Brands are addressing the needs of these consumers by releasing products with e-ink displays and simple user interfaces.

Trend - Packaging foam, often discarded after use, is becoming eco-friendly due to regulations and changing consumer attitudes. These products reduce the need for petroleum-based foams and minimize environmental impact, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and businesses.

Insight - Eco-conscious consumers often choose products that align with their social and political values, especially in the packaging industry, which is dominated by wasteful practices. These consumers are willing to pay more for sustainability, encouraging businesses to adopt eco-friendly materials and practices. Businesses catering to the demand for sustainable packaging solutions can appeal to consumers looking for brands that demonstrate a genuine commitment to minimizing environmental issues.

Trend - Brands are launching retail stores that offer a variety of household and personal care products through bulk dispensers. These stores claim to reduce environmental impact by allowing customers to refill containers and pay by weight, reducing reliance on potentially harmful packaging methods.

Insight - As consumers grow more aware of the environmental consequences of their purchases, they are gravitating towards stores that actively address the impact of consumerism. This trend has led to a rise in "refilleries," which focus on minimizing packaging waste, especially for frequently repurchased personal care products. By catering to the demand for reduced-impact retail stores, businesses can attract environmentally conscious consumers looking to reduce their ecological footprint.