Naturality

Implications - With screens both large and small now being an essential part of consumers' lives, whether those are for work or entertainment purposes, some brands are focusing on screens that are much more design and mind-friendly. These products help align consumers' need and desire for using their respective devices, while prioritizing the integration of such devices in a way that appeals to consumers' more escapist desires. [More]

Implications - Brands that offer sweet treats and ingredients are specifically catering to individuals with diabetes, who typically monitor how much sugar they intake. By accommodating people with diabetes, these brands are able to appeal to a group of consumers that typically would not be able to consume their products, while simultaneously catering to the larger segment of wellness-minded consumers. [More]

Implications - Where once Greek yogurt served as the zeitgeist of the yogurt world, today, Icelandic-style skyr has captured the attention of novelty-seeking yogurt fans. With recreational travel to Iceland having boomed in recent years, it comes as no surprise that a desire for Icelandic cuisine would follow. Yogurt is a fast-moving, trend-susceptible category and skyr-inspired products serve as a natural progression that satisfies the consumer desire for simple, natural and unique products. [More]

Implications - With the rise of food service options like food trucks, consumers have become more familiar with the flavors of street food from around the world and are now seeking similar products to enjoy at home. These products enable consumers to enjoy the globally-influenced flavors of street food-inspired products with the convenience of doing so at home. [More]

Implications - Innovations in the alcohol industry are leading to products that are made using repurposed scrap foods, with everything from beer and wine to hard liquors adopting these sustainable practices. This shift is cost-effective and highly marketable for the brands in question, while appealing to consumers' wish for sustainable consumption that doesn't impact or alter their daily rituals. [More]

Implications - Nutrition and fitness have arguably been the leading pieces of the wellness movement over the last few years, but as mindfulness and mental health begin to become more of a priority, products to facilitate activities like meditation are becoming more and more popular. Beyond apps and studios that facilitate mindfulness activities, accessories that are a part of meditation practices are becoming particularly desired by today's wellness-focused consumer, speaking to a willingness to spend on inessential products and services perceived as catalysts to personal growth. [More]

Implications - Joining a long list of foods with applications in hair and skincare, avocado oil is finding its place as a star ingredient in a number of best-selling products based on its role as a hydration powerhouse. This advancement speaks to the desire for cosmetics to incorporate a healing element, which serves as a catalyst by offsetting any expected negative impact on one's skin or hair. [More]

Implications - As the popularity of avocado toast has helped it become almost shorthand for a generation of brunch enthusiasts, QSR brands are looking to take advantage of its ubiquitous nature by using it as inspiration for new menu items. This shift speaks to the interest in fast food menus elevated with ingredients associated with fresh artisanal dishes and the opportunity of these menu expansions to win over discerning millennial consumers. [More]

Implications - Long praised as a natural remedy for sleeplessness and anxiety, herbal superfood valerian root is being newly incorporated into a range of snack and drink formats for easier, more enjoyable consumption. This shift speaks to the influx of adaptogenic "edibles," in which holistic ingredients are adapted into enjoyable formats as an alternative to oral capsules or tablets, hinting at the evolving expectations of consumers around the experience of their herbal remedies. [More]

Implications - The rise of indoor gardens in urban environments has brought on small-space solutions like furniture and functional decor pieces that are integrated with plants, or space for plants. The merging of these items caters to consumers seeking greenery based escapism in highly populated concrete jungles, as well as their desire for simple contemporary decor. [More]