Lifestyle Consumer Insights

Trend - Either deployed as a marketing campaign or a new feature, developers of mobile dating applications are inserting more excitement into the browsing experience by introducing various challenge-based activations.

Insight - Contemporary consumers are constantly bombarded with new innovations and interesting opportunities in today's fast-paced environment and as a result, individuals often find themselves in the spirit of being adventurous and trying out something new. This creates a demand for the consistent rotation of exciting experiences that leave consumers not only entertained but also engaged in meaningful ways.

Trend - "Wellness" isn't typically associated with the fast-paced gaming industry, but brands in this space are increasingly focusing on the overall wellbeing of people who consider themselves to be gamers. This can be seen in everything from mental health initiatives to gamer-specific supplements.

Insight - The gaming industry tends to require focus, concentration, and large amounts of time spent in practice. Whether recreational players or professional ones, many consumers who engage with this space spend a lot of their time in the same position, focusing on their games. This can have unintended health consequences, and gamers are increasingly acknowledging this issue and trying to address it.

Trend - The rise of vegan breakfast sandwiches and meals in QSRs and restaurants speaks to businesses' increased need to be more adaptive and flexible when it comes to consumers' more niche preferences.

Insight - Now that North American consumers are increasingly prioritizing things like nutrients and ethical consumption in their food and beverage items, veganism has grown in popularity. Consumers are turning to brands that are able to adapt to these dietary restrictions in a way that still prioritizes flavor.

Trend - The popularity of bubble tea in Southeast and East Asian countries has expanded to the CPG space, with packaged bubble tea beverages and bubble tea-inspired foods offering ready-to-go options for those who enjoy the popular beverage.

Insight - After flavor, convenience is a major motivator for consumers when purchasing food and beverage items. People look for items they can consume on-the-go, or for those they can take and store at-home when they don't have the time or ability to make the products themselves. Brands that cater to convenience for beloved consumer goods are held in high regard.

Trend - People with necessary or chosen dietary restrictions now have more variety in the packaged salad dressings they can consume, with brands in this space prioritizing plant-based, vegan alternatives to traditional dressings.

Insight - Many consumers associate veganism with health, and so seeing plant-based or vegan labels on packaged goods brings about positive associations for health-conscious consumers. Thus, vegan products aren't simply appealing to those who subscribe to the diet, but to those who prioritize healthy eating in general.

Trend - Polycystic ovary syndrome-focused solutions, often formulated with ingredients like inositols, omega-3s, and key vitamins, are gaining traction as tools to help manage concerns such as irregular menstrual cycles, acne, and insulin resistance.

Insight - The growing visibility of PCOS reflects a broader shift in how chronic hormonal conditions are understood and addressed. As awareness increases, more Millennial women are seeking targeted, long-term solutions rather than temporary symptom fixes. This has led to rising demand for products that support hormonal balance, metabolic health, and overall well-being. In turn, brands can respond with more personalized, evidence-based offerings that align with consumers’ desire for proactive and holistic care.

Trend - Clothing brands are launching plastic‑free undergarments made from natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, and lyocell. These products avoid petroleum‑based synthetics, microplastic‑shedding fabrics, and chemical‑treated elastics, offering biodegradable, low‑impact options for everyday wear.

Insight - Consumers increasingly feel uneasy about synthetic underwear that traps heat, sheds microplastics, irritates sensitive skin, or exposes them to unwanted chemicals. Many experience discomfort, rashes, or reactions from polyester and nylon blends. At the same time, shoppers want to reduce their environmental footprint and avoid contributing to landfill waste or microplastic pollution. These pressures push brands toward plastic?free designs that feel breathable, gentle, and sustainable.

Trend - In an experimental landscape of bold, unexpected flavors, banana remains a staple that brands continue to reinterpret across food and beverage categories. From drinks to snacks and desserts, its familiar sweetness is elevated through global or regional influences and premium pairings.

Insight - Today’s consumers are drawn to flavors that balance nostalgia with novelty, and common fruits deliver on both fronts. Moreover, natural sweetness, versatility, and strong emotional associations make everyday ingredients widely appealing, while adaptability allows for creative pairings across indulgent and better-for-you formats. As shoppers increasingly seek approachable yet elevated taste experiences, banana can offer brands a low-risk way to innovate while still tapping into familiarity and cross-generational interest.

Trend - Adaptogenic seltzers are sparkling beverages infused with adaptogens—plant-based ingredients commonly associated with stress support and overall balance. These drinks blend carbonation with functional ingredients like ashwagandha and lion’s mane, creating a refreshing, alcohol-free alternative designed for mindful relaxation.

Insight - Consumers are increasingly seeking beverages that align with their growing focus on wellness and mindful consumption, with more individuals now wanting options that also support balance and stress management. As a result, consumers are turning to beverages infused with functional ingredients such as adaptogens and botanicals that offer perceived wellness benefits while maintaining the light, refreshing qualities of traditional drinks like seltzers without potential, negative side effects.

Trend - Brands are using ssamjang, a thick, savory Korean paste traditionally served with grilled meats and lettuce wraps in Korean barbecue, as a sauce or spread on Western dishes. This umami depth mimics the role of condiments like Worcestershire or steak sauce but adds complexity thanks to fermentation.

Insight - The growing popularity of Korean culture, fueled by K-pop and other forms of Korean media, has brought new ingredients and flavors to global consumers' attention. Interest in umami-rich, fermented foods is prompting brands to experiment with sauces that blend these notes while complementing Western cuisine. Companies in this space understand that their target consumers are drawn to culturally inspired flavors but are more willing to experiment when they are presented in approachable formats.