# Algae Confection Spirulina is increasingly seen in various confectionery items. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Apr 11, 2019 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/algae-confection ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Algae Confection trend? **Algae Confection:** Spirulina, an algae now known for its many health benefits and potent color, is being incorporated into confectionary items. The inclusion of this nutritious ingredient serves two functions–an automatic association of health in items that are typically not considered to be so, as well as natural intense coloring that avoids the pitfalls of artificial labeling. ## The consumer insight behind the Algae Confection trend With North Americans' continued obsession with "wellness" has come their prioritization of natural ingredients in everything from the food and beverage space, to the skincare industry. For most consumers, natural ingredients are typically associated with higher nutritional value, and increased trust due to the fact that they're not manufactured by companies. The shift toward purchasing natural items indicates that consumers are now doing more research into products and ingredients that are both effective and that have scientific backing behind them. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 4, 2017 to Apr 11, 2019 - Published: Apr 11, 2019 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Algae Confection trend ### Natural Ingredients Consumers are prioritizing natural ingredients in everything from food, beverage to skincare industry for higher nutritional value and increased trust. ### Algae Infused Products Algae, known for its health benefits and potent color, is being incorporated in diverse range of products, including confectionery items, frozen desserts, and even snacks. ### Health-focused Indulgence Consumers, looking for indulgence options, are preferring healthy snacks that offer both taste and nutrition, without the guilt-inducing ingredients. ## What the Algae Confection trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Food and beverage industry can capitalize on the natural ingredients trend to offer healthier alternatives to consumers who prioritize wellness. ### For Cosmetics and Personal Care Cosmetics and personal care industry can leverage the natural ingredients trend to offer safe, chemical-free products to consumers who distrust artificial labeling. ### For E-Commerce and Retail E-commerce and retail industry can exploit the health-focused indulgence trend to roll out a range of products that attract calorie-conscious consumers who seek taste and nutrition both. ## Workshop question How could your brand better incorporate natural elements into its products/services? ## Trend signals for Algae Confection Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 80%, activity 62%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 80% - Activity: 62% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Algae Confection trend 4 featured examples from Oct 4, 2017 to Apr 11, 2019. - [Veggie-Based Frozen Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reveri): Spinach, Peas and Spirulina are Ingredients in Reveri's Desserts (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Innovation opportunity for established frozen dessert brands to expand their product offerings by incorporating plant-based ingredients and unconventional flavor combinations. - [Earth-Inspired Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-ice-cream): Van Leeuwen's Vegan-Friendly Green Ice Cream Boasts Matcha & Algae (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The dairy-free industry can explore new ways to create creamy and rich ice cream flavors using ingredients like cashew milk and coconut cream. - [Chickpea-Based Cake Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cake-snacks): Rule Breaker's Plant-Based 'Birthday Cake' is Made with Beans (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Exploring the incorporation of healthier ingredients like chickpeas to create more nutritious and appealing snacks. - [Single-Serve Ancient Grain Oats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibrant-oats): Purely Elizabeth's Gluten-Free Vibrant Oats Make a Quick Meal (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Potential for designing specialized packaging solutions to enhance the convenience and portability of single-serve meals. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)