Assisted Choices
Barley
Enhancement
Barley protein is becoming increasingly popular in food, beverage and beauty.
Trend
What is the Barley Enhancement trend?
Barley Enhancement: Barley is mostly starch and fiber, however, 'spent' barley—which is a by-product of the brewing/fermentation process—is packed with protein. In light of this, companies are appealing to this new ingredient and expanding variety in the market for plant-based protein.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Barley Enhancement trend
An increasing number of consumers—especially Millennials and Gen Z—have pivoted or are pivoting to plant-based product consumption. This demand extends across industries and is motivated by individuals' awareness of the growing threat of climate change and the influence of the wellness movement which stipulates that plant-based formulas are healthier. As a result, consumers are prioritizing ethics and cruelty-free processes, which allows them to gain peace of mind and be more fulfilled.
Trend themes
Themes within the Barley Enhancement trend
Three behaviours holding the trend togetherBarley-Based Protein
Companies across diverse industries are using barley-based protein as a sustainable, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional proteins and as a response to consumer demand for plant-based options.
Circular Economy
As companies seek to reduce waste and create more sustainable products, the circular economy presents an opportunity for innovation through the use of by-products, such as spent barley in the beer-brewing industry.
Functional Beverages
Functional beverages, such as Graasi Barley Water, are becoming increasingly popular as consumers look for drinks that not only provide refreshment and hydration, but also offer added vitamins and minerals to boost health.
Industry implications
What the Barley Enhancement trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFood and Beverage
Companies like EverGrain are partnering with the food and beverage industry to provide nutrient-rich, sustainable plant-based protein options.
Beauty and Skincare
With the increasing knowledge about the benefits of barley protein, companies like Bioeffect are using plant-based protein to cultivate ingredients specifically for beauty and skincare.
Wellness and Health
Functional beverages, as well as other nutrient-rich products such as 8Greens Daily Greens Lollipops, offer consumers a tasty and convenient way to improve their overall health and wellness.
Workshop question
How can your brand utilize barley protein in your offering?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Barley Enhancement
Trend score 4.8 out of 10, from popularity 67%, activity 65%, freshness 13%.
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Evidence
Examples of the Barley Enhancement trend
8 featured examples from Jun 12, 2020 to Oct 28, 2022Vitamin-Packed Lollipops
8Greens Daily Greens Lollipops are Great for Consumers Aged Four and Up
The use of lollipops as a daily supplement creates innovative opportunities for the vitamin and supplement industry.
Upcycled Barley Milks
Take Two Foods' Barleymilk is Made with Barley Leftover from Beer-Brewing
Businesses in this industry can explore upcycling waste ingredients to create new, innovative products, like Take Two Foods' Barleymilk.
Beer-Filled Bath Spas
WeWantMore Designs the Bath & Barley Beer Spa in Brussels
Hotels and resorts in the hospitality industry have the opportunity to differentiate their offerings by incorporating beer-inspired spas to attract guests seeking unique and welln…
Functional Barley Beverages
Graasi Barley Water is Full of Immunity-Boosting Vitamins & Minerals
The beverage industry can leverage the demand for functional, healthy and heritage-inspired drinks to create improved and innovative offerings.
Upcycled Beer Beauty Ingredients
Barley TONIQ is an Ingredient Made from Beer Brewing By-Product
Utilizing sustainability practices in the beauty industry can lead to more eco-conscious and ethical products, such as products made from upcycled ingredients.
Barley Protein Beauty Products
Bioeffect is Intending to Grow with New Formulas, Utilizing Barley
The skincare industry can take advantage of the rising popularity of barley protein to develop new and sustainably sourced products with naturally occurring proteins.
Barley Protein Companies
EverGrain is Working to Realize the Potential of Barley Protein
Food and Beverage industry offers a major disruptive innovation opportunity for companies to create new products using barley protein.
Sustainable Plant-Based Protein
Montana Microbial Products Teams up with The Scoular Company
The use of sustainable plant-based proteins as an alternative to traditional animal-based proteins in aquaculture feeds presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the aqu…