Food and Beverages with birch sap are on the rise
Trend - Brands are using the plant-based syrup, birch sap, as a multi-functional ingredient in food and beverage items. This syrup’s positive nutritional profile appeals to health-conscious consumers as it contains a wide range of health benefits without any added sugar or calories. The incorporation of birch water into existing products speaks to the consumer’s prioritization of naturally-sourced ingredients in their diets.
Insight - Across the consumer space, we see people seek ingredients and rituals that evoke a sense of authenticity by pulling from cultural practices outside their own. As consumers continue to explore and heighten their sense of wellness through diet, many are turning to Indigenous traditions for inspiration. Curiosity and a desire for authentic ingredients with holistic benefits drive the exploration of niche, healthful ingredients with cultural significance.
Insight - Across the consumer space, we see people seek ingredients and rituals that evoke a sense of authenticity by pulling from cultural practices outside their own. As consumers continue to explore and heighten their sense of wellness through diet, many are turning to Indigenous traditions for inspiration. Curiosity and a desire for authentic ingredients with holistic benefits drive the exploration of niche, healthful ingredients with cultural significance.
Workshop Question - How can your brand take an unlikely resource and transform it into something that is beneficial to consumers?
Trend Themes
1. Cultural Ingredient Exploration - Consumers are seeking authenticity and inspiration from indigenous traditions when exploring niche, healthful ingredients with cultural significance.
2. Plant-based Alternative Beverages - There has been a rise in alternative plant-based water beverages like birch sap water, maple water, and premium sap drinks with distinct mild flavors.
3. Functional Beverages - Functional birch water beverages are being marketed as a natural isotonic sports drink and are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, prebiotics and electrolytes.
Industry Implications
1. Food & Beverage - Incorporating plant-based alternative beverages with functional benefits and culturally significant ingredients into existing products presents opportunities for food brands.
2. Fitness & Wellness - Functional birch water beverages are marketed as a natural isotonic sports drink and can be a part of athlete's nutrition, providing opportunities for fitness and wellness brands.
3. Packaging & Design - Creating strong, Scandinavian packaging for plant-based alternative beverages with culturally significant ingredients presents opportunities for packaging and design companies.
