Fruits and vegetables are dehydrated for satisfactory crunch-factor
Implications - Health-oriented consumers craving the classic crunch and chew from their favorite snacks are being satiated through dried and dehydrated fruits that offer familiar textures without the guilt. With texture signalling satisfaction to the brain, consumers who are looking to make a lifestyle shift are opting for plant-based alternatives that offer a surprisingly similar mouth feel. This emerging focus on sensory play indicates a growing opportunity in the landscape of adult snacking as consumer lifestyles continue adapting to the modern health wave.
Workshop Question - How could you position your newest offerings in a package that is already familiar to your consumers?
Trend Themes
1. Plant-based Snacking - The trend of plant-based snacking is growing rapidly, opening opportunities for companies to offer healthy, sustainable, and versatile snack products that mimic traditional textures and flavors.
2. Texture-focused Products - Consumer demand for food with textures that signal satisfaction is leading to an increase in products like dehydrated and dried fruits that offer a satisfying and crunchy mouthfeel.
3. Jerky Alternatives - Plant-based jerky alternatives made from unconventional ingredients like eggplants, mushrooms, and watermelons are entering the snack market, capitalizing on the growing demand for meat substitutes and unique flavor profiles.
Industry Implications
1. Plant-based Food Industry - The plant-based food industry offers opportunities for innovators to create sustainable and healthy snacks using a variety of plant-based ingredients.
2. Healthy Snack Industry - The healthy snack market is growing, offering an array of opportunities for caterers seeking to offer guilt-free indulgences to conscious consumers.
3. Alternative Meat Industry - As the demand for vegan and vegetarian meat substitutes increases, there is a rapidly growing opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators to develop products that mimic the flavor and texture of traditional meat while avoiding animal products altogether.
