# Fonio Boom As an ingredient, fonio is gaining popularity among North American consumers. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Sep 30, 2021 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/fonio-boom ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Fonio Boom trend? **Fonio Boom:** Fonio is an ancient West African cultivated grass that produces highly nutritious grains. Rich in amino acids, protein, and iron, the ingredient is gaining popularity as a superfood among health-conscious consumers. ## The consumer insight behind the Fonio Boom trend Swayed by the health and wellness movement, consumers in North America are attempting to eat better in their day-to-day. This allows them to feel more energized, confident and comfortable in their body. As many in the urban environment are finding themselves consistently on the go and strapped for time, priority is given to highly nutritious foods. This, in turn, creates a growing demand for superfood products, giving consumers peace of mind. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 30, 2020 to Oct 5, 2022 - Published: Sep 30, 2021 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Examples of the Fonio Boom trend 6 featured examples from Sep 30, 2020 to Oct 5, 2022. - [Cassava Cauliflower Baking Mixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blend-baking-mix): This Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Blend Baking Mix is Non-Grainy (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can adapt alternative ingredients like cassava, cauliflower and fonio, which offer a combination of nutrients to create more gluten-free products. - [African Ancient Grain Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ancient-grain-chips): Yolélé Foods' Fonio Chips are Made with a Gluten-Free African Grain (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Yolélé Foods' Fonio Chips could disrupt the snack foods industry by offering a unique and nutritious alternative to traditional chips. - [Fonio Craft Beers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brooklyn-brewery-1): Brooklyn Brewery Debuts a Craft Beer Made with an Ancient West African Grain (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Craft breweries can expand their product offerings and attract new customers by using exotic and sustainable ingredients in their beer products, such as West African fonio grain. - [African Heritage Grain Crackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ancient-grain-crackers): Flax & Fonio Ancient Grain Crackers are Crispy & Nutritious (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food manufacturing industry can explore using ancient and heritage grains like fonio in their products to cater to the growing demand for nutritious and sustainable food optio… - [Mouth-Watering Fonio Recipes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fonio-recipe): Telande World’s Fonio Recipes Expand on a Nutritious Ingredient (Category: Marketing) Implication: The growing popularity of fonio represents an opportunity for food production companies to diversify their offerings and develop product lines featuring this nutritious, unique in… - [Health-Focused Fonio Flour](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fonio-flour): Terra Ingredients Collaborates with IYA Foods on a New Innovation (Category: Marketing) Implication: The food and beverage industry can innovate by developing nutritious alternatives to conventional flour, incorporating ancient grains in food products, and meeting the increasing… **Workshop question:** How can your brand support consumers in the quest for nutrition? ## Themes within the Fonio Boom trend ### Demand for Superfoods As many in the urban environment are finding themselves consistently on the go and strapped for time, priority is given to highly nutritious foods. This, in turn, creates a growing demand for superfood products, giving consumers peace of mind. ### Gluten-Free Products Gluten-free products are continuing to gain traction, especially as consumers no longer need to buy multiple brands of flour. Thanks to easy-to-use flour blends, it's becoming easier for people with sensitivities and certain dietary preferences to enjoy a variety of free-from baked goods at home. ### Sustainability Consumers are becoming more aware of the impact their food choices have on the environment and are seeking out sustainable food options. Growing demand for sustainable food products presents opportunities for businesses to innovate and differentiate themselves in the market. ## What the Fonio Boom trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage The food and beverage industry is constantly evolving to meet changing consumer demands, including those for superfoods, gluten-free products and sustainable options, which present opportunities for innovation and differentiation. ### For Health and Wellness The health and wellness industry is growing in response to changing consumer priorities. The demand for superfoods, gluten-free options and sustainable products fits within this industry and presents opportunities for disruptive innovation. ### For Agriculture The agriculture industry is integral to the production of sustainable and nutritious food products. As consumers become more conscious of their impact on the environment and seek out sustainable food options, the agriculture industry can play a key role in meeting this demand. ## Trend signals for Fonio Boom Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 58%, activity 40%, freshness 13%. - Popularity: 58% - Activity: 40% - Freshness: 13% ## Recent trend clusters - [Caffeine Remix](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/portable-caffeine-formats) (Lifestyle) - [Shortcut Suppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/premium-ready-meals) (Lifestyle) - [Festive Boosts](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/seasonal-energy-flavors) (Lifestyle) - [Tasting Ladders](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/bourbon-sampler-packs) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [Fragrant Body Care Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-fridays-body-collection1) - [Fashionable Frozen Yogurts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aritzias-aok-caf) - [Korean-Inspired Convenience Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/korean-inspired-convenience-menus) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)