Pasta incorporating health-conscious ingredients appeals to the halfway healthy
Implications - Indulgent pasta dishes are being upleveled with nutritious ingredients to satisfy the cravings of the modern “halfway healthy” consumer. Infusing noodles with good-for-you benefits such as protein or an extra boost of greens, appeals to the consumer who is trying to make healthier choices but isn’t ready to give up on all their favorite foods. This notes a shift away from extremely health-oriented foods to a much more accessible mode of wellness.
Workshop Question - While not all trends appeal to all consumers, how can you target the consumer who seeks self-improvement but isn't ready to fully commit?
Trend Themes
1. Nutritious Pasta Substitutes - Pasta dishes are being upleveled with nutritious ingredients to satisfy the cravings of the modern “halfway healthy” consumer.
2. Innovative Pasta Ingredients - The addition of unlikely ingredients such as green tea extract, spirulina, and crickets to traditional pasta dishes adds an unexpected element for a new eating experience.
3. Weight Loss Food Options - Products like Konjac Skinny Noodles are tailored for weight loss to provide a meal that is tasty without supplying eaters with all the various ingredients they may be trying to avoid.
Industry Implications
1. Healthy Eating - Food manufacturers can capitalize on growing interest in healthier options by developing nutritious pasta alternatives and incorporating innovative ingredients.
2. Sustainable Food Sources - Incorporating crickets into pasta products offers an opportunity to showcase the sustainability of insects as a source of protein and foster greater acceptance of them as food sources.
3. Weight Loss Industry - Producing food tailored for weight loss can provide a market for consumers looking to shed pounds or stay on top of a healthy lifestyle.
