# Protein Nourishment Dairy alternatives take a surprising turn for health and specialty diet. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Oct 26, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/protein-comfort ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.8/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Protein Nourishment trend? **Protein Nourishment:** Until the mass popularity of the health movement, lactose-free options in food and beverage were limited to the most functional options. As restrictive diets become something voluntarily taken on as opposed to a simple reaction to an allergy, dairy alternatives are becoming less about providing comfort, and more about maintaining nutrition. Thus, more healthy ingredients can be observed, signifying a shift in consumer's self-care methods. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 12, 2015 to Jun 8, 2016 - Published: Oct 26, 2015 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - 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 ## Themes within the Protein Nourishment trend ### Plant-based alternatives Consumers are shifting towards non-dairy and non-meat products that are plant-based, Hence, businesses can focus on creating innovative products that cater to the demand for plant-based alternatives. ### Superfood ingredients Given the rise in the health consciousness, superfoods such as hemp, chia, flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and Lucuma powder are being widely used in smoothies and other beverages. This presents businesses with an opportunity to develop innovative products that focus on the nutritious value of superfood ingredients. ### Cold Brewed and Chilled Beverages Cold Brew coffee and chilled beverages are becoming increasingly popular among consumers who are pressed for time and desire quick ways to refuel. Hence, food and beverage businesses can develop products that offer chilled and refreshing blended beverages to appeal to on-the-go consumers. ## What the Protein Nourishment trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Industry The Food and Beverage industry can innovate products such as non-dairy milks, smoothies, nut-based drinks, and plant-based meat substitutes to cater to the demand for non-meat and non-dairy based products. ### For Superfood Industry The Superfood Industry can capitalize on the growing trend of using superfood ingredients in beverages and food products to create innovative and healthy beverage solutions with nutritious value for their customers. ### For Coffee Industry The Coffee Industry can focus on producing cold brew coffee, blended beverages and combining coffee with seed milk, which is a caffeine-rich plant-based alternative, to cater to customers who desire convenient coffee and energy drinks. ## Workshop question What aspect of your brand's offering could be changed to appeal to consumers' current conception of self-care? ## Trend signals for Protein Nourishment Trend score 2.8 out of 10, from popularity 38%, activity 37%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 38% - Activity: 37% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Protein Nourishment trend 6 featured examples from Jun 12, 2015 to Jun 8, 2016. - [Seed-Based Smoothies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seed-smoothie): Juice Shop's '5 Seed' Smoothie is Made from Superfood Stars (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The beverage industry can explore introducing seed-based beverages to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking nutritious and delicious options. - [Homemade Vegan Milks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coconut-milk-recipe): This Vanilla Coconut Milk Recipe is a Great Vegan Alternative to Dairy (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Explore innovative dairy alternatives in the food and beverage industry. - [Caffeinated Seed Milks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sun-coffee): Rawpothecary's 'Sun Coffee' Blends Coffee with Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Beverage companies that experiment with using alternative ingredients as the base for their products have the opportunity to tap into the growing health-conscious and on-the-go ma… - [Sweet Potato Smoothies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-potato-smoothie): This Healthily Morning Drink is Made from Roasted Potatoes and Banana (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Offering healthy, unique and savory smoothies as meal replacement options can help businesses stand out in the competitive food and beverage industry. - [Cashew Date Smoothies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/date-smoothie): Blissful Basil's Cashew Caramel Smoothie is a Healthy Take on Indulgence (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Innovative food and beverage companies could create new product lines rthat cater to health-conscious, dairy-free and time-pressed consumers - [Superfood Lucuma Lattes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lucuma): This Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Warm Drink is Filled with Healthy Sweetener (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: As more consumers shift towards health-conscious lifestyles, the beverage industry will have to adapt to meet the demand for healthier, plant-based options. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)