Rice-based alternatives replace traditional food and beverage products
Trend - In the "alternative ingredient" market within the food industry, rice-based products are growing in popularity. Used as alternatives for everything from meat to dairy, these products cater to individuals on restricted diets.
Insight - With an abundance of new and trendy "alternative" ingredients in dairy and meat industries, some consumers prefer to turn to more familiar offerings when it comes to their diets. Dietary restrictions for personal or health reasons once came with consumers' being limited in what they could consume, but now the opposite is true. With the many options consumers now have within this space, a segment is turning to familiarity rather than novelty when making purchase decisions.
Insight - With an abundance of new and trendy "alternative" ingredients in dairy and meat industries, some consumers prefer to turn to more familiar offerings when it comes to their diets. Dietary restrictions for personal or health reasons once came with consumers' being limited in what they could consume, but now the opposite is true. With the many options consumers now have within this space, a segment is turning to familiarity rather than novelty when making purchase decisions.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create more familiarity between its product/service and its customer?
Trend Themes
1. Rice-based Alternatives - The alternative ingredient market is now utilizing rice-based products for everything from meat to dairy.
2. Plant-based Alternatives - Consumer demands are shifting towards plant-based alternatives, prompting meat and dairy industries to pivot towards these products.
3. Non-novelty Alternatives - Consumers are turning towards traditional alternatives instead of the new and trendy alternative ingredients.
Industry Implications
1. Food Industry - Food manufacturing companies can create more alternatives that cater to the dietary restrictions of people.
2. Non-dairy Products - Companies that create non-dairy products can explore rice-based alternatives instead of limited ingredients like nuts and soy.
3. Health Foods - Businesses producing health foods can explore how incorporating rice-based products can enhance taste and texture while utilizing the ingredient's nutritional benefits.
