# Sub-Tropical Sweetener Monk fruit is added to a variety of products as an all-natural sweetener. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Jul 11, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/subtropical-sweetener ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.1/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Sub-Tropical Sweetener trend? **Sub-Tropical Sweetener:** As more consumers look to lessen their refined sugar intake, brands are exploring all manner of alternative sweeteners in order to account for taste preference, with the sub-tropical melon-derived monk fruit particularly gaining popularity. This progression highlights the potential for unraveling new healthful alternatives to ingredients that previously may have seemed inseparable from various favored dishes. ## The consumer insight behind the Sub-Tropical Sweetener trend As more consumers take control of their health through diet, they increasingly turn away from processed foods, finding inspiration in functional substitutes. Offerings that embody naturality and efficacy don't add to this tension, and thus satisfy consumer desire at a more impactful level by enabling individuals to come closer to balanced indulgence. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: May 23 to Oct 25, 2019 - Published: Jul 11, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Sub-Tropical Sweetener trend ### Alternative Sweeteners As more consumers look for natural and healthier sugar substitutes, brands are exploring alternative sweeteners such as monk fruit and chicory root, offering new opportunities for healthful ingredients to be used in various dishes and products. ### Functional Snacks Consumers who take control of their health through diet increasingly turn away from processed foods, finding inspiration in functional substitutes such as monster bars packed with probiotics and essential amino acids. ### Seasonal and Health-Friendly Creamers Seasonal flavors and health-friendly ingredients such as MCT oil and monk fruit are increasingly being added to creamers as companies target consumers looking for caffeine-free, lactose-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free alternatives to their favorite drinks. ## What the Sub-Tropical Sweetener trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage With consumers becoming increasingly health-conscious, the food and beverage industry can look at new ways to offer functional, healthier substitutes that cater to different dietary requirements, such as low-sugar, gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan-friendly options. ### For Health and Wellness As more people prioritize their health and wellness, businesses can develop products that focus on gut health, disease prevention, and natural and herbal remedies, such as the use of probiotics and other supplements to support immune function and enhance mood management. ### For Consumer goods Companies can offer innovative and diverse products that cater to consumers' preference for nostalgic tastes, seasonal and festive flavors, and unique experiences that go beyond the traditional, such as sparkling matcha drinks and healthy seasonally-flavored creamers. ## Workshop question What newly prized all-natural ingredients can you incorporate into familiar recipes in order to entice the wellness-driven consumer? ## Trend signals for Sub-Tropical Sweetener Trend score 3.1 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 38%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 46% - Activity: 38% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Sub-Tropical Sweetener trend 4 featured examples from May 23 to Oct 25, 2019. - [Kid-Friendly Probiotic Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monster-bars): Norti's Monster Bars Support Gut Health with Pre- and Probiotics (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Functional snacks like Norti's Monster Bites are an innovative way for snack food companies to attract health-conscious consumers seeking convenient and nutritious options. - [Keto-Friendly Fall Creamers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seasonal-creamer): KITU Created Maple Pumpkin & Gingerbread Eggnog Seasonal Creamers (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The beverage industry can tap into the seasonal creamer trend by offering unique flavors to attract consumers and differentiate themselves from competitors. - [Orange Cream Snack Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gluten-free-snack-cake): Smart Baking Company Released a Summery Gluten-Free Snack Cake (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce new flavors and ingredients to the food and beverage industry, capturing consumers' attention and driving sales. - [Sparkling Matcha Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matcha-beverages): 'Somatcha' Delivers Crisp and Refreshing Canned Drinks (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Develop novel beverage products that offer unique taste experiences and align with growing consumer interest in health and wellness. ## 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)