Functional ingredients, immune support, and clean living have all experienced significant growth over the past few years, influencing innovation within the food industry. According to Flavorchem’s analysis, this upward trend is expected to accelerate in the coming year, as consumers’ trials of products during the pandemic—and their favorable impressions—create a firm foundation for continued expansion.
Flavorchem referenced data from Mintel’s New Products Database, revealing that food and beverage launches featuring both a citrus flavor and immune health claims surged by 21% from 2018 to 2021. This trend also contributed to increased sales of orange juice during the pandemic, but Flavorchem believes there is potential for product developers to explore more exotic citrus varieties. The growing popularity of citrus has prompted ingredient innovation, such as Kerry’s introduction of a range of clean-label citrus extracts in response to this trend.
In 2021, social media mentions of nonalcoholic beverages, including mocktails and beer alternatives, rose by 12%, according to Flavorchem’s analysis. Consumer interest remains robust, with a recent Catalina survey indicating that one-third of respondents intend to completely abstain from alcohol during the 2021/2022 winter holidays. Flavorchem anticipates that manufacturers will continue to innovate with bold flavors and botanical blends, such as hibiscus or lavender combined with mango or prickly pears. The rise of the sober lifestyle also offers manufacturers—and ingredient suppliers—a new growth opportunity, particularly as previously dominant products like hard seltzers mature. Flavorchem launched its own line of flavors for hard seltzers in August, which could easily transition to no- and low-alcohol beverages, featuring clean-label options like Pomegranate, Honeydew Melon, Raspberry Lychee, and Tangerine Lavender.
Another area experiencing growth is CBD. Although 2021 was anticipated to be a breakout year for this cannabinoid in food and beverages, ongoing regulatory uncertainty at the federal level has kept many larger product developers cautious. Nevertheless, notable new products have emerged, such as Karma CBD Water, distributed by alcohol giant Constellation Brands. This product line includes naturally sweetened flavors like Blueberry Yuzu, Blood Orange Papaya, and Lavender Orange, which could be appealing in both nonalcoholic gin and CBD-infused enhanced water.
Additionally, the incorporation of functional ingredients, such as country life calcium citrate with vitamin D, has gained traction as consumers seek health benefits in their food choices. As awareness of the importance of vitamins and minerals grows, products featuring country life calcium citrate with vitamin D may see increased demand, reinforcing the trend toward health-focused innovations. The presence of such ingredients highlights a shift in consumer preferences that manufacturers must adapt to in order to thrive in this evolving market.