Now the preference for natural, simple and flexible diets is leading consumers to seek more fruits, vegetables, grains and other plant-based ingredients within the products that they purchase.
This trend is evident in the sweet bakery category with vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, beetroot and sweet potato already being widely used -providing both flavour and added texture.
For 2020, the mega-grocer makes predictions including an increase in regenerative agriculture (a type of farming that restores degraded soil), West African foods, plant-based meat products, less sugar, no-alcohol alternatives beverages and organic options for kids.
For those on the no sugar bandwagon, 2020 will see plenty of sweet alternatives to use for cooking, baking or even to stir into your tea. Syrup reductions from fruit like monk fruit, stevia, pomegranates, coconuts and dates will be great for concentrated sweetness, while those in the know will switch out honey or maple syrup for syrups made from sorghum or sweet potato.
Consumers evolving perceptions of macronutrients will play a big role in shaping health and wellness trends. Purchasing decisions will continue to be influenced by low- or no-sugar claims, along with low-fat, high-fiber and high-protein.
You don’t need a sweet tooth to enjoy a cake nowadays. In today’s sugar-conscious era, savoury cakes are gaining ground.
Admittedly, they aren’t an entirely new concept. Sugar has been declining for several years, but we’ve started to see value creep back into the market recently. We can see some shoppers switching from what you might call standard white sugar into the more specialist, baking associated segments like brown and golden sugar this year.
That’s partly due to the more natural cues of brown and golden sugars, but they also add a different, often more premium flavour or colour to a bake.
People with diabetes must take special care to avoid blood sugar spikes. Controlling blood sugar is important for avoiding the more severe complications of diabetes, including nerve damage and cardiovascular disease. Choosing alternative sweeteners is one way of maintaining sweetness in food and drink.
Blends offer sweetening ingredients that can be used in different diets. In the Low Sugar category, we have Stevia, Erythritol, Aspartame, Sucralose, Sccharin, which can be applied to food and drink.
(Source: Whole Foods; Food Ingredients First; The Grocer)