Brands ditch sugar for plant-based sweeteners to satisfy healthy consumers
Implications - Responding to the booming health product market, brands are turning to plant-based sweeteners like stevia and xylitol to deliver products that satisfy consumer demand for low calorie choices. Costing significantly less than traditional sugar or artificial sweeteners for brands to use in products, the natural sweeteners are being used as an ecological option for health-conscious consumers to maintain preferences for sweet indulgences without guilt.
Workshop Question - What consumer desire would a sugar-free offering from McCormick fulfill? What sugar alternative best pairs with that intention?
Trend Themes
1. Plant-based Sweeteners - Brands are ditching sugar for plant-based sweeteners like stevia and xylitol, creating opportunities for natural and low calorie products.
2. Sugar-free Alternatives - Consumers seeking healthy alternatives are driving the demand for sugar-free products, creating opportunities for companies to offer new and inventive sugar-free snacks, sweets and drinks.
3. Functional Ingredients - Consumers are seeking out prebiotic and vitamin-enriched products, creating opportunities for brands to offer health-focused snacks and drinks.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Brands in the food and beverage industry can leverage the trend towards natural and functional ingredients to develop and market new, healthier products.
2. Health and Wellness - Companies in the health and wellness industry can take advantage of the demand for sugar-free products to create new and innovative products that cater to consumers' dietary needs.
3. Consumer Goods - Consumer goods companies can tap into the trend towards plant-based sweeteners and sugar-free alternatives to offer new products that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
