Plant-based sugar alternatives take over mass-marketed and small products
Implications - The battle with sugar reaches back to the 80s with restriction, and has moved into current day as an opportunity for added nutrients. This is what fuels the wave of plant-based sweeteners observed in mass-marketed and smaller-scale products alike. Naturalism is seen as an added plus in today's health-driven society, which adds value to sugar alternatives and positions them as more than replacements.
Workshop Question - What emerging aspects of health and wellness could be reformatted for your industry?
Trend Themes
1. Plant-based Sweeteners - Plant-based sweeteners have become popular alternatives to traditional sugar due to their health benefits and positioning as more natural.
2. Functional Beverages - The demand for functional beverages has given rise to holistic product lines that prioritize natural ingredients and health benefits.
3. Fruit-stevia Blends - MonkSweet-style blends of stevia and fruit extracts present a palatable alternative to traditional sugar and high fructose corn syrup.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage Manufacturing - Manufacturers can leverage the trend of plant-based sweeteners and functional beverages to develop new products that cater to health-conscious consumers.
2. Natural Products and Organic Industry - The organic industry can invest in and develop more natural sweeteners and functional beverages as a response to consumer demand for healthier alternatives.
3. Alternative Beverages - Emerging alternative water products that are plant-based and entirely sourced from nature are tapping into the thirst for citrusy sugarcane drinks and fruity hydration drinks.
