As for overarching themes, says SRG, look out for “new and revitalized sources for daily nutrition”, as well as easier-to-use delivery formats and bolder flavors.
1. HEMP PROTEIN POWER: While much has been made of the omega-3 ALA content in hemp seeds, expect to see equal emphasis on hemp as a source of complete protein utilized in a broader range of products beyond hemp milk and protein powder, to bars, snacks, burgers, and nut butters, predicts SRG.
Examples: Evo Hemp Bars, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart Bites, Hilary’s Eat Well Hemp & Greens Burger, Yumbutter Organic Superfood Nut Butters
2. MILK, OPTIMIZED: Milk, butter, and other dairy products are getting a makeover to enhance nutrition and offer maximum digestibility and protein.
Examples: A2 Milk (made from cows producing only A2 beta-casein for claimed improved digestibilty), Fairlife Milk (ultra-filtered, high protein, zero lactose), Tava Pure Spreadable Butter (flavored ghee)
3. SPRINKL-EASE: New fruit, vegetable, and vitamin powders allow consumers that aren’t fans of popping pills to sprinkle their nutrition onto staple foods.
Examples: Kickers Powdered Food Blends, Super Sprout vegetable and fruit powders, Doctor Rach’s Kidz Sprinkles multivitamin powder
4. TURNING UP TURMERIC: Look out for new teas, beverages, and convenience staples such as rice featuring turmeric this year.
Examples: Numi Organic Tea Turmeric Teas, Dahlicious Lassi Organic Golden Turmeric flavor, Healthee Organic Turmeric Brown Rice
5. ADAPTO-WHAT? Expect to see more herbs, mushrooms, and roots (ginseng, ashwagandha, eleuthero, Peruvian maca root, and reishi and chaga mushrooms) claiming benefits such as mental clarity, stamina, sustained energy, and immune support based on Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda.
Examples: Four Sigma Foods mushroom hot chocolate mixes, Rebbl Superherb Elixirs and Tonics, Navitas Naturals Superfood + Maca Maple Cashews
6. NUTS INTO GRAIN: Look out for more grainless English muffins, breads, and baking mixes made from almond and coconut flours to please gluten-free and paleo enthusiasts.
Examples: Simple Mills Almond Flour Mixes, Mikey’s Muffins English Muffins, Jackalope Good Food Company Baking Mix and Bread
7. PASS THE (DAIRY-FREE) CHEESE PLATTER: Expect more artisan dairy-free ‘cheese’ made from cashews and other nuts (‘cultured nut products’).
Examples: Miyoko’s Kitchen, Treeline Treenut Cheese, Kite Hill
8. DEGRADE THIS! Expect to see more sustainable packaging…
Examples: Loliware Biodegr (edible) Cups, OneCoffee Organic Single Serve Coffee Pods, Back to the Roots Stoneground Flakes cereal carton
9. POP GOES THE (GLOBAL) FLAVOR: Look for more bold, in-your-face global flavors in shelf-stable snacks, frozen meals, and fresh prepared soups.
Examples: World Peas Snacks, TaDah! Foods Falafel Poppers, Nona Lim Broths.
Colorado-based Sterling Rice Group is a branding, innovation and strategy consultancy that works with leading CPG players, chefs, restaurateurs, and food influencers to gather trend information.
For more details on each trend, click HERE.
Click HERE to read what SRG's culinary director Kara Nielsen and others think we might be eating in 2050.