Eco-Packaging, Phat Foods, and Empowering Foods makes Whole Foods Top 10 Food Trends of 2019!

November 15, 2018 by dev_team

All, Announcements, OSC News and Events

AUSTIN, Texas (Nov. 15, 2018)
Excerpt taken from: https://media.wholefoodsmarket.com/news/whole-foods-market-unveils-top-10-food-trends-for-2019

Today Whole Foods Market’s global buyers and experts revealed the most anticipated and innovative food trends for 2019 in their fourth annual trends predictions announcement. Pacific Rim flavors, eco-conscious packaging, faux meat snacks and new varieties of hemp-infused products are among the food influences expected to take off in the next year. The retailer’s seasoned trend-spotters thoughtfully compiled this report based on more than 100 years of combined experience in product sourcing, studying consumer preferences and participating in food and wellness industry exhibitions worldwide.

Highlights from Whole Foods Market’s top 10 food trend predictions for 2019:

Eco-Conscious Packaging

The number of brands making the switch to packaging with the environment in mind continues to grow at a quickening pace. Dozens of like-minded brands in the OSCCompostable Packaging Collaborative have pooled their efforts to make important advances in flexible product pouches. Some companies are making commitments to ban straws, while brands like Whole Foods Market are setting up regional pilots to test recyclable strawless, sipper lids made from PET, without increasing the plastic content of a lid/straw combination. Expect to see an emphasis on reusing, with more produce departments going “BYOVB” (bring your own vegetable bag) and traditionally single-use packages going multi-use, like multi-use (and compostable!) food wraps made from beeswax, as well as waxed canvas or silicone alternatives to the usual plastic storage bags that can be used for sandwiches and snacks. Some movements start as trends, then become necessities. This is one of them.

Try the Trend: Square Organics barsNumi Organic TeaAlter Eco chocolate barsNutivaLotus FoodsFlow Alkaline Spring WaterSeed Phytonutrients Daily Hair Cleanser and hair care lineDr. Bronner’s Pure Castile SoapLunchskins Recyclable + Sealable Paper Sandwich Bags

Purchases that Empower

Much like last year’s Transparency 2.0 trend, consumer purchasing power continues to motivate changes in the food, beverage and body care industries, as shoppers expect more from the brands and businesses they choose to support. In 2019, thoughtful consideration behind purchases moves beyond (but doesn’t exclude!) environmental stewardship and animal welfare, and becomes more people-focused. Greyston Bakery practices an open hiring model — no questions asked — to practice what they call “radical inclusion,” which includes anyone who has faced barriers to employment. Kuli Kuli produces moringa powder which is often grown and processed by women, and has provided more than $1.5 million in income to women-led farming cooperatives, nonprofits and family farmers around the world through their organic moringa supply chain. Whole Planet Foundation partners with suppliers such as Chobani, Frontier Co-op, Naked Juice, Wallaby Organic, Papyrus-Recycled Greetings and more to alleviate poverty through microcredit loans for the world’s poorest people — mostly women — who become empowered microentrepreneurs lifting themselves and their families out of poverty. Media outlets like Cherry Bombe Magazinemake it easy to find and support women-owned businesses and female chefs in your community, while inspiring discussions on how to move the industry forward together. Contributing toward social movements via purchasing goods and services with missions you believe in can make for big changes that extend far beyond the world of retail.

Try the Trend: Kuli Kuli Pure Moringa Vegetable PowderGreyston Bakery Brownies and BlondiesAlaffia Whipped Shea Butter & Coconut OilWomen’s Bean Project baking and soup mixesGround Up almond and cashew buttersWild Ophelia By Vosges Haut-Chocolat chocolate bars and chocolate coffee bitesWhole Trade produce at Whole Foods Market

Phat Fats

Fats are making a comeback, and the trendiest diets are on board. With the rising popularity of keto, paleo, grain-free and even “pegan” (paleo + vegan) diets, plus a general shifting consumer mindset, fats are starring ingredients in creative, convenient foods. Along with these phat fats, higher protein and lower-carb combos will continue to trend across simple and easy snacking categories. New integrations of fat sources — like keto-friendly nutrition bars crafted with MCT oil powder, coconut butter–filled chocolates, snacks affectionately called “fat bombs” and a new wave of ready-to-drink vegan coffee beverages inspired by butter coffees — are busting on the scene allowing consumers to get their fat fill with convenient treats. Keep your eyes and taste buds open for popcorn made with grass-fed ghee, multiple flavors of ghee that range from sweet to savory, plus new variations on traditional meaty snacks like chicken chips and thin, crisped beef jerky.

Try the Trend: Fourth & Heart Madagascar Vanilla Bean Ghee Butter made with grass-fed gheeEating Evolved Keto CupsKeto-friendly Dang BarsForager Project Organic Coconut CashewgurtLove Good Fats Plant-Based Bars4505 CracklinsWilde Chicken ChipsVital Proteins Mocha Coconut Collagen Creamer