Striking the right balance between indulgence and better-for-you is important in winning over the consumer. The pandemic has heightened consumers’ interest in health and well-being.
Laura Gerhard, global ingredients division vice president, Blue Diamond Growers, Sacramento, CA, notes a growing preference with clean label and natural foods. “According to Innova Market Insights, 60 percent of consumers prefer products that are described as having no artificial ingredients or no preservatives. The growing preference for a clean label is one of the most influential trends shaping snack and bakery product development today. According to data from the International Food Information Council, 60 percent of consumers say they purchase clean-label foods and beverages, and 40 percent of consumers consider themselves to be ‘clean eaters.’”