The pandemic has heightened consumers’ interest in health and well-being. According to the 2021 IFIC Food and Health Survey, 58 percent of respondents stated that healthfulness had an impact on their food and beverage decisions. In the same study, when consumers were asked what nutrients they are trying to consume, protein, fiber, vitamin D, and whole grain topped the list. Not only are consumers interested in food and beverages that are good for you, they are also interested in what’s good for the planet. Consumers are looking for greater transparency and sustainability from their food and beverages.
Remi Reguero, technical director, Benexia S.A, Santiago, Chile, explains it well: “Consumers are definitely more educated in terms of foods nutritional quality, but will never quit on taste. They will request products of great taste and great nutrition.” Plus, he notes, some consumers will assume that your processes and your ingredients comply with these three principles: