Receta Five Big Food Trends of 2015
I’ve already done a compilation of 2015 food trend predictions. Now I’m pulling insights from dunnhumby, a customer science company that claims to use a unique methodology to predict the big trends of 2015 — taking the best of food and culinary trends uncovered through research, online recipes, restaurant menus, industry journals, the news, purchasing behavior and talking to consumers. They describe 2015 as the year of living thoughtfully. The how of the product — how it’s produced, packaged, and raised will play an increasingly prominent role in how consumers shop and choose products. Here’s a look at their five big trends:
Natural Sweeteners
Maple syrup by Chiot’s Run on flickr
Natural sweeteners were defined as items containing real and not artificial sugar, including what dunnhumby describes as natural sugar options, like monk fruit, stevia, coconut sugar and agave. Of course, there’s a big difference in these various sweeteners. Coconut sugar and maple syrup were two sweeteners appearing on other trend lists.
Responsibly Produced
Baby carrots by ilovebutter on flickr
Fair Trade Certified. Free range. Grass-fed. Certified organic. More recycling. Sustainable packaging. The responsibly produced definition refers to items that contain claims that get to the sustainability of the production process or a more natural production process. Today, it’s all about good for me, good for society, good for the environment.
Fermented Foods
Sauerkraut and pickles by di.wineanddine on flickr
Most trend lists have called out the popularity of fermented foods. That’s a no brainer. We’re going to see more interest in fermented products like kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles and tempeh.
Small Batch Goods
Marmalade by Sarah Gilbert on flickr
The small batch trend (handmade or artisan) is seen as providing a more natural experience, allowing consumers to be more proactive about their health and is viewed as having higher quality ingredients. One consumer quote: “Reminds me of when people used to buy fresh goods from vendors in a town square. You knew where your food came from.”
Religious Standards
Halal takeaway in Times Square by Andrew Middleton on flickr
The trend refers to products, especially meat, that are prepared in line with religious standards, specifically halal. Maybe that’s why the Halal Guys are expanding so rapidly in New York. With products prepared in line with religious standards, specially halal, word of mouth was the most important way of learning about the trend, with 40% of consumers discovering the products through conversations with others.