Let’s dive into dairy trends! The dairy industry has been witnessing a transformation recently, as consumers’ demands and expectations for dairy products continue to evolve. While diet trends had many consumers avoiding or severely limiting dairy not so long ago, they are now embracing new dairy products as prime opportunities to support their health and wellness goals. Not only that, but they’re also embracing new and different flavor possibilities for dairy, as they continue to use food as a means of expanding their horizons.
Which flavor and functional ingredient trends are coming into focus in the dairy category? Keep reading as our experts highlight prolific and emerging dairy trends, offering their insights into how brands can innovate with them to get ahead of the curve.
Experiment with Flavor
For a long time, the dairy category experienced little flavor innovation relative to other categories. Now, however, consumers’ adventurousness is spilling over to the dairy category, and new flavor innovation is becoming the norm. The dairy category happens to be ideal for innovating with many of the most influential flavor trends right now, making it perfectly poised for appealing to consumers’ cravings.
Sophisticated flavors have been in demand with consumers who are looking for little ways to elevate their everyday eating experiences. Brands should consider bringing these flavors to cheese, yogurt, ice cream, cream cheese, and more. Think a roasted garlic & caramelized onion cream cheese spread, a truffle & herb flavored cheese rub, or a rose flavored ice cream.
Hot and spicy flavors are also huge right now – and they’re beginning to make their way into the dairy category. The creaminess of dairy offers a perfect balance for extra hot and spicy flavors, paving the way for innovative dairy products that deliver on heat. Think hot honey shredded cheese, spiced berry ice cream, or spicy serrano pepper cream cheese spread.
Focus on Function
Consumers have been turning to all sorts of food and beverage products to support their wellbeing. Increasing their protein intake has been among consumers’ top priorities recently, and dairy
products that offer added protein are in demand as a result. From ice cream and cottage cheese to yogurt and beverages, dairy products that put emphasis on their protein content have been popping up everywhere.
Yogurt products have been particularly popular lately, not only for their protein content, but also for their potential for supporting the digestive system. Gut health remains among consumers’ biggest health and wellness concerns, giving rise to a wave of prebiotic and probiotic products. Kefir, skyr, and Greek yogurt have all seen a boost as a result.
Consumers’ other wellness concerns go beyond what’s within, as they look for products that can improve their appearance through healthy skin, hair, and nails. This has given rise to demand for dairy products with added collagen.
Dairy brands should pay close attention to trending functional benefits and consider innovating around the ingredients that can offer them. Read more about functional ingredient trends here.
Embrace Plant-Based Possibilities
Recognizing the role that plants play in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, consumers have been seeking out plant-based alternatives to popular dairy products. Concerns around environmental issues have only fueled this trend further, as consumers have become more aware of plant-based products as more sustainable options compared to animal-based products.
Consumers’ preferences around plant-based products have continued to evolve, moving away from soy and almond-based options, which once dominated the market. Now, macadamia, pistachio, and cashew-based dairy alternatives are on the rise. Brands should focus on these emerging nut-based dairy alternatives when innovating.
Ready to take your dairy products to a whole new level? Contact us today to collaborate on consumers’ next obsession.