Millennials and Gen Zers have super high expectations for their food these days – it needs to taste amazing, it needs to tell a story or provide some sort of experience, and it has to look good on Instagram. The rise of social media has led to a rise in visually appealing foods, perfect for sharing online. What makes a food or beverage share-worthy? Bright and unexpected colors are perhaps among the top factors that elevate an item to share-worthy status. Trend conscious consumers will seek out these items for the next “viral” social media sharing opportunity. Not only does vibrant color make for these social media sharing opportunities, but it also stands out on grocery store shelves and restaurant menus. As consumers continue to seek out what’s new and what’s next, including brightly colored products in your lineup is a great way to get their attention.
Bright colors have long been featured in bakery, confections, and desserts, but now, they’re making their way into beverages, snacks, condiments, and more. Certain trendy, brightly colored ingredients like turmeric and matcha – both of which have been touted for potential health and wellness benefits – have seen massive growth in recent years. Turmeric and matcha provide an easy way to deliver bold color without adding loads of artificial color. Not only do they grab consumers’ attention with their bright colors, but their potential benefits and on-trend flavor profiles make them a triple threat. Consider pairing them with other trending ingredients for a vibrant seasoning that will grab consumers attention and keep them coming back for more. Think Turmeric Ginger or Honey Matcha. Best of all? These ingredients and flavor profiles work for a variety of applications, bringing vibrant colors to everything from snacks to dairy.
Another way to grab consumers’ attention with color? Go for something truly unexpected. Charcoal as an ingredient, for example, was trending several years ago because of the unusual appearance it lends to foods and beverages. From ice cream and coffee to bagels and burgers, charcoal was seemingly everywhere. Defy consumers expectations – and delight them in the process – by offering surprising colors for foods and beverages. There are numerous options for providing unexpected colors, suitable for a variety of applications. Colors like pink and purple have long been reserved for confections and bakery, but consider featuring them in snacks or dairy where consumers wouldn’t expect to normally see them.
When it comes to social media sharing trends for foods and beverages, among the most notable is the rise of “unicorn” items. Featuring sweet flavors and bright shades of purple, blue and pink, these items have captured the attention and imaginations of Millennials and Gen Zers around the world. “Rainbow” and “sunset” items, too, have gained traction for their vibrant appearances. Trend-setting and mainstream brands alike can capitalize on this trend by featuring whimsical and fun colors in their product line-ups.
Need help delivering eye-catching color and bold flavor to your products? Contact us to see how Fuchs can help you make something special.