Healthy eating is in – and that means so are fruits and vegetables! With health and wellness top-of-mind, and the rapidly growing plant-based food trend, it’s no surprise that consumers are turning their attention – and grocery budgets – over to the produce aisle. In fact, according to Mintel, 80% of Americans are upping their vegetable intake in order to eat healthier. As a result, vegetables and fruits are seeing a boost across categories as consumers have been craving and seeking out the flavors of their newfound favorites. Innovating with these flavors is one way to capture the attention of health-conscious consumers and capitalize on this trend.
Thankfully, fruits and vegetables are incredibly versatile, making them well-suited for flavoring and inspiring food products in pretty much any category. Consider featuring in-season fruit inspired flavors as LTOs to build seasonal anticipation. Or, take a trending vegetable and combine it with an unexpected flavor for a truly exciting combination. The possibilities are seemingly endless, but it all starts with knowing which fruits and vegetables are on the rise in order to capture consumers’ cravings.
Very Trendy Veggies
Leafy greens are having their moment. Consumers have been seeking out leafy greens like baby kale, spinach, and chard for not only their health properties, but also their earthy flavors. From soups and salad dressing to snacks and dairy, there’s a place for leafy greens outside of the produce aisle. Think Kale & Three Bean Soup, Spinach & Matcha Rice Cakes, and Spicy Spinach Dip.
Zucchini and cauliflower have emerged as carb replacements in recent years, taking on the forms of pasta noodles, pizza crusts, and more. With all of the attention they’ve been garnering, there’s a major opportunity to feature them in new and unexpected ways. A chocolate chip zucchini cookie, for example, brings this beloved vegetable into a new format that will appeal to the health-conscious and not-so-health-conscious alike.
Focus on Fruits
Berries across the board have been trending, thanks in part to their health properties, but also their versatility. Blueberries, acai, raspberries, and more have seen substantial growth in recent years. Consider shaking things up by featuring these berries alongside other trending ingredients and flavor profiles. Think Five Spice Berry Trail Mix or Raspberry Chipotle Popovers.
Beyond berries, tropical fruits, like pineapples and coconuts are also on the rise. These fruits present numerous flavor possibilities. Capitalize on that by offering island inspired flavors that evoke tropical getaways – giving consumers a way to escape and explore from the comfort of their own homes.
We can’t forget watermelon. What was once trendy only in summer is now trendy all year long, at least when it comes to watermelon. From beverages to desserts, watermelon is beginning to pop up on restaurant menus and on the grocery store shelves. Some possibilities for watermelon? We love a good watermelon salsa. Another option? Add some extra flavor to beverages with a watermelon cayenne margarita salt.
Inspired yet? Contact us today to create your own produce inspired products.