growing demand for natural, more sustainable ingredients and make the transition as simple, seamless – and imperceptible – as possible for manufacturers and consumers alike.”
Consumer trends and market insight A new report from Innova Market Insights reveals that, aside from basic needs, European consumers spend the most on health and wellbeing. This focus has driven attention towards three key areas: clean labels, healthy indulgent snacks, and plant-based products. are equating ‘health,’ with natural. Almonds, as a naturally whole food, tick many of the boxes that consumers associate with natural ingredients and support manufacturers in developing products that meet these growing consumer demands.
The three key natural health trends in 2024 and how almonds deliver: Clean Label - European consumers are actively seeking products with clean labels and natural ingredients. In fact: • More than half (55%) believe that selecting natural foods is the optimal approach to maintaining a healthy diet.
• 57% of European consumers report being very conscious of ingredients that may be harmful to their health.
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ingredients in their diet.
• Consumers also said that the top four attributes which make a snack healthy are all-natural attributes (no additives/preservatives, unprocessed, natural ingredients/clean label).
Not only are consumers ingredients, they are also actively prioritising natural ingredients European consumers believe that healthy balanced diet. For food manufacturers looking to rethink products using natural almonds can provide a solution. “We’re seeing a clear shift in consumer preferences towards natural, recognisable ingredients that provide inherent health of California. “Shoppers are scrutinising additives in favour of wholesome, plant-based food and drinks. With their pure and simple
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makeup of healthy fats, plant-based protein, manufacturers deliver the natural, healthy products consumers are demanding.”
Healthy indulgent snacks - While consumers seek healthier options, they’re not willing to compromise on indulgence. Thirty-two percent of European consumers believe that using natural ingredients is the best way to make indulgent food and beverage categories healthier.
Almonds are a versatile solution for manufacturers looking to develop healthier indulgent snacks as they are naturally clean label and bring a health halo to products without compromising on taste and texture.
ingredients in these items.
Almonds play a crucial role in plant-based innovation. According to Innova Market Insights, almond protein is on the watch list for emerging plant-based proteins, with plant- based launches containing almond protein having grown by 30% in Western Europe over the past four years. Almonds’ protein content (over 20g protein per 100g) and versatility make them ideal for plant-based innovation. Almonds offer a pure, unadulterated source of plant-based protein that aligns perfectly with consumer demands for clean, minimally processed ingredients. living continues to rise, Innova research shows that consumers still prioritise their health. They are looking for natural, plant-based indulgences that are good for them. Almonds are a great solution, helping product developers create versatile, nutrient-dense foods, rich in taste and texture that meets consumer needs.”
natural ingredients with the need for product consistency and shelf life is a complex yet critical task. It requires an integrated approach that blends in-depth formulation expertise, cutting- edge processing technology and innovative packaging solutions.
For example, Almonds are the number one ingredient choice for chocolate inclusions globally, with consumers believing they make chocolate more nutritious (86%) and healthier (81%). Moreover, almond butter and other almond-based ingredients can add a luxurious richness and creamy texture to snacks, making them more satisfying and indulgent while appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Plant-based products - The concept of “natural” also applies to plant-based products, with 31% of European consumers wanting
“We invest heavily in advanced processing technologies,” Silvia adds. “These technologies processes, ensuring that each batch of product maintains a high level of quality and consistency. This technological edge is crucial for achieving the delicate balance between natural ingredient integration and the longevity of products on store shelves. State-of-the-art packaging techniques can further extend the shelf life of products and ensure that naturally-sourced products remain safe, aesthetically-appealing and – most importantly – tantalisingly tasty over time.”
Kennedy’s Confection August/September 2024
KennedysConfection.com
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