Prevailing trends for healthier diets

"In my experience, we are experiencing a trend towards healthier eating habits with a combination of self-care and holistic health penetrating food and drink markets like never before. There is a strong focus on ingredient sustainability, taste, texture, and appearance," said Anne Dreher, regional technical sales manager, France and Benelux, for Foodology by Univar Solutions.

"Modern shoppers seek products with transparent packaging, reduced amounts of sugar, salt, and fat, increased levels of fibre and protein, and options that are free of meat and dairy but still offer a satisfying sensory experience. Wholesome Cravings helps formulators, purchasers, marketers, and brands advance innovation for more robust consumer choices.

"Incorporating well-chosen, functional ingredients for added health benefits such as prebiotics, fibres, proteins, and sodium alternatives into bakery, dairy, and beverage products can help deliver an improved nutritional profile while promoting gut and immunity health. This healthy eating concept can help create products that will make consumers smile inside and out and reduce their risk of long-term health issues," said Dreher.

Foodology by Univar Solutions has showcased its creative concepts throughout this past year and will continue as it looks toward the global food trends of 2024.

Demonstrations featuring bakery, snacks, dairy, ready-meals, plant-based alternatives, and beverages such as no-added sugar alcohol-free mojitos and cosmopolitan cocktails will include healthy diet and nutrition focuses areas such as:

• Sugar, salt, and fat reduction
• Acrylamide reduction
• Fibre and protein enrichment
• Fresh-keeping
• Free-from
• Plant-based

"Our technical specialists are looking forward to engaging in discussions around how the food and beverage industry can continue building consumer confidence and trust by adapting their products to reflect today's wide range of lifestyle choices," said Dreher.

Foodology by Univar Solutions believes that companies will continue focusing on a sustainable food supply chain while also developing ingredients that act on food waste and loss, which helps reduce world hunger and food insecurity.

Foodology specialists continue to work closely with customers seeking healthy foods, share vital information about consumer interests, and develop formulations and recipes in their global Solution Centers to meet the constantly shifting demands of global food industry trends.

Learn about Foodology by Univar Solutions' specialty ingredients and solutions for formulating healthy nutritional products.