Ingredients on Alert
Consumers are searching for foods that they perceive as healthier, and those that can help them address specific health concerns like obesity, high blood pressure or gut health.
Perceived as Healthier
Consumers are searching for foods that they perceive as healthier, and those that can help them address specific health concerns like obesity, high blood pressure or gut health.
Growing in Importance
Clean label is increasingly growing in importance, with 77% of consumers believing clean label is very important when purchasing baked goods. Gen Z and Millennials are particularly influential in this area.
Consumer Perceptions
A recent study that Lesaffre conducted through C+R Research found that 71% of Boomers don’t change their diet based on the latest food trends. Furthermore, Boomers are more likely than younger generations to be ambivalent toward clean labeling.
Avoiding Preservatives
While the list of ingredients commonly avoided by consumers fluctuates over time, those in search of clean-label fare typically stay away from things like partially hydrogenated oils, FD&C colors, certain preservatives, sulfites, sulfates and chemical sweeteners.
Monitoring Sugar Intake
Nicole Rees, product director for AB Mauri North America, cited sugar as an ingredient that is certainly under heavy consideration by consumers today, even overtaking fat recently as a key element for healthy eating.
Potential Impact
More than 56% of consumers in the United States have reduced baked goods in their diets due to sugar reduction and/or elimination. These results specifically for bakery show the potential impact on the industry moving forward.
Alternative Flours
This has led to a lot of experimentation, as bakers begin incorporating alternative flours made from chickpeas, soybeans and peas to create healthier items, said Kathy Sargent, director of Global Market Strategy for Corbion.
Natural Occurring Ingredients
Rather than using “apple flavor” in an apple donut, bakers should use real apple to bring that flavor to life, according to Dawn Foods, which leans into naturally occurring ingredients in many ways.
Natural Sweeteners
Consumers are turning toward more natural sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup and coconut sugar. In addition, some consumers are looking for natural ways to add nutritional value, such as using real fruit and vegetables to deliver flavor.
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