Supermarket Perimeter - October 2024 - 30

Bakery: Vegan
" When choosing plant-based or vegan products, it is important to
closely read Nutrition Facts labels and ingredient lists to help with
awareness of the true nutritional value. "
Gourmet, artisan and sustainable
A consumer study conducted by CRC Research found that Gen Z
and Millennials are more likely than older generations to have dietary
restrictions, primarily vegetarian, and on average, tend to care more
about sustainability. Not only does plant-based carry a " health halo, " but
it's often perceived as a sustainability pathway toward a greener future,
making it an attractive diet among younger consumers.
La Brea Bakery is seeing more gourmet and artisan touches in vegan
baking as well - it's not just about substitution anymore. This includes
a push towards healthier vegan baked goods that are lower in sugar and
refined flour. Bakers are opting for alternatives such as coconut sugar,
maple syrup and whole-grain flours. It's also becoming more common
to see the addition of functional ingredients with specific health
benefits. This could include adaptogens such as ashwagandha and
maca, superfoods like spirulina and matcha, and probiotics, according
to Buenning.
Many consumers also view vegan products as a key component
to personal sustainability initiatives. This aligns with a broader
trend toward making more environmentally conscious and ethically
responsible consumer choices. There are several factors driving this,
including the belief that plant-based diets have a lower environmental
footprint. Vegan products are often viewed as more resource-efficient
and the representation of a health-conscious lifestyle.
Future predictions
The trajectory of plant-based goods is poised to evolve and grow,
especially as purchasing power shifts to younger generations. Gen Z
is the largest generation in history. They spend more per capita than
any other generation at the same age, and they will have the highest
spending growth of $2.7 trillion in the next few years, according to
NielsenIQ, Chicago. This power will be buoyed by a powerful trifecta
of advancements in technology, evolving consumer preferences and a
growing focus on sustainability and health.
" As consumer demand grows, these products will become more
widely available in conventional supermarkets, restaurants and fastfood
chains, " Buenning said. " Innovations in ingredient combinations
and food technology will result in a bigger variety and better tasting
plant-based foods that more closely mirror their animal-based
counterparts. And to appeal to health-conscious consumers, products
will increasingly be formulated with enhanced nutritional profiles, such
as added vitamins, minerals and protein sources and an avoidance of
artificial additives. "
Plant-based and vegan
mean different things
to different customers,
according to Rich's
and other suppliers.
30 - OCTOBER 2024
supermarketperimeter.com
Rich Products
http://www.supermarketperimeter.com
Supermarket Perimeter - October 2024

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