Trends

Fermented foods and probiotics are on fire!  As consumers learn more about the importance of gut health and the benefits of a healthy microbiome, fermented foods and beverages with probiotics are quickly moving from a niche category to becoming a mainstream staple.

Today’s shoppers are more health-minded than ever and seek foods and beverages that support their well-being. As a result, probiotics are no longer reserved for those with gut issues or as a way to maintain regularity.

Les Dames d’Escoffier is an international philanthropic organization of women leaders in the fields of food, beverage and hospitality.  While nutrition enters their discussions, the group’s primary focus is on the multifaceted foodscape.  Their annual trend report provides an array of learnings with application to retail health and wellness as detailed here.

Just about every other industry, including grocers, are trying to identify how millennials may change traditional buying habits and ways this will affect business moving forward. We share some interesting findings worth noting from current research on this influential generation.

As the trends of plant-forward eating and protein converge, retail dietitians may face challenges in providing guidance to shoppers in light of common misperceptions about popular plant proteins like soy. Despite scientific evidence supporting the benefits of soy-based foods, many misperceptions are common. In this story are some prevalent myths followed by the facts on soy to help address consumer questions.

In today’s marketplace, data plays a critical role in helping retail dietitians guide shoppers on their health and wellness journey.  SPINS data can help make your in-store engagement more impactful by focusing on the right products and the right ingredients at the right time.

Emerging research supports the beneficial role omega-3s play in building and maintaining a healthy brain. In fact, 60% of the brain’s building material is lipid and the diet-brain health connection is growing in importance. Supermarket dietitians can play a significant role in communicating the different solutions available to help shoppers increase their consumption of omega-3s.

Shoppers are seeking to understand ethical and sustainable food production methods, reviewing ingredient lists, and becoming aware that mindful eating practices can play an important role in overall well-being. As retail dietitians guide consumers toward healthier food choices, there are multiple ways that the trend of mindfulness can be incorporated to enhance educational efforts.

Digestive “gut” health has become a topic of increasing interest to many consumers as researchers discover how diet can enhance the microbiome and our overall wellbeing. In this interview with Beth Stark, RDN, Manager of Lifestyle Initiatives at Weis Markets, she explains how her team of dietitians turned the subject of gut health into a shopper-friendly educational program that drives store wide sales.