Unlocking the future of nutrition: FrieslandCampina Ingredients unveils 5 key trends for 2023

Discover the latest research in FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ new consumer trends magazine for 2023

This year, FrieslandCampina Ingredients believes brands that focus of building credibility and truly helping consumers get the most out of life, at every stage, will stand out from the crowd.

The five key trends shaping consumer habits in the specialised adult nutrition sector are:

1. Building trust for planet-first nutrition – The health of the planet has cemented itself as the top consumer priority. And while this looks set to continue for the foreseeable, consumers are becoming increasingly sceptical – 38% do not trust companies to be honest about their environmental impact.[i] However, 83% of consumers are more likely to trust sustainability claims that are verified by a third party.[ii] Working together as a cohesive industry to lower our impact on the environment will help companies big and small meet their sustainability targets and bolster trust among consumers at the same time.
2. Resilience and the power of positive nutrition – As the world adjusts to post-COVID life and the global cost of living crisis, consumers are feeling stressed, and are increasingly seeking out a sense of balance to build resilience. To do this, many are turning to positive nutrition – or focusing on adding beneficial foods, drinks and supplements to their diets, rather than removing less nutritious foods. As a result, consumers are looking for solutions that offer healthy indulgence – and fortified and nutritious desserts, drinks and snacks that satisfy both body and mind will be high on the consumer agenda in 2023.
3. Alternative proteins find their own feet – As plant-based becomes more mainstream, consumers increasingly expect high-quality, highly nutritional products that go beyond recreating animal-based applications. Emerging technologies, such as precision fermentation, are opening up new opportunities in 2023 for brands – but mastering taste and texture remains paramount. In 2023 and beyond, FrieslandCampina Ingredients believes that the protein market will continue to evolve; combining animal, plant-based and novel proteins to keep up with consumer lifestyle choices and to feed a growing population.
4. Going for gut health – In an era defined by uncertainty, it’s no surprise that consumers are turning their focus inwards and prioritising overall well-being. With rising consumer awareness of the gut microbiome’s role in supporting improved mental health, stress and sleep, brands can attract consumer attention by creating accessible self-care moments. And thanks to ingredient innovations in the space, unique and trending formats can be created, such as teas, shots and fortified gummies using good-for-gut ingredients such as prebiotics.
5. The era of active ageing – Out planet is now home to 8 billion people, including a growing number of older individuals. As healthcare evolves, global emphasis is shifting from ‘healthy’ to ‘active’ ageing, with older adults focused on getting the most out of life. This offers a wealth of opportunities for brands to create solutions targeting emerging markets like Japan and South Korea with products that support long-term strength, balance and mobility.

Learn more about these trends and how you can tap into them – download the magazine now!