Trend Tracking, Tasting

Beverage developer and insights provider Imbibe Inc. (www.imbibeinc.com), Niles, Ill., listed 2017’s top trends along with on-trend beverage examples.

Sustainability.  Consumers will be looking for brands and products that adopt more sustainable business practices. Some are opting to reduce waste by using compostable packaging, while others are making commitments to greener processes in their offices and manufacturing facilities. Prepare to hear about more brands that find ways to re-purpose previously discarded ingredients in 2017.
Brands you may have missed in 2016: Green Sheep Water, Uncommon Coffee Roasters, Misfit Juicery 

No Sugar Added. The recent FDA mandate requiring brands to call out added sugars on their products’ nutrition labels by July 26, 2018, is forcing brand owners to think critically about alternative ways to sweeten their products. Children’s food and beverages will continue to include claims of “% less sugar” and brands will develop more products that are not so sweet.
Brands you may have missed in 2016: Tickle Water, Truly Spiked & Sparkling 

Sugar Substitute. The dialogue regarding what constitutes added sugars versus naturally-occurring sugar will be a hot topic. Plant waters such as maple, cactus and birch may gain more market share because of their inherent sweetness.
Brands you may have missed in 2016: Treo Birch Water, Cali Water  

Plant-Based. Vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians continue to push plant-based innovation forward, highlighting the health benefits that many plant-based products offer. Jerky, cheese, burgers, and yogurt are now available in plant-based varieties, and often make a point to call out benefits like healthy fats, protein and fiber.
Brands you may have missed in 2016: Koia Protein Drinks

Clean Ingredients. More ingredient statements will include familiar and pronounceable ingredients –and fewer of them. As consumers re-discover the benefits of botanicals, which range from anti-inflammatory properties to soothing upset stomachs, more of these familiar herbs and spices will be incorporated into food and beverages.
Brands you may have missed in 2016: Rebbl Tonics, Blue Buddha

Read the full article on Prepared Foods.