Health and wellness is a constantly evolving global megatrend. For the food and beverage industry, it has meant removing ingredients perceived as harmful to your body—such as trans fatty acids, GMOs, and added sugars—while incorporating better-for-you ingredients with functional properties like protein and probiotics.

Here are the top trends to look for in 2019:

Plant-Based – According to NDP Group, plant-based product claims experienced a compound annual growth rate of 62% worldwide from 2013 to 2017, though 86% of people buying plant-based products are meat-eaters. The reasoning behind flexitarian adoption of plant-based options is likely two-fold: the perception is that plant-based products are better-for-you as well as more sustainable than their animal-based counterparts.
For beverages, the largest plant-based category is dairy alternative milks. Coconut and almond milk have the lion’s share of the category but expect niche plant-based dairy alternative products made from ingredients like oat, chickpea, and sesame on menus and at grocery stores.

Read the full article on Prepared Foods.