Mintel’s global analysts have predicted four food and drink trends we can expect to see this summer, with vegan barbecues at the top.
The market analysis firm has published its 2018 Summer Food & Drink Trends using its Global New Products Database (GNPD), examining new products hitting store shelves around the world, and providing latest insights into consumer behaviour.
Although barbecue selection has become more diverse with the addition of fish and cheese in recent years, vegan barbecue might not have been a consideration for a meat-eater – until now. There has been an increase in speciality vegan products, such as black bean chipotle, catering to changes in consumer tastes. A clear trend has emerged for consumers in the UK to cut, limit or reduce how much meat and poultry they are eating; 28 per cent of adults have done this over the six months to March 2017. Similarly, in the US, 33 per cent of consumers plan to buy more plant-based food products in the next year.
Melanie Zanoza Bartelme, Global Food Analyst, explained: “Vegan options are on the rise, with several UK retailers such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco and just recently Waitrose launching extensive vegan lines in their stores. Flavour-bursting new varieties of vegan alternatives made from innovative ingredients like Indian jackfruit, which due to its texture and flavour is becoming an increasingly popular meat substitute, will be the star of the vegan barbecue this summer.”
Other trends pinpointed include ice cream brands offering health benefits, such as high protein, and snacks with strong textures and flavours that can be matched with drinks.
Furthermore, when it comes to soft drinks, consumers are getting weary of old favourites like soda, cola and lemonade and are instead looking for bold flavoured sparkling water.
Jenny Zegler, Associate Director at Mintel Food & Drink, commented: “The desire for unsweetened beverage options, along with consumer demand for more exotic flavours and unusual ingredients, is driving a trend toward more and more creative sparkling waters. Recently, innovation in this space has reached new heights. This summer, expect to see less lemonade and more truly original mineral waters with natural flavours far beyond lemon or cucumber.”
