Better-For-You Staples

Consumers are in the mood to manage their mood. One of the ways they’re doing that is through food. 40% of consumers are interested in mood-based food experiences, with 37% looking for their snacks to aid with mood according to recent surveys (Food Dive). While the focus on functional ingredients might be new, the items they’re turning to are tried and true foods we all know. Set the mood for success by highlighting these better-for-you products.

Fish

One of the foods most associated with mood and the brain is fish – specifically the Omega -3’s found in fish like salmon, trout, albacore tuna, herring, and sardines (Healthline). They want fish, and they also want convenience. It is a big factor when making food and snack purchases today, with 51% of consumers looking for a snack that can be eaten while on the go (National Confectioners Association). That’s why tuna with flavorful fixings like Insalatissime Tuna Salads from Italy’s Rio Mare will be quite a catch. Premium Italian tuna in single-serve containers mixed with fresh, crisp sweet corn, carrots, peas, black olives, and lemon juice like in Rio Mare’s Insalatissme Corn & Tuna Salad or red beans, sweet corn, and red pepper in Mexican Tuna Salad take the stress out of meal prep. Looking for something a little hardier? Then add some cous cous and chickpeas to that tuna for Rio Mare’s Insalatissme Cous Cous & Tuna Salad.

Consumers are demanding food products that support sustainability (Food Dive). Reel them in with the finest wild caught, dolphin-safe yellowfin tuna from Tonnino. Whether they’re looking for classic flavors like Tuna Fillets Canned in Olive Oil or want to spice things up with Lemon & Pepper, or bold Spicy Thai Chili, they’ll feel extra good knowing that their tuna is sustainably sourced AND low in mercury. Better for them and the environment.

If they want the benefits of fish, but tuna isn’t their thing, then Cole’s is a fin-tastic option. They offer ready-to-eat, sustainably sourced seafood like Smoked Salmon, Applewood Smoked Petite Trout, and Wild Mackerel that taste great, offer the functional ingredients they’re seeking, and the brand is proudly eco conscious.

Tea

Tea, both herbal and regular, are a popular vehicle for a wide range of functional ingredients. That’s why tea is the perfect starting point for consumers who are new to incorporating functional ingredients into their lifestyle.

While consumers across the board are looking for functional ingredients, not everyone’s search is the same. Gen Z is looking for ingredients for mood and brain function (FoodNavigator – USA). So, teas that call attention to their soothing benefits directly in the name like Yogi Tea Relaxed Mind, a blend of helichrysum, sage, lavender, and shankhpushpi, or Yogi Tea Breathe Deep, with thyme, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and cardamom will be their cup of tea. Also teas featuring antioxidant rich honeybush found in Twinings African Honeybush Mandarin Orange Tea make beau-TEA-ful additions.

Green tea is known for its mood and brain function properties. Green tea on its own can be a little bitter for new tea drinkers. So inject some flavor excitement with the taste of the tropical fruits from Mighty Leaf Tropical Green Tea.

While Gen Z is looking for a sense of calm, Millennials are focused on foods that impact their happiness, (FoodNavigator-USA). Teas that boast about their positive-TEA like Yogi Tea Spicy Hibiscus Blossom Positive Energy, and Yogi Tea Sweet Tangerine Positive Energy are a must.

Nuts & Seeds

Since nuts and seeds can lean towards sweet or savory flavors, there are many ways to appeal to those health nuts looking for nut and seed products.

A classic snack updated for today’s latest functional ingredient trends like Mary’s Gone Crackers Super Seed Crackers is crumb-believable. Baked crackers with a blend of whole grain brown rice, quinoa, flax seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin, sunflower, and poppy seeds offer a crisp crunch. But what will really get Mary’s Gone Crackers Super Seed Classic growing on them are trending flavors like Everything and for those who want something a little bolder, Jalapeno.

Offer them the best of both worlds with nut and seed mixes with a little touch of sweet like Nassau Candy Sweet Sea Salt Sensation Mix. Those who want an extra crunch will be singing the praises of Nassau Candy’s Jazz It Up Mix. If they’re looking for vacation calm, then offer them the flavor of the tropics with Nassau Candy’s California Aloha Mix.

Oats

Along with an increased focus on functional ingredients, how consumers are snacking has changed too. 64% are opting to eat many small meals a day over major mealtimes (Bake), so make sure you have functional snacks for morning, noon, and night. A snacking ingredient that can make the snacking transition throughout the day — oats.

Since they’re looking for small bites, portability and convenience are key. We like Berg Mighty Bites.

Gluten free continues to be popular too, so gluten free breakfast biscuits like Nairn’s will go fast. Each biscuit is made with wholesome oats and other ingredients to provide a power boost, while fun flavors like Chocolate & Coconut, Blueberry & Raspberry, and Apple & Cinnamon will instantly make them a morning person.

If they’re looking for a blank canvas to pile on other functional ingredients, recommend Wasa Multigrain Crispbread.

Consumers are looking for more from their foods. Foods need to offer great flavors, and align with customers’ health goals.

We add “FUN” to your functional foods

This article and its contents is intended for marketing purposes only and not intended to imply any advice in regards to Medical Treatments, Healthy Alternatives or Any Condition Whatsoever. Any change to diet should be reviewed with a licensed medical professional.