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Nothing brings on warm and cozy feelings quite like a piping hot cup of tea. Maybe that’s why grocery sales of premium tea bags grew an unprecedented 18 +% in 2020 (Tea & Coffee Trade Journal). But don’t think their mugs are filled only with basic black. It’s anything but. They’re playing with premium blends and ingredients that support health and wellness.

Don’t be “chai.” Pour a cup and read on for the “it” tea trends that are TEA-riffic for your hot beverage selection.

There’s no denying that Covid has changed how and what food consumers purchase. According to Food manufacturing, 72% of consumers are shopping less often during COVID-19, opting for stocking up. There’s also a move towards online food shopping, with 78.7% of US shoppers purchasing their groceries online, according to Supermarket News. Regardless of how they’re purchasing, online or in stores, and how frequent, we’re seeing two types of consumers emerging — those craving comfort and those drawn towards food’s health benefits.

Knowing and understanding these shifts in cravings can help you to better determine what products to stock and promote. Let’s dive into the types of cravings and what foods consumers desire right now.

Each year, new foods or ingredients, emerge as the “it” healthy items that everyone is rushing to add to their cart. Based on a survey of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN), Trade magazine Today’s Dietitian and health and wellness communications firm Pollock Communications identified this year’s top 10 most popular superfoods.

An interesting item revealed — RDNs observed that healthy labels were eclipsing taste in their patients’ food decisions. The takeaway — communicating the health benefits of certain ingredients is more important than ever.

You’ll see that the majority of these foods listed are items you already have on the shelves. Make sure those healthy labels are presented where they are highly visible by creating your own superfoods logo and “shelf talker” sign describing health benefits. To reinforce the signage throughout the store, post the list of this year’s “superfoods” at the front of your store so customers have a starting point for their hunt.