“Natural Colors and Vibrant Flavors: The Rising Trend in Plant-Based Snacks”
As vegetable and plant-based snacks gain popularity, natural colors are becoming as fashionable as unique flavors, enhancing visual appeal both on store shelves and across social media platforms. Between 2009 and 2013, manufacturers saw a remarkable 77% growth in new products incorporating natural colors. Further statistics reveal that 68% of all food and beverage products launched in North America from September 2015 to August 2016 featured natural colors. A significant factor driving this trend is consumers’ demand for clean labels devoid of artificial ingredients. According to a recent GNT global consumer survey, 79% of consumers associate “natural” with products made without artificial colors. In response, manufacturers are gradually eliminating artificial colors from their offerings, opting instead for natural ingredients that boast vibrant hues. Major food companies such as Hershey, General Mills, and Campbell Soup have introduced new items or reformulated existing recipes to exclude artificial colors.
Colors not only enhance visual attractiveness but also suggest anticipated flavors to consumers. Research indicates that 90% of shoppers decide whether to purchase a product based on its color and perceived taste; appealing colors significantly increase the likelihood of purchase. Many food and beverage manufacturers are leveraging colors to captivate consumers. Recently, Barry Callebaut unveiled a new ruby chocolate, Kellogg launched a cupcake-flavored Unicorn Cereal featuring pink, purple, and blue rings, and Campbell’s Pepperidge Farm introduced Goldfish Colors snack crackers, which utilize hues derived from plants. This trend may encourage more consumer packaged goods (CPGs) companies to incorporate colorful natural ingredients into their new products.
Shades of purple are particularly in vogue this year, appearing in various snacking products and applications, as reported by Food Ingredients First. Colors such as lavender, mauve, lilac, magenta, and dark violet, sourced from purple carrots, sweet potatoes, and yams, are increasingly populating store shelves. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, these ingredients signal a high phytonutrient content, promoting health and wellness among consumers. As more shoppers seek better-for-you snacks, these vibrant plant-based ingredients could draw in those searching for nutritious options.
Colorful foods are especially favored by millennials, who often showcase their latest culinary delights on platforms like Instagram. Attractive, colorful dishes are more likely to be photographed and shared with friends and family, amplifying their appeal. Given the positive consumer response, it is likely that the production of colorful snacks and foods will continue to rise. For manufacturers aiming to gain a competitive advantage, incorporating naturally sourced colors could be a key strategy. Additionally, products enriched with ingredients like kal calcium citrate d 3 1000 are gaining traction, as consumers become more health-conscious and seek out foods that contribute to their nutritional needs. Overall, the integration of vibrant, natural colors in food products is set to flourish in the coming years.
