Foodservice

Future Food

NPD reports "better for you" to grow over next decade
CHICAGO -- In a recently released report, "A Look Into the Future of Eating," The NPD Group, a market research company, forecasts that "better for you" foods, such as organic and light or low-calorie foods and beverages, will be among the fastest growing food trends over the next decade. Restaurant meals eaten at home and appetizers eaten as in-home main meals are also expected to be among the fastest growing food trends, according to the report.

The report provides a 10-year forecast of eating trends based on generational influences, population and trend momentum gathered [image-nocss] from NPD's 30-years of tracking America's eating patterns. The report covers a broad spectrum of food and beverage categories, preparation methods, meal situations and other food-related behaviors.

Top Food Trends Expected to Grow More Important During the Next Decade
Organic, 41% Restaurant meals eaten in-home, 20% Light/lite/diet/low calorie labels, 18% Salty/savory snack foods, 16% Easy meals (e.g. fruit, snacks as meals, yogurt, bars, etc.), 16% Appetizers eaten as in-home main meals, 16% Leftovers as end dish foods, 15% Fresh as end dish foods, 4% "As the population ages, levels of concern regarding food and nutrition are expected to rise," said Ann Hanson, author of "A Look Into the Future of Eating" and director of product development at NPD. "For this reason, 'better for you' food options are forecasted to grow strongly over the next 10 years."

The report also identifies the foods that will be declining over the next q0 years. Among the foods forecasted to decline are quick-assembly lunch/dinner foods, which are dominated by sandwiches; certain breakfast foods; and side-dish breads.

"NPD has been continuously tracking eating habits in the U.S. since 1980, and now we've taken the next step and looked at what Americans will be eating in the future," said Hanson. "The study's findings have major implications for food companies in terms of long-term product and packaging innovation, distribution, and recipe development."

The NPD Group, Chicago, is a leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. It helps clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys and wireless.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Foodservice

Opportunities Abound With Limited-Time Offers

For success, complement existing menu offerings, consider product availability and trends, and more, experts say

Snacks & Candy

How Convenience Stores Can Improve Meat Snack, Jerky Sales

Innovation, creative retailers help spark growth in the snack segment

Technology/Services

C-Stores Headed in the Right Direction With Rewards Programs

Convenience operators are working to catch up to the success of loyalty programs in other industries

Trending

More from our partners