Top Five Food Trends for 2021

According to the US Department of Agriculture, 21,435 new food products are released every year onto the marketplace. Of course most are variations of existing products. However with the rise of CBD products and with the unstoppable rise of plant-based foods, we are also introduced to brand new, exciting categories of food on a daily basis. So here are the top five food trends and categories predicted to be leading the way in 2021. 

1. The Meal Kit Will Still Be Winning

According to a June 2020 report by Grand View Research, the meal kit delivery service market could reach nearly $20 billion by 2027. That’s a compound annual growth rate of almost 13%. Blue Apron and Hello Fresh reported great increases in sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has given the whole sector traction. As the industry continues to build momentum, those wishing to enter the sector will have to innovate to get a piece of the home delivered pie. 

2. Plant Food

Plant-based foods will continue to be in demand in 2021. A 2020 report by BIS research estimated that the plant-based market will reach $480.43 billion by 2024, with a projected CAGR of 13.82% from 2019 to 2024. At the start of 2020 Nestlé reported that 87% of Americans are now including plant-based protein in their diet. As vegan and vegetarian products continue to become more mainstream, plant-based meat alternatives will continue to rise in popularity throughout the year.

3. Pea Milk

Pea milk will be another leading food trend in 2021. As a diary alternative that is much healthier than soy, almond and cow's milk, pea milk will continue to see an increase in demand. Its small environmental footprint is another reason why pea milk will become the consumer’s milk of choice. 

4. Digestive Wellness

Digestive health and digestive wellness will be a leading trend in 2021. The increase in demand for gut-healthy foods will be a direct response to the knowledge that a healthy gut is the foundation of overall health. New strains of probiotics such as Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 and Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 will be leading the way. Moreover, those food products that can work to reduce feelings of gas and bloating will see growth. This could include “free-from” foods for those consumers looking to avoid gluten, lactose, or dairy.

5. Keto

The demand for keto food products will be on the rise in 2021. The keto diet consists of eating very few carbs in favor of high-fat dishes. First popularized by Dr. Atkins, the diet has seen a revival recently and will continue to increase.  Ice cream brand Rebel Ice Cream, has experienced rapid growth thanks to its large variety of low-sugar, keto-friendly products. And it’s worth nothing that he global keto diet market is poised to grow by USD 1.18 billion during 2020-2024, according to Technavio.

From pea milk to meal kits and kept snacks, 2021 is sure to be an innovative and impressive year for the food industry.