Wellness Foods Trends 2007

Nuts are attracting new interest by manufacturers and consumers for their heart-health benefits specifically, too. A study from the University of Toronto, reported by the Almond Board of California, described how almonds, reduces inflammation by about the same level as taking a first-generation statin drug.

Another macroingredient class seeing huge gains recently is the red and purple fruits, such as blue and blackberries, currants, tart cherries, grapes and tomatoes (botanically a berry). As whole fruits, dried fruits and fruit extracts, all are sources of antioxidant anthocyanins and polyphenolics. Added to this roster are pomegranate, açai, mangosteen and goji berries. All have become favorites of beverage and food manufacturers lately. Also, they’ve aided the sudden rush on other “exotic superfruits” high in antioxidants and other healthful compounds.

Açai is a sterling example of a superfruit trend, coming off a remarkable year that has seen it go from relative obscurity to household word faster than any ingredient since oat bran. Speaking of oats, that grain, barley and whole grains in general and  are another group of macroingredients hitting the right note for processors focusing on heart health and other health management needs.

”Pomegranate has set the tone for the breakout of ‘superfruits’ with açai rapidly ascending,” says Tom Vierhile, director of Productscan Online for Datamonitor. “Black currants also are appearing more prominently these days, though these are much more common in Europe. Goji berries are just beginning to make a big splash in health and natural products circles, while mangosteen has yet to really break out but has potential to do so.”

Vierhile notes there are other fruits that could be included under the banner of superfruits but common high-antioxidant fruits such as blueberries, while not “currently grabbing headlines,” are important enough that there have been supply shortages, especially for the health and natural products industry.

Immunity, Aging & Memory

Aging, including energy and memory, came up fast as trends secondary to the market demographic juggernaut of baby boomers who began to turn 60 in 2006. This Peter Pan generation is in charge and too busy to become the seniors its parents’ generation was. Having the stamina and mental acuity to stay in charge is of prime importance.

The trend toward foods to enhance immunity is indicative of how deeply science has become a part of food. Antioxidants are a big part of the immunity domain. Noting a nearly fourfold increase in products claiming to contain antioxidants or make an Immunity-related Claim since 2002 (see charts), Productscan director Vierhile explains, "There are a couple of different things going on. The first is that there is a certain “trendiness” to the antioxidants claim. It sounds more “sophisticated” to say a product is ‘high in antioxidants’ instead of ‘high in vitamins.’ I'm not sure the average consumer knows exactly what antioxidants are, but there’s a growing realization antioxidants are good for you.”