Food supplements are on
Brazilian’s plates

The recent pandemic brought about several changes in behavior and one of them was the concern with health and well-being.

In Brazil, many people have increased their consumption of homemade and healthy food. This change was due to the concern to ingest more nutrients to increase the body’s immune defenses, according to a study carried out by the Center of Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health at the University of São Paulo (Nupens/USP).

Consumers have acquired new eating habits based on a balanced diet and, far beyond health, are increasingly concerned with social issues such as the environment and animal welfare.

These trends create opportunities for the food ingredients market to explore solutions for the development of healthy and innovative products.

Plant-based diets have grown a lot in recent times for those who want to reduce or exclude the consumption of products from animal sources.

In addition to the more than 29 million vegetarians in Brazil, millennials, flexitarians, and allergy sufferers are also a part of the growing number of plant-based products consumers.

According to a survey carried out by the Good Food Institute (GFI), almost 60% of Brazilians changed their diets during the pandemic, starting to consume more plant-based foods, reducing the consumption of animal protein and derivatives, such as dairy products.

Thus, alternative proteins have become a promising market in Brazil and around the world, with products that offer health, well-being, and options for people with dietary restrictions.

The food and beverage industry has the opportunity to take advantage of the growing popularity of proteins like peas and broad beans and vegetable bases, like oats and coconut, as consumers steer away from more established ingredients like almonds and soy to launch dairy substitute products.

Even with consumer trends changing, a survey conducted by the IFIC Foundation found that 86% of consumers say that taste remains the main factor in their purchase decisions. Therefore, it’s very important to understand that, despite the need for health, sustainability and a balanced diet, consumers are also looking for flavor and texture.

Consumers want a product that offers healthiness and a pleasurable sensory experience, and one way to meet this demand is through the use of aromas. Exploring indulgent, regional and innovative flavors is a great opportunity to attract and stand out in this market.

The pandemic also heated the market for sales of supplements and vitamins, in search of health, physical well-being and high immunity. They attract consumers as they are great allies of nutrition. One way to complement this benefit is through fortification with vitamins, minerals, pre and probiotics and even nutritional lipids, such as omega-3s from plant sources.

New consumers seek practicality, health, flavor, and sustainability in their products. To discover our solutions and innovations in this market, which is undoubtedly a global trend, contact our team!