Innovative food and drink products from around the world were unveiled by Mintel to the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) in Anaheim, CA, in June.
Around 100 products were on display representing three key category trends: sweeteners, purity and functional foods.
The products were also used in a taste test and attendees voted on their favorites.
“It’s always exciting to see the outcome of the taste tests, but with so many unique products this year, we didn’t know how they would fare,” said Mintel new product expert, Lynn Dornblaser. “The winners are all great examples for manufacturers to look to as they develop innovative new products.”
High-intensity sweeteners took a clean sweep in this category with the taste test winners all featuring non-sugar products.
IFT attendees chose Lotte Zero non-sugar chocolate from Japan as their favorite. In second and third place respectively were two products from the US: Sprite Green, sweetened with Truvia; and Breyers Double Churn No Sugar Added butter pecan ice cream, sweetened with Splenda.
With high-intensity sweeteners faring well, Lynn Dornblaser expects a battle of the sweeteners in the future.
“Consumer concerns regarding weight and diet will ensure continued growth of high-intensity sweeteners,” she said. “However, there is a new trend emerging towards the desire to be all-natural, which will lead people to products featuring good old-fashioned sugar.”
It was a tight race in the purity group. Pepsi Natural Premium, made with all-natural ingredients and part of the company’s Refresh Everything campaign, took first place.
In second place was Nestle Milkybar White Moments, white chocolate in a crispy sugar shell. Third place was tied between True North Peanut Clusters and Bissinger’s Naturals Pomegranate White Tea Gummy Pandas.
According to Mintel, people have growing concerns about additives, preservatives and artificial colors in their food and have a renewed interest in all-natural and organic options.
For future success, manufacturers need to put strong emphasis on the association of simplicity with goodness and health, as well as providing information to show consumers the many health benefits, says Mintel.
Kellogg’s FiberPlus Antioxidants chewy bars took first place in the functional category. Tasters found the bars delicious and full of flavor and were impressed by their antioxidants, added fibre and vitamins. Cubio Gummies containing collagen and Leclerc Praeventia Almond and Apple bars with pre-biotic fibre and antioxidants came in second and third place respectively.
“Consumers are skeptical about the benefits and efficacy of many functional foods,” said Dornblaser. “Messages are often confusing and complicated, making it hard for consumers to know what products to choose. Ultimately, if something tastes good and has added benefits, it will do well in the marketplace.”
More than 14,500 visitors from over 80 countries journey to Orange County for the IFT Expo along with 800 exhibitors. Mintel’s Dornblaser hosted three presentations daily.