Food Futurologist Dr Morgaine Gaye explores how natural ingredients likes almonds are helping consumers make choices that are kinder to their communities and the planet
A new report from Food Futurologist Dr Morgaine Gaye reveals that consumers are increasingly seeking food choices that enable them to be custodians of the planet, with decision-making based on kindness and reducing their environmental footprint. The report identifies key trends determining the future of food and explores how, after two years of pandemic restrictions, consumers have re-evaluated their values and ways of living. She comments: “We became more aware of how food unites us, having missed shared eating experiences, but we also developed an even keener idea of how our food affects us and the planet we live on. We have a continued desire to connect with nature.”
Dr Gaye describes how these emerging food trends are grounded in preferences for natural and naturally functional foods like almonds, that support kindness-based eating habits and increased consideration for the planet. As a responsibly grown ingredient with 14 different forms and a strong nutritional profile to aid innovation, California almonds are ideal for responding to these emerging consumer demands.
Consumption with kindness
The pandemic revealed how consumers increasingly view family, friends and community as central to their health and wellbeing. According to Dr Gaye, this finding translates into how consumers are choosing foods based on goodness and wholesomeness. Consumers make more purchasing decisions on the values or ethos of a brand and the actions they take in supporting local communities, not just of the taste and appearance of its products.
Beyond a brand’s stewardship, consumers also consider how their eating habits impact animals. Dr Gaye reveals that “part of this kindness trend is focused upon how we treat other species so we can expect to see the continued rise in plant-based eating. There was an increased focus on health during the lockdown in 2020 and sales of plant-based foods and beverages doubled.”
Predictions outline that by 2030, the vegan food market could grow to an approximate value of $162 billion[1]. Almonds as both a standalone food or an ingredient can appeal to consumers’ preferences for plant-based foods without sacrificing convenience or taste, according to Dariela Roffe-Rackind, Director Europe & Global Public Relations at the Almond Board of California. She says: “Almonds are the leading nut for vegan and plant-based claims across Europe[2] and are a key ingredient in plant-based formulations because of their protein content and ability to pair well with other plant proteins. In addition to being a natural source of protein, almonds’ extensive portfolio of formats – including whole, sliced, slivered, milk, butter, flour, ground, and oil – means there are endless ways for developers to incorporate almonds into products.”
Consideration for the planet
In line with the kindness trend, people are increasingly concerned with the wider environmental impact of their behaviour, including what they eat. According to Dr Gaye, “Due to our recent realisation that we are part of the planet and its wellness, rather than taking it for granted, companies are now being called on to create new sustainable packaging and to make food which is more environmentally friendly”.
Across the food value chain, from farmers to manufacturers, producers are meeting this demand. California almond farmers are developing and implementing climate-smart farming practices, including widespread adoption of whole orchard recycling, and planting blooming cover crops to improve soil health and carbon sequestration whilst creating habitats for pollinators.
Roffe-Rackind highlights how almonds are a good option for consumers who care about how their food choices impact people, animals and nature: “Consumers can feel reassured knowing that California’s almond farmers are working to grow almonds in better, safer and healthier ways. Ninety percent of California’s almond farms are family farms, and most plan to pass on their land to their children and grandchildren, so these farmers are committed to the responsible stewardship of the land for their families, communities and the planet”.
Innovating for the future of food is key to food manufacturers’ success. With consumer demand for wholesome, responsibly grown foods continuing to rise, California almond farmers’ commitment to people and the planet means that manufacturers can feel confident that almonds can add value to plant-based product development.
Innovations in Food (& Beverage) Technology is a quarterly magazine distributed globally both in Print and Digital formats. www.innovationsfood.com. Twitter: @Innovfoodtech. Instagram: @innovationsinfoodtechnology. Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/terry-prior52
