40 / U.S. FOOD TRENDS
strong growth in non-dairy milks in the U.S over the past five years, growing 61% since 2012, and now worth an estimated $2.11 billion. According to its stats, 1 in 5 Americans say they are consuming less dairy for health reasons. While almond (64% market share), soy (13% market share) and coconut (12% market share) remain staples in the category, new non-dairy milk types are joining the repertoire including pecan, quinoa, hazelnut and flax milks. Mintel stats show new varieties have experienced fast growth in popularity “We predict that new plant bases such as cashew and rice will allow new entrants into the non-dairy milk category to eventually surpass the soy milk segment, one of the first non-dairy milk
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segments to really take off with consumers,” says Megan Hambleton, beverage analyst at Mintel.
Ice and easy
U.S spices, seasoning and condiment specialist McCormick & Company produces a regular McCormick Flavour Forecast which aims to identify top trends and ingredients. The flavour trend this summer pointed to drinks using shaved ice, craft cocktails with low or no alcohol, creamy creations and veg flavoured cold drinks. Classic summertime coolers like lemonade and slushies have been making way for more complex and exotic creations such as grapefruit, basil and shaved ice mocktails, blackberry sweet potato ices, chilli-spiced watermelon rosé granita and a blueberry vanilla calamansi (Philippine lime) juice, buttermilk masala chaas drinks, and frozen kaffir lime pies. “The trend reflects an increased craving for bold flavour experiences and non-alcoholic cocktails,”
8/22/19 03:06 PM