Harris Spice recently attended 2 tradeshows — Natural Products Expo West and the Southern California Institute of Food Technologists (SCIFT) Suppliers Night Expo. At the shows we saw food and beverage trends from eco-friendly packaging to a resurgence of natural sweeteners and global flavors. All Centered around sustainability, health, and innovation. In this article you'll read about 6 of these trends.

Our Teams Top 6 Food Trends Takeaways

We had a great time at the events and talked with a lot of people. We identified six key food trend takeaways that we believe will shape the industry in the coming years, and we’re excited to share them with you:

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Packaging

The focus on sustainability has expanded beyond packaging to include sourcing and product claims. Trends include plant-based products like yogurts and plant-based proteins, organic and regenerative agriculture, and B Corp Certification emphasizing better practices for the planet. These trends particularly appeal to Millennials and Gen Z consumers, who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.

Sustainable food innovations shaped by consumers.

Rediscovering Nature’s Sweetness

A noticeable trend at Expo West was the shift back to natural sweeteners. Moving away from artificial options, brands are increasingly tapping into sweeteners like date sugar, honey, maple syrup, and fruit purees. These natural choices provide a healthier profile and bring various flavors to products, catering to health-conscious consumers.

Global Flavors and Spices

2024 marks a year where global flavors have significantly influenced the culinary landscape. At Expo West, we saw an exciting fusion of tastes, such as Moroccan tagine paired with Korean kimchi and Greek tzatziki reimagined with Peruvian avocados. This trend has made kitchens new cultural hubs, expanding consumer palettes, and inspiring culinary creativity.

Comfort With a Twist

Brands are revisiting the past to bring nostalgic flavors into the present with a healthier twist. The expo showcased a variety of products that embody this trend, such as the beloved breakfast staples of cereals and granolas. These products were re-envisioned with a focus on natural ingredients and inclusivity, resulting in creations like vegan-friendly and allergen-free versions that allow a broader audience to indulge in the flavors of their childhood without compromise.

Plant-Based and Meat Alternatives

The plant-based trend continues to expand, extending well beyond traditional meat substitutes to include dairy-free products, seafood alternatives, and condiments. These innovations are popular with a broad audience interested in reducing meat consumption for health, ethical, or environmental reasons. Mushrooms like lion's mane, chaga, and reishi are gaining popularity as meat substitutes. The diversity in these offerings is making it easier than ever for consumers to explore and embrace a different lifestyle.

Functional Foods

This is a trend that's gaining momentum among health-conscious consumers. Including snacks enriched with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to meals that boast anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, this trend is driven by a growing consumer desire for foods that do more than just satisfy hunger. People are looking for meals and snacks that also support their overall health, wellness, and specific dietary goals, such as improved digestion and enhanced energy. This trend really shows how the food industry is leaning into the whole health and wellness wishes of consumers.

We want to thank everyone who stopped by our booth and made this event such a success. See you next year!

At Harris Spice we're committed to staying ahead of the game by following the newest trends. Are you interested in the work we do? Read more about our capabilities to see what we can do for you or get in touch now!

Don't forget to take a look at our other articles on sustainability and spice industry trends to stay up to date with the latest developments.