A shift has taken place in the American kitchen, and it is moving society along a path towards conscious consumption, particularly when it comes to food. Shoppers are reading ingredient lists more closely than ever, and they are no longer willing to settle for a treat that tastes like a compromise. They want something rich, indulgent and made with ingredients they can actually name.
Driven by social evolution
Conscious consumers are aware that the ingredient list on the back of the packaging is the key to determining which foods are worth the investment. They hold food and beverage brands to a new standard, where simple, recognizable ingredients matter and long lists of additives are strictly verboten.
There is also growing demand for treats that fit the way people actually eat, whether that means dairy-free, no gluten, paleo-friendly or plant-forward. Shoppers with these preferences are looking for desserts that are every bit as indulgent as the conventional version.
Staying competitive in a crowded snack aisle
As consumer behavior evolves, consumer packaged goods (CPG) corporations in the snack food space are now faced with the ultimate challenge: provide consumers with the same tastiness, with none of the nasties. The shift is most evident as major CPG food and beverage companies like Mondelez, Mars, and Ferrero continue to add newer, smaller brands to their stables.
This has created an open playing field for ingredient-focused food and beverage startups to flourish as bigger brands fight for a foothold in a market that places a high value on transparency.
Snacking is here to stay
Snacking has become a bigger part of the day. According to research by NDP Group, 37% of consumers indicated that it was important for them to have sufficient snacks on hand during the pandemic, and this is predicted to increase as we enter 2023. In a 2021 survey from Pollock Communications and Today’s Dietitian, over 75% of registered dietitians in America said they believed a shift in consumer eating habits was happening, with consumers moving from a traditional three-meals-a-day pattern to a trend of frequent snacking. That leaves room for one clear opportunity: a delectable dessert that is the meeting place of flavor and simple ingredients.
The time is now for ingredient-first snacking
While many companies may attempt to adapt their existing products to appeal to this evolved market, the opportunity is ripe for new players to enter with unique, innovative products that set new standards for the industry. Startups built around a short ingredient list and a real pastry background are set to be the next big thing in developing products that are equally delicious and honest.
At RUANI we believe that nobody should have to sacrifice a tasty treat. Our chef-crafted, dairy-free brownies and blondies, made with no gluten, are geared towards providing a scrumptious bite that is fudgy, indulgent and made with simple ingredients, sweetened with coconut sugar and no refined sugar. It is the ultimate dessert with a difference.