Today, not only in Europe but across the globe, we have come across a clearly visible change in the food industry as people are now shifting to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The new era of plant-based diets and gluten-free alternative innovations in the wellness food trends industry is changing the way, people eat and live.
So, what are these health and wellness products and how are they affecting food trends in Europe?
Healthy food products, be they the ones with high nutritional benefits that address any particular need like losing or gaining weight, maintaining health, building the body, etc., or be they the ones with natural ingredients i.e. organic, plant-based, low-calorie, and allergen-free options, and functional benefits categorized under the health and wellness industry.
Growing consumer interest in health-conscious eating
All these evoking thoughts on maintaining a better life have started a healthy eating movement everywhere all around the world! As the awareness spread in Europe, the consumer’s interest was influenced by tons of factors like improving the quality of living, the urge to eat clean, keeping a physically balanced lifestyle, and overall well-being.
Significance of health concerns in dietary decisions
As a matter of fact, the food industry understood this rise in demand and started to innovate onto the opportunity. Moving ahead in the blog, let’s explore the top health and wellness food trends in Europe, that focus on how consumers are inclining towards healthy eating habits and making more health-conscious food decisions.
Health Conditions and Dietary Choices
Consumers are increasingly aware of how food affects their overall health, and as a result, they are making informed decisions to support their well-being.
In 2023, about two-thirds of responding consumers across the EU-27 stated that they regularly consumed dairy products. (Published by Statista Research Department, Feb 1, 2024). While mentioning health and dairy products how can we forget the once-a-breakfast buddy Kellogg’s, which has been an inseparable duo popular among kids and adults?
But now, this buddy has become unpopular due to people suffering from lactose and gluten intolerance in Europe.
This led to the innovation of lactose-free and gluten-free products. Brands have responded to this demand by developing lactose-free alternatives, such as plant-based milk, cheese, and yogurt, made from almonds, oats, soy, and coconut.
Then came the vegan and vegetarian options. There was a time when limited people went for vegan options but now, many people are adopting healthy choices leading to the popular demand for vegan and vegetarian products.
Fruit and vegetables took the top spot among regularly eaten groceries.
About 60 percent of respondents from 18 different EU-27 countries stated that they actively try to eat healthily. This contrasts with the 12 percent of respondents who say they can not afford to eat healthily. (Published by Statista Research Department, Jan 30, 2024)
Meat Consumption Trends
Various reports and statistics on food sector trends have come out with the following findings when talking about meat consumption trends.
Overall meat consumption in the European Union is forecast to decline. Between 2023 and 2035 a reduction of 3.7 percent is anticipated. Forecasts put the consumption of meat in 2025 at approximately 37,452 metric tons. By 2035, consumption is expected to have fallen to 36,247 metric tons of carcass weight equivalent. (Meat consumption volume in the European Union (EU-27) from 2021-2035. Published by M. Shahbandeh, Jul 23, 2024)
Many Europeans are reducing their intake of red meat, favoring leaner options like poultry or plant-based proteins. This is because of the risks associated with high red meat consumption, including heart disease, cancer, and obesity, underlined by health experts.
Conclusion: Moving ahead in a healthier future
The new season is for vegans! As popularity and awareness have increased, people are now much more health-conscious and want nutritional diets rather than consuming food that does not benefit their overall well-being.
People now prefer Beverages with no sugar like- Capri Sun Safari Fruits or functional beverages rather than beverages that contain too many calories and sugar like 7-UP
As for food, an increase in consumption of meat substitutes is seen. As per the data, in 2023, the market revenue generated by meat substitutes in the European Union (EU-27) amounted to an estimated 1.96 billion U.S. dollars. By 2028, this amount is forecast to be over three billion U.S. dollars. (Revenue of the meat substitutes industry in the EU-27 2018-2028. Published by Nils-Gerrit Wunsch, Aug 23, 2023)
By staying with the emerging trends and shaping the future of the health and wellness food sector in Europe, Falcon Gallant offers a wide range of products your company can offer.
As the demand for healthier, more sustainable food options grows, the market will likely see even more innovation in product development, distribution, and marketing and we will continue to cope with them.
