1. Clean = healthy
Consumers see clean, “free-from” foods as the bedrock of a healthy lifestyle, said trend analyst Nancy Kruse during her session “Menus 2017: Turning Trends into Money Makers.” In the past, smaller manufacturers were the ones touting all-natural products with transparent ingredient lists, but this year, more large suppliers jumped on the trend.
Two major beverage companies showcased soft drinks made with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup and offered up several minimally sweetened beverages and fruit-forward drinks, while major meat and poultry producers offered up antibiotic-free products. And packages of condiments and sauces from big brands sported ingredient lists without artificial flavors or colors.