Big on protein and fats: 60% of UK adults are prioritising – or will try to prioritise – consuming protein in 2025, according to Tesco’s January trends report. Healthy fats are also high on the agenda, with 51% of consumers saying the way they see fats has changed in recent years. [Source: Tesco]
Brands fight back: After many months of being outpaced by private label, UK grocery brands grew faster than own label in the second half of 2024, NIQ data shows. Crucially, volume and unit growth also improved. [Source: The Grocer]
Dry January motivations: 35% of UK consumers said they plan to take part in Dry January this year. 39% of those want to participate to be healthier and 22% want to reduce their spending on alcohol. [Source: Barclays]
A plant-rich year: Philosopher Julian Baggini argues that encouraging consumers to have a ‘vegan month’ during Veganuary is the wrong approach. To encourage lasting change, we need to help more people have a ‘plant-rich year’. [Source: New Statesman]
Unpicking ultra-processed foods: A landmark study in the US is looking to develop a more nuanced assessment of UPFs, including their precise impact on health and whether it’s possible to create ultra-processed foods that are convenient and affordable as well as healthy. [Source: WSJ]
No & low keeps flying: The global market for non-alcoholic alternatives to beer, wine and spirits has doubled over the last five years and is now worth nearly $20bn, according to Euromonitor. So-called ‘zebra-striping’ is a growing trend, ie alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. [Source: The Economist]
Lab-grown cocoa: High commodity prices and concern about sustainability have led to a surge in interest in lab-grown alternatives to cocoa. Major chocolate and confectionery companies are increasingly looking to invest in startups in the space. [Source: FT]
‘GLP-1 friendly’ logo debuts: Conagra, a major frozen food manufacturer in the US, has started labelling some of its products as ‘GLP-1 friendly’ to appeal to the growing number of consumers on weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. [Source: Food Navigator]
Taking credit for biodiversity: A new scientific paper studies the burgeoning market for biodiversity credits and warns it comes with many risks, partly because there is no clear definition for what constitutes a unit of biodiversity. [Source: Anthropocene Magazine]
Potato waffles go posh: Premium versions of the Birds Eye classic are set to be one of 2025’s big food trends, The Times predicts. Some restaurants are already serving posh waffles with fried quail’s eggs. [Source: The Times]
