PERMISSIBLE INDULGENCE
Evolving their definition of what qualifies as a snack , consumers are increasingly seeking permissibly indulgent options . Shoppers are looking for guilt-free food indulgence by looking at ingredient & nutritional callouts that make an item feel both decadent and healthy . In fact , 69 % of consumers say they want the best of both worlds , looking for snacks to balance health and taste .
GROWING YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
The local movement is more than just food – it is a significant shift in why , where , and how we consume . Currently , 65 % of Americans try to buy from local companies when possible and one in three millennials say purchasing local is a top priority for them . The need for local products not only comes out of necessity , with certain products not available due to mass supply chain issues experienced over the last two years , but also because shoppers are more than ever looking to feel connected through their community . By adding in local vendors and drawing attention to those products using signage and shelf tags , stores can build a sense of unity and pride for their shoppers .
GETTING GRAIN-ULAR
As one of the healthiest grains on earth , with the combined power of wholesomeness and affordability , it is no surprise that oats are coming up on top . Over the last several years , we have seen a growth in popularity of oat milk which has sparked interest in other categories as an alternative ingredient , including frozen & refrigerated desserts , cheese , butter , spreads , and even oat protein . While consumers are going oat-crazy , other grain innovation has entered the market . KeHE experts predict the rise of barley , hemp , pistachio , and buckwheat as future grain and seed alternatives .