10 Key Trends in Food, Nutrition & Health 2009

LONDONIndustry expert Mellentin released its 10 Key Trends in Food, Nutrition & Health 2009 report. The report said functional foods and beverages that provide a benefit consumers actually can feel will weather the global economic downturn.

In tough times, the single most important factor consumers will take into account when choosing a functional food or drink will be whether it delivers a benefit they can feel, says Mellentin. Products that lack a quick and easy-to-feel effect could be in trouble.

The 10 key trends for 2009 are:

Digestive health: the biggest trend.
Feel the benefit: what consumers want most in recessionary times.
Weight management: a bright future for foods that make you want to eat less.
Energy: new markets waiting to be discovered.
Naturally healthy and free-from: what everyone wants.
Fruit: the future of functional foods.
Kids nutrition: make parents lives easier.
Healthy snacks for the me generations.
Ultra-loyal consumers: niches to help brands ride the recession.
Packaging innovation delivers premium prices.