IDM ¦ FMCG Gurus Column
Across the globe, consumers are being more attentive to
ingredient listings, as they question aspects of their life
from a health and safety perspective that they previously
took for granted. This is something that is having
a significant influence on purchasing habits within the dairy sector,
with consumers looking to avoid ingredients that they deem detrimental
to their health. The war on sugar will intensify over the next
couple of years, whilst consumers are conscious of the nutritional
profile of artificial sweeteners. This is something that creates opportunities
to use natural sweeteners – however, brands need to
reassure consumers about the sensory aspect of such ingredients.
The pandemic is something that has significantly influenced
the eating and drinking habits of consumers, as more proactive
attempts are made to boost levels of wellbeing. Indeed, a total
of 73% of people in 2022 said that they are planning to make attempts
to eat and drink more healthily whiles a year earlier, 63%
40 · May/June 2022 ¦ international-dairy.com
stated that they have been more attentive to the ingredient lists
on food and drink products. Irrespective of the level of attention
given to the growth of the flexitarian diet, dairy remains a staple
part of the dietary habits of many, with 78% stating that they turn
to such products to some extent. As such, an increased focus on
ingredients is something that is something that will have a significant
influence on product choice, especially as consumers look to
moderate their intake of dietary evils such as sugar.
When purchasing dairy products, a total of 50% of global consumers
state that they regularly check nutritional labeling, highlighting
the role that ingredients play in the purchasing decision.
When asked what kind of information they look for a total of 60%
said that they check the sugar content, whilst 38% stated that
they look out for artificial sweetener claims. This highlights two
trends. Firstly, sugar remains the number one dietary evil for consumers
because of the link between excessive intake and rising
photos: Eskymaks/margo555/Melica/anusorn/adobe.com
The dairy industry needs
to reassure consumers
about the sensory aspect
of natural sweeteners
/
/international-dairy.com
/adobe.com
