Healthier trend in ready to eat products

Consumers are more aware today of how food contributes to health and wellness. They seek nutrient-dense products with ingredients that address heart health, aging, blood sugar control and cancer protection, or at least that contribute to their general health. As the new year dawns, food processors will amping up efforts already under way to formulate with ingredients that have some kind of health halo. Most of these ingredients are found in plant-based foods and botanicals. Chicago's Mintel Group?predicts that food and beverage processors will explore a number of plant-based food formulations in 2017, and incorporate more ancient grains, antioxidants, plant proteins, superfoods and botanicals as main ingredients to align with consumers' interests in healthier lifestyles. Here's what's gaining ground in the market: Pulses, plant proteinsOnly in the past four or five years have most consumers discovered the agricultural meaning of the word "pulse." Peas, beans and lentils have become attractive ingredients of late. They're high in protein, fiber and antioxidants and are gluten-free Plus, they are even more environmentally friendly than other crops. They come in many useful forms -- ground into flour, they're fractionated into fiber, protein and starch ? and as a result have found their way into snack chips, baked goods, dressings, even meat analogues. Superfood superstarsThe terms superfood and superfruit came into vogue about a decade ago. Originally reserved for exotic fruits from Africa or the Amazon ? things like acai, acerola, cupua?u and goji ? it eventually became apparent some American-grown fruits and berries delivered just as many nutrients and antioxidants as their foreign cousins. Blueberries, pomegranates, strawberries, cherries and blackberries all have used the superfruit claim. Going with the grain ? and sproutsAncient grains add dimension, whole-grain nutrition and a rustic wholesomeness to foods, plus added color and texture and flavor. Flours made from legumes, ancient grains, teff, amaranth, seeds and nuts are seen by experts at Whole Foods Market as a food trend to watch. Ancient grain flours are showing up in bean-based pastas and other packaged goods. Time to replace added sugarsWith added sugars being called out in the 2018 version of the Nutrition Facts panel, many processors will be working in 2017 to minimize this label statement. There are many non-nutritive sweeteners on the market, but finding a natural one will be the goal for many formulators. Important antioxidantsEvidence suggests that CoQ10 may lower blood pressure in people with diabetes and studies show its antioxidant properties may help improve immune function, prevent migraines and control blood sugar. Although CoQ10 supplements are widely available, foods like meat, poultry, fish and broccoli also contain dietary CoQ10. Moderate sources include fruit such as cherries, vegetables, eggs and dairy products.