A number of associations and research authorities are forecasting “Foods for Females” to thrive in 2025 (unless this right is taken away). Both dairy and non-dairy concepts will have an important role in the well-being of women.
Globally, the trend leads with nutrition and supplements for managing menopause. This was very present at the recent SupplySide West expo in Las Vegas.
Google searches for “menopause” are up 52% since 2019. Products catering to this population are expected to be worth $24.4 billion globally by 2030, according to Circana data.
An estimated one billion women worldwide are currently in the menopausal stage of life, which can be a multi-year struggle for many. Fortunately, the subject is no longer taboo, or at least for now.
Declining estrogen levels affect muscle mass, which makes complete and high-quality protein consumption very important. Protein may also improve bone health.
According to a 2017 study published Osteoporosis International, women over 50 who consumed dairy protein daily had an 8% lower risk of hip fracture, and those who ate beans and soy reduced fracture risk by 12%. Both dairy and soy are high-quality, complete proteins.
Dairy products also provide calcium to strengthen bones and protect them from fractures. They also provide many other key nutrients for healthy aging, including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins D and K.
The same study showed that people who regularly eat dairy products have higher bone density than those who do not. Good dairy options include low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese.
Here’s the deal with menopausal women. Most women are only able to cite a few of the almost 50 symptoms that are signs of menopause. These are the signs they feel, such as night sweats and rapid heart rate. There’s so much more going on inside that science has learned in recent years and food and supplement scientists have the opportunity to formulate foods to assist from the inside out.
Women are looking for relief from their symptoms. There’s a great deal of opportunity for products in this space. One that comes to mind is a no-sugar-added, high-protein lavender-flavored kefir.
Lifeway Foods recently rolled out such a product. One of the 10 new flavors in its 8-ounce Organic Kefir line is Wild Blueberry Lavendar. The entire line is lactose-free, as consumer demand for lactose-free dairy products is predicted to grow rapidly over the next five years. The new line is loaded with high-quality bioavailable nutrients, including protein, calcium and 12 live and active probiotic cultures. The new line was fueled by Lifeway CEO Julie Smolyansky, a long-time friend of mine and an inspirational female leader.
The Foods for Female trend is not just for over-40 women. It’s for young ladies, too.
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) Trendspotter Panel provided a sneak peek at the future of food this past week. The group identified Girl Dinner 2.0 as a growing trend for 2025.“Snacking is here to stay, with freestyle format and flavor combinations infusing new energy into the red-hot category. Consumers will become even more flexible with how they eat in 2025,” predicted Trendspotter Melanie Bartelme, who is also the associate director for Mintel Food & Drink, and another long-time friend of mine. “Most U.S. consumers eat traditional meals every day, but snacking is on the rise. Savvy food and drink brands will help consumers see the products they make as suitable for however consumers choose to eat them. Think pizza cupcakes for lunch, jianbing for dinner and dumplings as a snack.”
Who does this more than anyone? It’s females, especially educated multi-taskers who are trying to do it all and don’t have time for a three-hour catered boardroom meal.
Look for “familiar snacks with a twist,” said Trendspotter Jeannie Houchins, a global food and beverage communications executive.
And for the youngest cohort--Gen Z—they are joining the health- and wellness-journey early. Female Gen Z are all about supporting their overall wellness, gut health, mental wellness and radiant skin. In fact, interest in hydrating, non-alcoholic beverages that address comfort concerns like bloating, skin issues and mental health increased by 250% over the last two years, according to Tastewise, an AI-powered consumer insights platform for food and beverage brands.
Gen Z understands the holistic health impact of good hydration hygiene. Leading trends within the realm of hydration include hormone balance (+162% year-over-year growth in consumer associations with hydration), menopause support (+162%), muscle function (+94.7%) and stress relief (+73%), according to Tastewise.
Here’s more from the SFA Trendspotter Panel to assist with formulating Foods for Females.
“The specialty food market is uniquely powerful at pointing the way forward for the larger food industry, because the makers of specialty products respond first to changing consumer preferences and values,” said Leana Salamah, senior vice president of marketing and communications at the Specialty Food Association. “Looking to 2025, trends like the increasing appetite for real sugar over artificial or the upscaling of cooking at home with premium ingredients will absolutely be reflected in more mainstream outlets.”
Trendspotter Kat Craddock, editor in chief and CEO of SAVEUR expects that consumers everywhere will continue to gain access to non-native flavors and new-to-them dishes in convenient formats. And, Trendspotter Kantha Shelke, founder of Corvus Blue LLC and also a long-time friend, said, “Consumers are increasingly seeking gourmet-quality meals in convenient formats. Restaurant visits may decrease in favor of restaurant-quality meals at home thanks to some great home cooking equipment along with more access to top products such as Japanese Wagyu, truffles, and fine oils and cheeses.”
Functional foods and natural enhancements will continue to gain traction. Never forget, milk is one of the original functional foods. Remind shoppers.
“Personalized nutrition will gain momentum, driven by technological advancements and a growing focus on health,” said Trendspotter Patsy Ramirez-Arroyo, a food and sustainability consultant. “Companies will offer customizable product lines, develop AI-powered nutrition apps and create functional foods with targeted health benefits. Functional foods that support cognitive health and emotional well-being will also grow in popularity. Ingredients like adaptogens, nootropics and mood-enhancing botanicals will be featured in various products.”
This includes dairy innovations.
“Functional has expanded beyond beverages,” said Beth Forrest, Professor of Liberal Arts and Food Studies at the Culinary Institute of America.
Other trends identified by the SFA Trendspotter include Black Garlic, Lavender and Flavored Cheeses.
Thank you ladies for your insights!
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