Chocolate, confectionery and ice cream manufacturers are increasingly demanding suitable ingredients to keep pace with today's mindful consumers seeking clean labels, organic, sugar reduction and more.
Statistics show a 21 percent increase in chocolate, confectionery & ice cream launches with a sugar-related claim (Global, 2019 vs. 2018). Meanwhile, consumers have developed a taste for a simple ingredients list with two in three global consumers specifically wanting to avoid products with ingredients that are difficult to understand.
Innova Market Insights data shows that vanilla ingredient use in food and beverage launches is gaining momentum, as consumers continue to associate vanilla with indulgence and comfort. Bakery remains the leading category for vanilla ingredient use, but the flavor is also expanding into functional nutrition. Notably, vanilla sports protein RTD launches recorded a 73% CAGR from April 2021 to March 2026.
Innova Market Insights data shows that consumers are increasingly looking to include plant-based ingredients in their diets. This demand is supporting steady innovation, with global F&B launches featuring plant-based ingredients growing at a 4% CAGR from April 2021 to March 2026. Bakery and Confectionery currently account for the largest share of launches, while Table Sauces and Dressings are emerging as the fastest-growing category.
Innova Market Insights data show that consumers link rich sensory experiences, such as creamy textures, with indulgence in food and beverages. This perception is fueling growth in emulsifier launches, particularly in the bakery sector, which continues to lead this trend and offers significant opportunities for product innovation.
Innova Market Insights data shows that consumers value rich flavor and taste to enhance their food and beverage experience. This has driven growth in product launches featuring flavor enhancers, with one-third of these launches occurring in Europe. Snacks lead in launch activity, while beverages and desserts show the strongest potential for innovation.
Innova data shows that consumers are actively reducing sugar in their diets. This trend drove +5% increase in reduced-sugar claims in F&B launches from 2021 to 2025. Europe accounted for the most product launches, while Soft Drinks was the leading category. Energy Drinks showed a significant increase in reduced-sugar claims in new product development.
Innova Market Insights data shows that consumers are actively reducing artificial ingredients in favor of natural alternatives. The use of natural colors in F&B launches is rising, with +9% growth from 2021 to 2025. Bakery leads in overall usage, while soft drinks show the fastest growth in natural color adoption.
