News Published on 30 Jun, 2009
Mintel announces IFT09 Taste Test winners
Filed by Bill Bruce
Products representing sweeteners, purity and functional food trends were on display at The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) show in Anaheim, California from 6-9 June.
Market research company Mintel had close to 100 products on display that represented three trend categories of sweeteners, purity and functional foods. Following daily presentations, the products were used in a taste test, where attendees tasted the products and voted on their favourites.
“It’s always exciting to see the outcome of the taste tests, but with so many unique products this year, we didn’t know how they would fare,” said Mintel new product expert, Lynn Dornblaser. “The winners are all great examples for manufacturers to look to as they develop innovative new products.”
Sweeteners
High-intensity sweeteners took a clean sweep in this category, as the taste test winners all came from non-sugar products.
- Lotte Zero non-sugar chocolate from Japan.
- Sprite Green, sweetened with Truvia
- Breyers Double Churn No Sugar Added butter pecan ice cream, sweetened with Splenda.
While high-intensity sweeteners fared well, Lynn Dornblaser expects a battle of the sweeteners in the future. Consumer concerns regarding weight and diet will ensure continued growth of high-intensity sweeteners. However, there’s a new trend emerging towards the desire to be all-natural, which will lead people to products featuring sugar.
Purity
- Pepsi Natural Premium, made with all-natural ingredients and part of the company’s ‘Refresh Everything’ campaign.
- Nestlé Milkybar White Moments – white chocolate in a crispy sugar shell
- True North Peanut Clusters and Bissinger’s Naturals Pomegranate White Tea Gummy Pandas (a tie).
According to Mintel, people have growing concerns about additives, preservatives and artificial colours in their food and therefore have a renewed interest in all-natural and organic options.
Functional
- Kellogg’s FiberPlus Antioxidants chewy bars
- Cubio Gummies containing collagen and Leclerc Praeventia Almond
- Apple bars with prebiotic fiber and antioxidants.
“Consumers are skeptical about the benefits and efficacy of many functional foods,” said Lynn Dornblaser. “Messages are often confusing and complicated, making it hard for consumers to know what products to choose. Ultimately, if something tastes good and has added benefits, it will do well in the marketplace.”
More than 14,500 attendees from over 80 different countries made the trek to Orange County for the IFT Expo, as well as more than 800 exhibitors. Mintel hosted three presentations daily by Lynn Dornblaser.
Source: Mintel