Kroger Predicts Top Five Food Trends for 2019

CINCINNATI, Ohio – After working with its team of Our Brands product developers, chefs and innovators, Kroger has revealed five important food predictions for 2019, according to a recent news release.
The top five trends for 2019 include the following:

• Regional foods and flavors from across the country will include tried-and-true barbecue sauces, flavorful potato chips with a twist, Nashville hot chicken, Southern Appalachian pimento cheese and tastes from other geographic areas. Consumers will see a growing number of products influenced by local, regional and global tastes.
• Plant-based foods are being incorporated into consumers’ daily diets more than ever before. Expect to find more plant-based options available to help consumers power through the day. Last year, 31% of consumers participated in meat-free days once per week.
• Eating styles are becoming more varied. One recent study reports that 15% of the U.S. population identify as vegetarian or vegan. Kroger claims the chain will offer more and newer products that will make it easy for anyone with any eating lifestyle to find foods for their health and wellness journey.
• More gut-healthy foods will be on the shopping list because medical research shows that a healthy gut is the foundation of overall wellness. Consumers are seeking foods that support self-care and healthy immune systems, and they will be able to find a growing number of products rich in probiotics—good bacteria—and flavor.
• Many consumers want to reduce or eliminate sugar and/or consume alternate natural sweeteners such as honey and agave. In fact, 47% of consumers say they are working to minimize their sugar intake. In 2019, new solutions and foods will be added to grocery shelves to give those shoppers flavorful products rich in nutrition but low on sugar.