Granola is one of those products that never goes out of style. Ingredients and flavors may come and go, but the appeal of a crunchy, oaty, healthy breakfast (or anytime snack) remains. According to Tastewise, the yearly growth rate for granola consumption is almost 20%.
Here’s what’s currently trending on the granola front.
Protein
Demand for protein has been on the rise for a couple of years now, and, more and more, consumers are turning to plant-based proteins. Granola manufacturers are capitalizing on this trend by incorporating nuts and seeds, protein powders (e.g., whey protein), and nut butters into their products.
Natural sugars
Consumers have long been interested in cutting down the amount of refined sugar in their diets. More natural sugars — like maple syrup, honey, and coconut sugar — provide all of the sweetness of refined sugar without the extra processing.
Alternative oils
Similar to sugar, consumers want to cut down on highly processed oils. Alternative oils, such as coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and safflower oil, are popular not only because they’re perceived as more natural than other oils but also because they contain added nutrients. Safflower oil, for example, is high in omega-6 fatty acid.
Functional foods
Interest in functional foods has been growing steadily as consumers look for their foods to provide additional health and wellness benefits. Granola already has an advantage in this arena because many standard granola ingredients are also functional. Oats are well-known for supporting weight loss and heart health, and many types of nuts and seeds have functional properties. Granola makers can add a functional boost with dried fruits — such as cranberries, blueberries, and acai berries — as well as functional spices, like cinnamon and ginger.
Snackable formats
More people snack than eat full meals, according to Mondelēz International’s 2019 State of Snacking survey. The snacking trend is particularly prevalent in Millennials — 70% of this generation prefers snacks to meals. Snackable formats move granola from a breakfast food to an anytime food, and these formats aren’t limited to bars — granola bites and clusters are gaining popularity as easy on-the-go options.
If you’ve been thinking about getting into the granola business, there couldn’t be a better time. As a convenient, healthy, functional food, granola is a perfect fit for what today’s consumers want. Learn more about how the new cost-effective granola baking line from SENIUS will help you capitalize on this perennial trend.