Mintel: Chia blazing ahead, prickly pear on the cusp of greatness?

By Elaine Watson

- Last updated on GMT

Mintel: Chia blazing ahead, prickly pear on the cusp of greatness?

Related tags Opuntia

Chia is going from strength to strength while prickly pear cactus is a dark horse that could be a big hit down the road, says Mintel.

Chia is being added to everything from bars to hot cereal, but there has also been growing interest in the drinks aisle, with beverages accounting for 12% of new chia-based product launches in 2013, up from zero in 2009, according to new data from the market researcher. 

In geographical terms, North America had the lion’s share of chia global launches in 2013, accounting for 59% of new product introductions featuring chia (meanwhile Innova Market Insights says the number of new launches globally featuring chia rose 52% in 2013).

As to marketing messages that resonate, the best advice for firms considering using chia is to focus on its nutritional credentials (high fiber, protein, omega-3s) rather than making hard health claims, says Mintel, which reports a tenfold increase in chia ingredient penetration globally between 2009 and 2014.

“Since 65% of US consumers are trying to include plenty of fiber into their diet, manufacturers could use chia’s high fiber content to help set it apart in beverages, as less than 1% of all beverages launched in 2013 used a high fiber claim.”

Prickly pear: One to watch in the beverages aisle?

Cactus water

Another ingredient to watch in the beverages aisle is prickly pear, which has been gaining momentum gradually following the launch of products such as Cactus water (click HERE​), adds Mintel.

Although fewer than 100 products have been launched globally with a prickly pear ingredient between 2009 and 2013, the health benefits as well as the plant’s resilient nature make it a promising superfruit, it argues.

The plant, which is used in Mexico as a hangover cure among other things, can be positioned it as a natural source of taurine and antioxidants for energy drinks or as an added source of fiber, says the market researcher.

What's the next coconut water?​ Find out at the FoodNavigator-USA beverage entrepreneurs forum​ on July 23.

Click HERE to register for free. 

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Replacement Isn't the Future. Variety Is.

Replacement Isn't the Future. Variety Is.

Content provided by ADM | 22-Mar-2024 | White Paper

Successfully navigating the intersection of food and technology can help your business meet evolving consumer demands.

Consumer Attitudes on Ultra-Processed Foods Revealed

Consumer Attitudes on Ultra-Processed Foods Revealed

Content provided by Ayana Bio | 12-Jan-2024 | White Paper

Ayana Bio conducted the Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) Pulse survey, offering insight into consumers’ willingness to consume UPFs, as well as the variables...

Future Food-Tech San Francisco, March 21-22, 2024

Future Food-Tech San Francisco, March 21-22, 2024

Content provided by Rethink Events Ltd | 11-Jan-2024 | Event Programme

Future Food-Tech is the go-to meeting place for the food-tech industry to collaborate towards a healthier food system for people and planet.

Palate Predictions: Top Flavor Trends for 2024

Palate Predictions: Top Flavor Trends for 2024

Content provided by T. Hasegawa USA | 08-Jan-2024 | Application Note

As consumers seek increased value and experience from food and beverages, the industry relies on research to predict category trends. Studying trends that...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars