Kroger Unveils It’s Top Food Trends for 2019

Earlier this month Cincinnati based grocer Kroger introduced their top food trend predictions for 2019, insightfully curated by their Private Brand new product developers, chefs and innovators.

More than 135 years in the food industry has taught Kroger a lot about food, and people. No matter the preference or practice, the latest tastes, and trends can be found in the aisles where customers shop for Kroger private brands: Simple Truth, Kroger branded products and Private Selection.

The Top 5 Trends are Regional Flavors, Plant-Based Foods, Eating Styles, Gut-Healthy Foods, and Low Sugar and Natural Sweeteners. Let’s take a look at each one.

Regional Flavors
Foods influenced by regions across the country are bringing flavor and fun to any meal. From tried-and-true barbecue sauces and flavorful potato chips with a twist – inspiration is coming from Nashville hot chicken, Southern Appalachian pimento cheese and other geographies. America’s culinary heritage is as varied as it is delicious. Consumers will see a growing number of products influenced by local, regional and global tastes.

Private Brand Products to Try: Private Selection BBQ sauces inspired by the Carolinas, Texas, Memphis and Kansas City

Plant-Based Foods
consumers are finding it is easier than ever before to incorporate more plant-based fare into their daily diets. By choosing to go meat or dairy free, whether for a meal, a Meatless Monday, Flexitarian Friday, or every day of the week, there will be more plant-based options available to power through the day. Last year, 31% of consumers participated in meat-free days once per week (Mintel, Protein Report, 2017).

Private Brand Products to Try: Simple Truth Coconut milk, Simple Truth Powdered Coconut milk Creamer,

Eating Styles
Shoppers are purchasing better-for-you products and subscribig to different eating styles, from vegetarian to flexitarian to keto and paleo. A recent study reports 15% of the U.S. population identify as vegetarian or vegan (Mintel, Protein Report, 2017). We are responding by offering and developing new products that make it easy for any customer practicing any lifestyle to find foods to support their health and wellness journey.

Private Brand Products to Try: Private Selection Avocado Oil, Simple Truth Organic Coconut Oil,

 Gut Healthy Foods
Medical studies show that a healthy gut is the foundation of overall wellness, and more than ever before, consumers are seeking foods that support self-care and healthy immune systems. Consumers will find a growing number of products rich in probiotics— good bacteria—and flavor.

Private Brand Products to Try:  Kroger Greek Yogurt, and Kroger Probiotic Low-Fat Milk

Low Sugar and Natural Sweeteners
Shoppers are motivated to reduce or eliminate sugar and/or consume alternate natural sweeteners like honey and agave. In fact, 47% of consumers say they are working to minimize their sugar intake (Mintel, Better for You Report, 2017). New solutions and foods will continue to be added to grocery shelves to help consumers find products rich in nutrition and flavor and lean on sugar.

Private Brand Products to try: Kroger Fizz & Co. Seltzers (Cola, Root Beer, The Dr.),