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Trends in Flavors: Consumers Seek Comfort, Novelty, & Functionality

Trends in Flavors: Consumers Seek Comfort, Novelty & Functional Health

Who drives flavor trends — chefs? Food writers? Product designers? Flavorists? The answer is the consumer. If the past two years have taught us anything, it is that the consumer is ultimately the arbiter of what flavors will be successful, what trends will become mainstays, and what trends will be short-lived. The impact of consumer preference and behavior is evident in the flavor trends we saw emerge in 2020, the trends we’ve seen in 2021, and the predictions for 2022.  

Nostalgia with a Twist

When looking at flavor trends, it’s important to consider how consumer habits have changed in the past two years due to the pandemic. There’s been a major shift in how much time we’ve spent cooking in our own kitchens versus dining out. It’s natural for people to gravitate towards flavors that are familiar to them – flavors from their childhood or from their favorite travel destination – and create an eating experience that evokes a sense of nostalgic comfort. That said, younger consumers have shown they’re not afraid to balance their comfort food with flavors that are new, exotic, or something they might experience in a foreign country.  

Food with a Function

In the wake of COVID 19, many consumers have sought out natural, holistic ways to improve their health through nutraceutical benefits, particularly in terms of boosting immunity, finding relief from stress and anxiety, and improving quality of sleep and gut health. Consumers are researching CBD and other cannabinoids, adaptogens, probiotics, prebiotics, and botanicals and are looking for products that not only provide benefits but also taste good. Most consumers would prefer to get their daily dose of functional ingredients in as few items as possible, as opposed to taking multiple pills a day. 

Consumer demand for functional ingredients impacts a product’s flavor profile. Take, for example, products built to boost immunity – they will likely feature Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Ginger, Turmeric, or Ashwagandha. Because Vitamin C occurs naturally in citrus, it is relatively easy to pair with other flavors, whereas an ingredient like Ashwagandha has a very unique flavor profile in that it is earthy and bitter, which pairs well with the flavors of nuts, chocolate, and honey.

Enthusiasm for Fermented Foods

Today’s consumers are gravitating towards natural, healthy products that are processed without little to no additives and preservatives. A food category that emerged in 2020 and gained traction in 2021 for its floral, tart, slightly sweet, and robust flavors were naturally fermented products such as drinking vinegars, kombucha, and kimchi. Today, you can purchase products such as apple cider vinegar gummies, kombucha tea, and kimchi-flavored potato chips, and even kimchi-flavored sodas. Fermented products particularly resonate with younger consumers who have been exposed to international flavors and are not afraid of new tastes and textures.

Tested, Tried, and True Flavors

There are some flavors that consumers can’t get enough of and that never seem to go out of style, like berry, citrus, apple, and mint. Most people have been consuming fruit products since they were young; hence, these flavors are familiar to us and we know what to expect from a product featuring that flavor. In the confectionary world, strawberry remains very popular with consumers worldwide. Today, we are also seeing more of these flavors combined with botanicals to give products an added level of complexity – for example, basil paired with strawberry, mint paired with cucumber, or lavender paired with lemon. In line with consumers seeking functionality, botanicals offer their own health benefits. Basil is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as Magnesium; mint offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and lavender has been used to treat insomnia and nausea.

Up and Coming Fruit Flavors

There is no shortage of products on store shelves featuring citrus and berry, but there are some varieties to pay attention to, including Marionberry, Huckleberry, Yuzu, Blood Orange, and Makrut Lime.   

Marionberry

Marionberries are a variety of blackberry grown mostly in Oregon; they are both sweet and tart with a rich, earthy flavor – similar to eating a raspberry and blackberry in the same bite. In terms of product development, products featuring marionberries are mostly found on the west coast, because the berry itself is too delicate to ship.  

Huckleberry

Huckleberries are smaller than blueberries and have dark purple skin when ripe. They are tarter and juicier than blueberries, which means their flavor packs a punch in food products or beverages. Huckleberries are not a domesticated fruit; they are mostly picked by foragers in the northwest, which makes them somewhat harder for a product designer to access. 

Yuzu

Hailing from China and used widely in Japan, Yuzus are about the size as a tangerine. The rind is highly aromatic and sweet with floral notes, while the juice of the fruit is extremely sour and tart. Products on the market featuring yuzu are varied, from marinades to marmalades, beers to flavored sparkling water. 

Blood Orange

A blood orange is slightly smaller than a navel orange with slightly thicker skin. What makes the blood orange unique (and subsequently products that feature its juice) is the deep red, maroon color of the interior flesh. Flavor-wise, blood orange juice is a bit sweeter and less tangy than classic orange juice.   

Makrut Lime

Makrut (aka kaffir) are in the lime family and derive from Southeast Asia; they are a staple of Thai cooking. The texture of the rind is bumpy, and when ripe, it’s yellow as opposed to green. The zest of the rind is often used in curry paste, and its leaves are added to dishes for fragrance. Makrut lime juice is quite bitter and sour, so it needs to be paired with other flavors that can stand up to it and balance it out. 

Beyond Pumpkin Spice — Fall Flavors to Savor

As summer comes to a close, as the days get shorter, and the weather starts to cool, the flavors of the season begin to shift as well. Fall flavors not only reflect what types of products are available but the season’s holidays as well.  

One fall fruit flavor that never goes out of style is apple, which is incredibly versatile in terms of what it can be paired with. It’s a terrific match for another fall favorite, cranberry. An apple’s sweetness and crispness provide a nice contrast and balance to the cranberry’s tartness and tang. Apple and another fall fruit, pear, match well with a variety of spices, such as cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and ginger, all of which offer health benefits. 

Caramel is a flavor consumers associate with childhood and Halloween – think caramel apples, caramel in candy bars, and caramel swirled into ice cream. A popular flavor today is salted caramel, where the savory and texture quality of the salt play against the sweet, sticky, chewy qualities of the caramel. 

While Chai is popular year-round, it is the perfect flavor for fall because of the warmth the aromatic spices in it evoke. Chai is comprised of cinnamon, cardamom, and clove; these spices are added to black tea and then typically blended into milk. Beyond tea-based beverages, Chai pairs well in dishes featuring winter squash-like pumpkin.  

2022 Flavor Trend Predictions

Today’s consumers continue to feel the impact of COVID, are seeking a balance between familiarity and novelty, and learning more about ingredients that improve one’s health. Product producers can anticipate that functional ingredients including CBD will be top of mind when people look for new products to add into their daily routines that not only deliver nutrition and health benefits but also taste great.  

Flavor researchers predict that in 2022, consumers will seek out spice and heat in their food and beverages (from peppers to chili to mustard), as well as notes of smoke and wood. They will also gravitate towards tropical, fruity flavors, that are paired with other functional ingredients, particularly in beverages, and seek out spirit flavors in their confections, such as a chocolate bar infused with whiskey or bourbon. 

If you have an idea for a product to bring to market in 2022 featuring functional ingredients, the team at SōRSE can help you create a flavor profile that will resonate with consumers. Book a call with our team today to get the conversation started and your product to market! 

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RTD (Ready to Drink) Cannabis Beverage Trends

aprch cbd sparkling water

Trends in RTD Cannabis Beverages: What to Know  

A lot has changed in the cannabis marketplace over the last ten years, 18 states have legalized THC for recreational use and even more for medicinal use. There has also been more consumer interest in CBD, the non-psychoactive sibling of THC, since  the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill legalizing hemp production. In 2011, most cannabis users would likely have never imagined that they would someday be able to buy infused beverages, let alone have as many options to choose from as they do today.  

The infused beverage market continues to grow as consumers look for other ways to consume cannabinoids beyond inhalation, tinctures, tablets, soft gels, and gummies. Here’s what you need to know about the current trends in the RTD (Ready to Drink) Cannabis beverage marketplace.   

Market Data 

In March of 2021, MJ Biz Daily reported that beverage sales rose from $67.8M in 2019 to $95.2M in 2020. According to Seattle based cannabis research firm, Headset, sales of cannabis infused beverages increased 40.3% in 2020 across all states where cannabis is recreationally legal. In Headset’s March report, “Cannabis Beverages: Analyzing Category & Brand Performance,” they reported that women tend to purchase infused beverages more often than men do, particularly the Baby Boomers group, as shown in the graph below.  

Source: Headset Data

 

 

They also found that beverages dosed at 0-5 mg THC and 100 mg THC have risen in popularity with consumers in 2020 and the first half of 2021. This illustrates that the market is moving towards offering two distinct product types – one with the maximum amount of THC per dose which would appeal to a regular cannabis user, the other with micro dosed servings that are more approachable for consumers who are “cannacurious” and looking for an alternative to alcohol.   

Source: Headset Data

US cannabis beverage sales are expected to reach $421 million this year, according to cannabis market research firm, Brightfield Group.  Bethany Gomez, Brightfield’s Managing Director, thinks that the cannabis beverage sector will clear $1B by 2025 as this sector continues to gain traction with consumers. How will the sector continue to gain that traction? By offering safe, efficacious, and great-tasting products for the consumer.  

Trends in Cannabis-Infused Beverages 

Trend #1: Hydrating with Infused Waters 

Drinking water is a critical part of healthy daily routine, but not everyone loves the taste of plain water. Because of this, there are a plethora of flavored waters, sparkling waters, and seltzers on the market, many infused with CBD, THC, and other functional ingredients. Consuming a CBD water makes staying hydrated easy, and the beverage platform provides an effective delivery mechanism for cannabinoids. A growing category in this space are infused waters for pre and post workouts when hydration is key for performance and recovery.   

Trend #2: More Functional, High-Quality Ingredients; Less Sugar! 

Consumers are highly focused on their health and wellness and doing their homework on ingredients that boost immunity, improve gut health, and ease stress and anxiety. As a result of this, product developers are creating infused beverages with cannabinoids paired with other functional, high-quality ingredients like Ginger, Elderberry, Ashwaganda, Rosemary, Cinnamon, Ginseng, and Turmeric, to name a few. Consumers are also more aware of their sugar intake and are looking for beverages with no added sugar or that use natural flavor enhancers like berries and other fruits for a hint of sweetness. 

Trend #3: Caffeine, Meet CBD 

While the combination of caffeine and CBD may seem counterintuitive, the pairing in a beverage can deliver a pick-me-up for the body and clarity for the mind. Contrary to popular belief, CBD does not make you drowsy, but it can have a calming, relaxing effect. As a result, there are more cannabinoid-infused cold brew coffees and iced green and black teas on the market, providing the consumer with a boost of energy that they might need to carry them through the afternoon.  

Trend #4: Beyond Beer, Beyond Spirits: The Rise of Infused Beverages 

While many consumers enjoy a great beer, wine, or cocktail, they don’t always enjoy how they feel the next day. For many people, the older they get, the harder it is for the body to process alcohol, not to mention the calories that pile up from high levels of sugar. As a result, consumers are looking for alternatives to alcohol like THC infused beverages that can provide a similar buzz without the hangover or beer belly. Given the array of ingredients at their disposal, product developers can create mocktails, seltzers, near-beers, and aperitifs that echo the products consumers are familiar with, replacing alcohol with cannabinoids.  

What to Know About Quality RTD Cannabis Drinks 

With the popularity of RTD infused beverages on the rise and with so many options to choose from, it’s important for consumers to know what to look for when shopping for beverages, because not all infused beverages are created equal.  

  • Look for beverages that have been tested for quality and safety throughout the production process and include Certificates of Analysis (COA).  
  • The COA is a lab report verifying the chemical makeup of the product including the amount of cannabinoids in the product.  
  • Take a close look at product labels which display dosing information, milligrams of CBD or THC, serving size/servings per container, cannabinoid oil source, and expiration date. 
  • Be aware of how cannabinoids are infused into the product and seek out products that feature a water-soluble infusion method like SōRSE.  
  • Cannabinoids are oil based, and oil and water don’t play well together.  
  • Emulsion technology enables the cannabinoids to be added to water in a stable, evenly dispersed manner so that they won’t separate from the other ingredients by rising to the top or settling on the bottom.  
  • Beverages featuring SōRSE emulsion deliver the amount of cannabinoids listed on the label and consumers feel the effects within 10 to 20 minutes. 

If a beverage doesn’t taste good, the consumer won’t drink it, let alone repurchase it. SōRSE provides the opportunity for the cannabinoid emulsions are customizable. For product developers, this means SoRSE can match the flavor profiles of their beverages, giving them a range of options, from no cannabis taste or smell to strategically infused sensory notes to complement the other ingredients and enhance the overall product.  

SōRSE is currently powering over 60 market-leading products, including RTD beverages. Products that carry the “Powered by SōRSE” moniker are safe, consistent, accurately dosed, and great-tasting, providing everything today’s consumer is looking for in their RTD infused beverages. If you are a product developer looking to capitalize on the growth we are witnessing in the cannabis beverage space, book a call with our team today to learn more about our water-soluble emulsions and the services we provide.  

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With Age Comes Change: The Maturation of the Cannabis Industry

Reuters: Canada's Pascal Biosciences partners with SoRSE to test cannabis-based cancer therapy

There is no doubt that the cannabis industry has matured over the past ten years, due in part to an increasing number of states legalizing medicinal and recreational use as well as a growing public acceptance of the plant for its health and wellness benefits. This cultural attitude shift is welcomed, especially for those who know the rich history of the plant and what it has offer. That said, it has been a long time coming, given that cannabis is one of the oldest cultivated crops recorded, dating back 12,000 years to Central Asia. During that time, cannabis was used for spiritual enlightenment and pain relief, not unlike today’s consumers! 

A Growing Acceptance  

A great example of consumer acceptance of cannabis is the ever-growing popularity of cannabidiol, CBD, one of the many cannabinoids in the plant. Consumers are curious about the functional attributes that CBD products offer and are open-minded when looking to purchase products featuring CBD.  As a result, companies producing infused products are closely aligning themselves with the food and beverage industry, following their tried-and-true standards and guidelines with the goal of creating safe, great tasting products for their target consumer base.  

 Heard of GRAS Status? If No, You Will Soon   

 Back in the day, before cannabis edibles became mainstream, there was minimal regulation in the space, which led to inaccurate dosing as well as quality and safety concerns. Today, many companies are preparing themselves for FDA regulation by pursuing self-affirmed GRAS status. GRAS, which stands for Generally Recognized as Safe, is the FDA’s designation that a substance added to food is considered safe. If companies actively pursue self-affirmed GRAS status now, this will prevent reformulation requirements and reduce potential barriers to enter mainstream retailers, making the company a more valuable partner. Companies pursuing GRAS also sends a message to the consumer carefully reading labels that their safety comes first.    

Focus on Quality and Safety  

 While the FDA considers how to regulate CBD, companies creating infused products are utilizing the traditional food and beverage quality and safety protocols to keep the consumer safe. CBD might be “new,” but if it’s going to be in food and drinks, it has to be treated just like any other food ingredient. In the food and beverage industry, it’s common for the terms “quality” and “safety” to be paired together, but they are not interchangeable. The word “quality” refers to the features and characteristics of a food product that is acceptable to consumers, meets their expectations, and conforms to required specifications. The word “safety” refers to practices and conditions that confirm the ingredients and finished goods will not harm consumers if ingested.   Many companies have implemented their own food safety programs which include following GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards. The more that companies prioritize safety and quality, the more the consumers will trust and remain loyal to the brand.  

Beyond the Brownie: Product Quality and Variety 

Years ago, if someone wanted an infused cannabis product like a cookie or brownie, they would have likely had to make it themselves. In contrast, today’s cannabis marketplace is rich with a variety of products from wellness shots and beverages to gummies and tea sachets. An important difference between today’s infused products and those of the past is the focus on flavor and the consumer’s sensory experience. Product producers are committed to creating high quality goods that taste good, which means that they are spending more time considering what flavors and ingredients will work in concert with the cannabinoid. 

Popular product categories are by no means new; they are simply enhanced by CBD. Currently, the canna-curious are interested in low-calorie, low-sugar infused beverages and food items, and products that meet diet-specific and lifestyle needs. This includes organic, all-natural, and gluten-free diets as well as products that feature functional ingredients. Ready to mix (RTM) beverages is a category on the rise for their portability and ease of use. Today’s consumers are also buying CBD products for their pets, from infused biscuits to food toppers. Water-soluble cannabinoid emulsions are making it easy for product developers to add CBD to almost any food or beverage product that you can find on a grocery store (and pet store) shelf. 

Growth and Scalability 

 With consumer demand for quality and novel products on the rise, rates of production and distribution increase as well. Now more than ever, retailers are creating ample shelf space for CBD products. As CBD has become more widely accepted, larger food and beverage companies are joining the wave of infused product development. With this, more manufacturing and co-packing companies are following suit, creating opportunities for product developers to scale their products and get them to market. Retailers are also eagerly anticipating the influx of CBD–infused products from larger traditional food and beverage companies that are waiting for the go-ahead from the FDA before releasing their already developed, not yet available infused products.   

As the cannabis industry matures, consumer demand is on the rise. Today’s consumer expects healthier, more unique products, which creates exciting opportunities for product developers as well as manufacturing challenges. In this time of high demand, it is important that product developers choose their strategic partners wisely to ensure market success. SōRSE utilizes patent-pending emulsion technology designed for an easier cannabinoid infusion and a better finished product. At SōRSE, we convert an oil into a water-soluble liquid or powder that is easily integrated into the production process using food grade ingredients. Because the emulsion is homogeneous, the amount of cannabinoids is evenly distributed throughout the product, and the first sip tastes as good as the last. With a team backed by 200+ years of experience in the food and beverage industry and a focus on consumer safety and satisfaction, SōRSE is committed to moving the industry forward with our partners and taking infused products to the next level.  

 

 

 

 

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Functional Ingredient Trends: Restoring Protein, Balancing Gut Health, & Boosting Immmunity

SoRSE Functional ingredients

 In Part 1 of Functional Ingredients Trends, the focus was on adaptogens more commonly incorporated into food and beverage products for the health benefits they bring. Beyond adaptogens, there are other key functional ingredients that developers are beginning to integrate into their products to meet consumer needs. 

 Calling on Collagen to Restore Protein Levels  

Collagen is the most prominent protein our body produces. It is in our skin, bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments – even in our teeth! As we get older, our bodies produce less collagen, resulting in rougher skin and weaker joints. The health benefits of taking a collagen supplement or consuming products featuring collagen as an active ingredient are undeniable. These include improving skin hydration and elasticity, providing relief for aching joints, and supporting the development of muscle. 

Probiotics and Prebiotics: The Foundation to a Healthy Gut 

Probiotics: Most consumers are familiar with Probiotics, the live yeasts and bacteria that help maintain and support a healthy gut and aid in digestion. Doctors often recommend a probiotic supplement to restore balance to the body’s bacterial system after taking antibiotics.  They are also used to treat lactose intolerance, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and Diarrhea.  

 Prebiotics: For those of you who have never heard of Prebiotics, you are not alone. Although not as well know, they are just as important. Prebiotics are plant fibers and carbohydrates that the body cannot readily digest. When they move through the lower digestive tract, they feed the healthy bacteria that promote gut health. Prebiotics are found in a variety of different vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, such as bananas, cocoa, garlic, leeks, and flaxseeds. 

Boosting Immunity with Vitamin C (and Zinc!) 

Now more than ever, consumers are hyper-aware of their immune systems and are looking for natural ways to strengthen its ability to fight off illness. Vitamin C, also known as L. ascorbic acid, can be taken in many different forms to ward off the common cold as well as fight infections. Where to get your supply of Vitamin C? Whether it be in raw produce such as strawberries, citrus, and spinach or in the plethora of food and beverage products featuring the immunity–boosting vitamin, the resources are abundant. When combined, Vitamin C and Zinc are a particularly powerful duo for improving immunity. Grapefruit and elderberry offer high levels of both! 

Improving Sleep Quality with Melatonin 

Most consumers are familiar with Melatonin as a supplement used for sleep issues including insomnia. Melatonin is a hormone our brain produces, letting us know when it’s time to go to sleep and when it’s time to wake up. Typically, our bodies generate more melatonin at night when the amount of light we are exposed to diminishes. Melatonin supplements come in liquid, pill or chewable form and are either natural or synthetic; the natural form sourced from animals or micro-organisms. Beyond taking Melatonin for better sleep, consumers also take it to manage jet lag and post-operative pain.  

The Future of CBD = CBD + (Insert Functional Ingredient Here)  

Most consumers want to minimize the number of products in their daily health routine, yet still get the nutritional value of all the vitamins, minerals, supplements, and other functional ingredients. The best way to achieve this is to pair functional ingredients in food or beverage products. In this next wave of infused food and beverage products, CBD will likely share the spotlight with some of the functional ingredients described above, and that ingredient will be dependent on the product’s purpose and the consumer’s needs. 

Combining ingredients is not as simple as it looks. The R&D Team at SōRSE  understands the challenges and nuances of pairing various cannabinoids with other functional ingredients. Leveraging our current CBD emulsion portfolio combined with our formulation and technical expertise, we can create a blended solution tailored to your needs. If you are considering adding another functional ingredient to your product or product line, get in touch with the SōRSE team today! 

 

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Functional Ingredient Trends: All About Adaptogens

Functional Ingredient Trends

With health and wellness being front of mind for many consumers, the food and beverage industry creates language to describe the different qualities an ingredient brings to a product. A “functional ingredient” can best be defined as one that provides some sort of health benefit to the consumer.   

“Adaptogens” is a word the consumer is seeing a lot of these days in the realm of functional ingredients in food and beverage, but they may not know exactly what they are and that familiar herbs fall into this category of functional ingredients. Adaptogens come from plant material, namely herbs and roots, that help the body manage and combat different stressors. They are used to bring balance back to the body. Here are a few adaptogens that are either featured prominently on grocery store shelves today or are becoming more widely known given their beneficial health properties.  

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a succulent that thrives in tropical climates. Most consumers are familiar with it because its gel is typically marketed as a way to treat sunburn, acne, psoriasis, and surface-level wounds. Due to the high concentration of water in its leaves, Aloe is a great source of hydration, flushing out toxins and impurities. It also provides a healthy dose of Vitamins B, C, and E. The result of these healing properties is that consumers are seeing more aloe vera juice drinks on the shelves.  

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a small shrub that grows in India, parts of Africa, and the Middle East that has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Its roots and berries are said to boost energy levels, reduce stress and anxiety, improve brain function, lower blood sugar levels, and increase fertility. What more could you ask for? 

Ginseng

Ginseng is a root which has long been used in Chinese medicine. There are two types on the market today: American and Asian. Despite being from the same family of plant, the two offer different health benefits. American ginseng is used for its antioxidant properties and to boost the immune system. People with Type 2 Diabetes can also use it to lower blood sugar levels. Asian ginseng (also known as Korean red ginseng) is can mitigate the possible onset of the cold or flu, promote heart health, improve physical endurance, and minimize symptoms of menopause. 

Mushrooms

When consumers typically think about mushrooms, they picture them as an ingredient in a savory culinary dish like Stuffed Portobellos or Crimini and Leek risotto. While it’s true that these fungi are a staple in many diets, certain mushroom varieties like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Shitake and Maitake have notable medicinal qualities. Mushrooms have been used to treat infection, boost the immune system, alleviate stress, and improve sleep. They are also used to treat heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.  

Rosemary

Rosemary is an extremely fragrant herb that many consumers are familiar with because it’s a key ingredient in Mediterranean food. The evergreen shrub is a member of the mint family, as are many of the other herbs like Thyme, Basil, and Oregano. Rosemary is used for its anti-inflammatory properties, improving circulation, aiding in digestion, and improving focus and memory.   

 Turmeric

 Turmeric is best known for its place in Indian cooking. It is the main spice in curry that gives it its golden color and its bright, slightly bitter taste. Turmeric comes from the stem of the Turmeric plant, which grows in India and South East Asia. Beyond its role in cooking, Turmeric, powered by curcumin, the substance responsible for the spice’s bright hue, has notable anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, Turmeric has been used for thousands of years to treat various illnesses and health problems, including inflammation, arthritis, heart disease, high cholesterol, and allergies.  

Today’s consumers are shopping for products based on the role they play in promoting good health and reducing the risk of disease, resulting in an increased demand for items that taste great AND deliver added health benefits. If you are considering adding an adaptogen to one of your products to meet your consumer’s needs, the SōRSE team is eager to consult with you to find a great match for our emulsion.   

Read Part 2 to Functional Ingredients Trends, where we cover functional ingredients for restoring protein levels, balancing gut heath, improving sleep, as well as the benefits of cannabinoids being paired with functional ingredients. 

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Emerging CBD Product Categories for 2021

Emerging CBD Product Categories for 2021

For the past few years, there’s been an intense influx of CBD products coming onto the market – from pillows to makeup, from workout wear to toilet paper! It’s no surprise that this is happening, because product developers recognize that CBD is becoming more mainstream in the consumers’ eyes and its versatility. Having a diverse range of products is driven by consumer demand – and product developers are finding creative ways to meet consumer needs.  

The three product categories in the CBD space that we see growing rapidly are: On-The-Go Products, Pet Products, and Health and Wellness products. As product developers know, innovating new products and differentiating yourself from the competition isn’t easy. That said, with the right idea and the right strategic partners such as SōRSE, the process of developing a new product and going to market can be exciting and rewarding. This is especially true when you meet consumer needs that another company has yet to fulfill.  

 CATEGORY #1: ON–THE–GO PRODUCTS 

Many of today’s consumers are looking for portable, convenient, and eco-friendly ways to get their CBD fix. Stick-packs, sachets and tea bags are a great delivery system for CBD because the formats are widely accepted by consumers already; plus, they are easily accessible and convenient, and they don’t take up a lot of space in a pantry. There are also benefits to creating these products for developers; first, their shelf lives are longer, which makes quality control easier to manage. Second, because on–the–go products are space-efficient, they are cheaper to ship, which is important in a time when most businesses are relying on ecommerce for their sales.  

When it comes to adding CBD to an on–the-go product, particle size of the CBD matters. SõRSE recommends using agglomerated powder to our partners because it absorbs quickly and disperses evenly which means there is no clumping. All of this makes it easy for product developers to seamlessly integrate the powder into their formulations. In terms of flavor, the sensory impact of the agglomerated powder is minimal – because the bottom line is that products need to taste good for consumers to buy them and become a repeat customer.  

CATEGORY #2: PET PRODUCTS  

According to a 2019-2020 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, a staggering 67% percent of U.S. households – about 85 million families –own a pet. A product that is becoming popular that animal lovers are buying for their companion animals – CBD. The pet CBD market alone is expected to grow by 54% from $64M in 2018 to $810M in 2024. Why are pet owners purchasing CBD products for their pets? Many are looking for a more natural alternative for their animal’s health issues, such as anxiety, pain and stiffness, seizures, and poor appetite. Most CBD pet products are oil-based and come in the following formats – tinctures, powders, and gels – but CBD is also finding its way into treats, powders that can be mixed into food and broths/liquids that can be poured over kibble.  

 For the product developer looking to create a product that will yield lots of wags and purrs, SõRSE is a water-soluble technology that animal enthusiasts can trust. Our emulsions offer increased bioavailability for fast–acting onset and consistent effect, ensure accurate dosing, utilize safe and all-natural ingredients, and are allergen-free. It’s also important to know that pet products utilizing water-soluble CBD or hemp are easier for pets to digest than oil-based products because of the way the digestive systems process fats. If product developers want all the animals out there to reap the benefits hemp has to offer, choosing a water-soluble emulsion is the way to go.  

CATEGORY #3: HEALTH AND WELLNESS PRODUCTS 

This year, people have become more focused on their health and well-being. This is certainly reflected in purchasing trends; since March, consumers have been investing in home workout equipment, and stocking up on vitamins and supplements. What else have consumers been purchasing? CBD. In 2019, the global CBD consumer health market size was valued at $20.3B and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.6% from 2020 to 2027. This growth is driven by consumer demand and awareness surrounding perceived health benefits of CBD as well as a desire for products with healthier, sustainable ingredients and functional ingredients. Consumers are increasingly searching out products that are plant-derived, non-GMO, all-natural, and organic, as well as ones that are convenient and enjoyable to consume. 

Health and wellness products featuring CBD that are on the rise for the coming year are: Functional beverages in the form of wellness shots and performance-enhancing drinks; Cosmetics in the form of skincare and hair products; Nutraceuticals in the form of capsules, soft gels and supplements; and oral care in the form of mouthwash and toothpastes. It’s important to note for product developers that the FDA regulates CBD in cosmetics differently than it does in food and beverages items. When it comes to adding CBD to health and wellness products, the possibilities are endless; the key is predicting what product the consumer wants most.  

SōRSE – Your Strategic Partner for Your Next Great Product 

When it comes to developing CBD emulsions for products, SõRSE takes a clean label approach, which means that the emulsions’ attributes meet the demands of the health and ​wellness sector.  ​The emulsions are made with safe, natural ingredients with no additives included such as sugar or masking agents. Consumer safety is SõRSE highest priority, which is why we put an emphasis on quality testing and quality assurance and transparency with our partners. We collaborate with product developers through each phase of the process – from ideation to formulation to go-to-market, providing operations support and connections to our network of vetted co-packers and other manufacturing partners. Come to the SõRSE with your idea, and let’s work together to move the industry forward with more infused products in 2021.