IC Germany-based Goodies’ kimchi wraps are made with fermented cabbage that’s described as being rich in vitamins and probiotics.

GLOBAL HEALTHY FOOD TRENDS For a number of years, Datassential has been tracking the evolution of “healthy” in the U.S., which many consumers now equate with functional benefits – will this food keep me energized or give me enough protein? That same shift, according to Euromonitor, is happening around the world, along with a concurrent demand for alternatives – consumers from Canada to Spain are seeking out plant-based proteins and nut-based milks. Euromonitor also reports that the “increasing demand for natural products is very much related to the clean label trend” and that “more

consumers like the idea of plant-based foods with intrinsic protein, mineral, or vitamin content with no need to artificially fortify them” with ancient grains and veggie-based snacks noted to be key elements. Additionally, there continues to be interest in organic items and a developing interest in sustainable sourcing as consumers in general become more health conscious. A number of the healthforward restaurant concepts covered in this issue of International Concepts display nutritional information on their websites and menus and are looking to provide customers with more ingredient and sourcing information to promote transparency and wellness. Some international operators are even incorporating ingredients associated with beauty products (a growing trend in the U.S. we discuss in FoodBytes: 2018 Trends) like activated charcoal and collagen. In this issue, discover health-focused concepts that could translate to U.S. menus

and product lines like energy balls (which today can be found at a variety of restaurants around the world) in flavors like turmeric and matcha, super shakes with nutrients that stem from ingredients like sea buckthorn (which is said to be good for your skin), flexitarian dishes, as well as an array of trendy smoothie and grain bowls. Also learn how global operators are making healthy foods and beverages accessible to on-the-go customers who are looking to receive functional benefits in a quick, easy-to-eat format.

DATASSENTIAL’S INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS: HEALTH-FOCUSED CHAINS

WHY IT MATTERS As foods and beverages with a healthy perception continue to trend in the U.S., operators and manufacturers can take inspiration from international concepts that are incorporating nutrient-rich ingredients, creating flavorful flexitarian dishes, and introducing items associated with beauty products like activated charcoal and collagen to menus and product lines. Additionally, natural colorants (think matcha, turmeric, ube, and more) are showcased at many of the restaurants covered in this issue and star in an array of Instagram-worthy applications. And with snacking occasions now outnumbering traditional meals in the U.S. and consumers looking for healthier options, according to Datassential’s Snacking Keynote Report, operators and manufacturers can take inspiration from concepts like Kauai in South Africa that offer seed bars that are portable for on-the-go consumers.

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