Date: 06/01/2025

In an increasingly dynamic market, transformations in consumer behavior, technological innovations, and the growing demand for sustainability have been driving the food industry. Facing the 2025 scenario, companies are looking for quick adaptation to new global expectations. With this in mind, we explore the key trends that will impact the food ingredients industry, highlighting how these changes may influence business strategies and the development of new products in the market.

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What did we observe in 2024?

The food market in 2024 reflected a significant transformation, driven by the growing consumer demand for health, sustainability, and unique sensory experiences.

We saw an acceleration in the inclusion of more natural ingredients, with specific health benefits, clarifying nutritional information and influencing the final consumer's purchasing decisions.

As the food and beverage industries evolve, it becomes clear that consumer behavior is increasingly focused on ingredients that not only offer flavor but also meet a range of functional, nutritional, and environmental needs.

Next, we highlight the key trends expected for the coming year:

Transparency

In 2024, Mintel highlighted the importance of clear communication about processed foods. With the growing interest from consumers regarding what they are consuming, brands can stand out by offering transparent information about how their products fit into balanced diets.

This involves better explaining manufacturing processes and showing how foods can be integrated healthily into daily eating routines, generating greater trust in consumers' choices.

Healthy Aging

Furthermore, Mintel's research indicated that the focus has shifted to promoting a long and active life, with consumers seeking foods and beverages that not only combat aging but also encourage a healthy lifestyle throughout all ages.

In response, brands have been investing in products that meet the specific needs of consumers in this age group, such as foods rich in antioxidants, fibers, and other ingredients that support longevity.

Optimized nutrition

In 2024, the use of technology in food grew exponentially, and meal planning, shopping, and food preparation were optimized through apps and food services that simplify daily routines.

Mintel also noted an increase in the demand for convenient solutions, such as personalized meal kits or even food shopping assistants, which help maintain a balanced diet without complications.

With technological advancements, these trends improve convenience and personalize the consumer experience according to individual preferences and needs.

Consumer behavior changes, driven by concerns about health, sustainability, and technological innovation, are rapidly transforming the industry.

With a society that is increasingly connected and aware of its choices, consumers are prioritizing foods that not only offer taste but, above all, functional, nutritional, and environmental benefits.

Functional nutrition and ingredients with prolonged benefits

In 2025, consumers will continue to prioritize foods that, in addition to providing immediate nutrition, offer additional long-term health benefits.

According to analyses, functional nutrition will be a strong trend, with an increase in the consumption of foods that help prevent diseases and promote overall well-being, such as foods rich in bioactive compounds, fibers, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Ingredients like probiotics, adaptogens, and bioactive compounds will gain prominence, contributing to a more balanced and beneficial diet.

Next, we will explore what these ingredients are and how they are fundamental to this trend.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits to the host. They primarily act in modulating the intestinal microbiota, promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This balance is essential for efficient digestion, strengthening the immune system, and preventing intestinal diseases.

Adaptogens

Adaptogens are natural substances, usually of plant origin, that help the body resist physical, chemical, and biological stressors, promoting a state of balance. They modulate the body’s response to stress, improving adaptation and resilience to adverse conditions.

Bioactive compounds

Bioactive compounds are components found in foods that have beneficial effects on health beyond their basic nutritional value. These include antioxidants, fibers, essential fatty acids, and other phytonutrients that contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases and promote overall well-being. For example, polyphenols found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have antioxidant properties that combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Local and sustainable ingredients

Consumers will be increasingly inclined to choose products with local and sustainable ingredients, aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and support local economies.

Moreover, plant-based alternatives, such as plant proteins, will continue to be developed and offered as more eco-friendly and healthier options.

Mintel also suggests that transparency will be highly valued, with consumers seeking clear information about the origin of ingredients and the production practices adopted.

Personalized nutrition

In 2025, the concept of personalized nutrition will be more advanced, with consumers seeking products that meet their specific nutritional needs.

This will be facilitated by technologies such as artificial intelligence, which will help create tailor-made food products for different health profiles, lifestyles, and dietary preferences.

Personalization could include everything from ingredient selection to how foods are prepared and consumed, ensuring a more precise fit to individual consumer needs.

NatSense Natural Flavors: a natural ingredient solution for the food industry’s needs

With the growing interest in more natural and functional foods, the food ingredients market is increasingly focused on solutions that meet demand without compromising sensory quality.

In this context, NatSense Natural Flavors, developed by BRF Ingredients, offer a sodium reduction solution without adding artificial ingredients to the formulation.

This line of natural flavors is produced from fresh raw materials, such as chicken and pork, sourced from BRF's integrated supply chain. This process ensures the use of natural, fresh ingredients, which are essential to meet the growing demand for foods with cleaner compositions and fewer artificial ingredients.

Our portfolio includes two main categories of natural meat flavors: one that enhances the taste of foods while allowing for a significant reduction in sodium levels in formulations, and another obtained through slow cooking, providing the desired flavor without the need for large quantities of salt. This flexibility makes NatSense Flavors an efficient alternative for the food industry seeking to meet new market requirements for sodium-reduced products.

Final considerations

The focus on ingredients that go beyond simple nutritional value, embracing sustainability, personalization, and transparency, has become a reality. Consumers are becoming more discerning, looking for products that not only meet their health needs but also align with their environmental and social concerns.

Technological innovations, especially those related to personalization and food optimization, continue to advance, making the eating experience more efficient and aligned with individual lifestyles.

As the demand for healthy and sustainable foods grows, we also see the market adapting to the need for ingredients that provide long-lasting functional benefits.

In 2025, it is clear that the key to success in the food ingredients sector is the ability to innovate responsibly. Looking ahead to the coming years, it is evident that commitment to health, convenience, and the environment will be even more crucial.