2016 Guide to Organic Products

Every year, there are exciting changes in the in the agricultural industry. One of the biggest movements in health and nutrition over the past decade has been increased consumer demand for healthy organic products. 2015 saw a 10% increase in the number of organic product launches with commensurate increases in the overlapping sectors of vegetarian and gluten-free products.

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With a consumer base that is demanding more organic products than ever, agriculture sources have struggled to shift production to meet global needs. It’s no secret that superfoods like quinoa, kale, coconut oil, chia seeds, algae, and teff are in vogue. But staying ahead of that demand requires understanding the underlying trends that drive it. The following are some of the consumer trends spurring organic product demand in 2016.

Organic Fermented Beverages

No, we aren’t talking about organic beer, but there is a market for that, too. We’re referring to beverages like kefir, kombucha, fermented soy, and others. As widespread consumer demand for probiotics increases, the public has become increasingly educated about the natural human digestive process and its needs.

Fermentation assists the body by beginning the breakdown of difficult-to-digest nutrients and proteins in advance, making them more bio-available. The protein in fermented soy, for instance, is far easier and faster for the body to absorb than protein from any non-fermented source. Health-conscious consumers are demanding organic fermented beverages. There is a trend among athletes and fitness enthusiasts in particular as they find themselves eschewing sugary pre-workout, energy, and sports drinks in favor of healthier alternatives.  

Organic Vegetable- and Nut-Based Substitutes

Vegetables are no longer confined to the edge of the plate or the sole purview of vegetarian diners. Vegetable noodles, mashed cauliflower, and a variety of steak substitutes are gracing tables in both homes and fine dining establishments. Rounding out the trend are vegetable popsicles and even nut-based cheeses and yogurts. But this trend goes beyond the plate. Plants have found their way into skin and hair care products and vitamins. Discerning consumers are growing in number, and they’re demanding only the best organic products in their personal care arsenal.

Organic Gluten-Free Flours

The clamor for more gluten-free options has been going on behind the scenes for years, but it has recently been pushed to the forefront of social consciousness. Over 20 million Americans have celiac disease or sensitivities to gluten. Current gluten-free flour options include those produced from amaranth, arrowroot, various beans, buckwheat, coconut, corn, millet, potato starch, chickpeas, various nuts, quinoa, rice, sorghum, soy, tapioca, and teff. As both the gluten-free and organic food followings have increased over the past several years, there is now massive overlap between the two groups. Those who demand gluten-free products also demand them to be organic and vice versa.  

Organic Proteins and Healthy Fats

The public has finally learned what fitness and nutrition experts have known for years: The old food pyramid was a lie. Protein, not carbohydrates, is the ideal source of energy, and healthy fats are far more necessary than five or more daily servings of bread or potatoes. Those who adhere to a program like Atkins or the Paleo diet emphasize proteins and healthy fats above all else, but even non-dieters are seeking out ways to add organic proteins and healthy fats to their meals. Nuts, soy, and grain alternatives like teff and quinoa are being used as a source of protein. Likewise, nuts and olive and coconut oils are being used as a healthy source of fat. Educated consumers who try to eat healthy have been shown to overwhelmingly prefer organic food sources to non-organic food sources.