Health and Wellness

Overall volume sales of low fat cooking ingredients and meals continued to increase in France in 2022. Buoyant demand reflected rising consumer awareness of the health risks associated with being overweight or obese, a well-established trend that…

The ready meals category is not as strong in Greece as in other Western countries due to the fact that Greek households still remain fairly traditional, with families eating primarily home cooked meals instead of buying packaged ready meals. This…

Lactose free products continued to be of interest to consumers in Denmark, with sales of these products driven by large brands, such as Arla, Naturmælk and Thise. Lactose free is a strong trend because of food allergies and lactose intolerance, while…

Sugar has increasingly become the focus of consumer health concerns around the world, with excessive consumption of sugar in modern diets associated with the development of a number of health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and…

According to Euromonitor’s Voice of the Consumers Lifestyles survey, in 2022 more than 2% of people in France were vegan, while almost 3% were vegetarian. While these figures are still quite low compared to markets such as the UK and Germany, the…

Protein is perhaps the most popular ingredient consumers currently look for in almost any packaged food in the Greek market. With the increasing interest in regular exercise and sporting activity after the outbreak of COVID-19, Greek consumers have…

Fruit/herbal tea is often fortified/functional and is growing in popularity in the country due to its positive impact on mental and physical health. This tea is marketed as helping to overcome anxiety and stress thanks to its properties that help…

Finns are clearly migrating towards fruit/herbal tea, green tea and other tea, which are snatching sales away from black tea. This movement is being powered by the health and wellness trend, as well as Finns’ keenness to experiment with new products…

After having been one of the star performers in the French hot drinks market over 2020-2021, fruit/herbal tea saw retail volume sales decline sharply in 2022. This was partly due to steep price hikes and the erosion of purchasing power amidst a…

The experiences of the COVID-19 crisis led consumers to feel that products such as hot drinks should not only satisfy thirst and need, but also provide elements to boost the functioning of their immune systems and help with their health. This has…

During the COVID-19 pandemic era there was an increase in sales of indulgence and comfort food, such as cookies, and confectionery. However, by 2022, there was a marked return to normality, with people seeking out products that were better for them.…

Health claims related to xylitol remain relevant in the Finnish snacks market, and snack products containing xylitol are gaining in popularity. The Jenkki brand and its xylitol health claims have been present since the first xylitol sweetened gum was…

French consumers have long been cognisant of how sugar intake can be a significant contributory factor in the development of conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay, as the effects of this substance have been a focal point in media…

The increasing awareness of the link between high sugar consumption and obesity, especially amongst children, has shed light on the importance of reducing the sugar content of highly calorific foods, including snacks. Indeed, growing awareness of the…

There are multiple health and wellness claims in soft drinks, including natural and organic; fortified with vitamins and minerals; superfruit and immune system or brain work support; energy boosting and mental health care. These are targeted at a…

The selection of functional soft drinks is growing in Finland and consumers are exhibiting great interest in products that offer added protein and an energy boost. Finns lead hectic and active lifestyles in the cold and dark Nordic climate, making…

Overall volume sales of organic soft drinks in France declined for a second consecutive year in 2022, and at a steeper rate than in 2021. This was partly explained by the stabilisation of consumption patterns, as demand for such products surged in…

Sugar has become a key focus of consumer health concerns on the back of increasing publicity around the role of excessive sugar consumption in the development of a range of health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Sugary…

Consumers are becoming more concerned about sustainability, climate impact and animal welfare, as well as health issues, which is leading to a decline in meat consumption on a regular basis and promoting a choice of meat free alternatives. Thanks to…

The oat boom continues expanding in Finland. Not only are oats a traditional Nordic superfood, but there is also considerable new product development allowing brands to deliver value-added benefits. The health benefits of oats are widely known in…