Pearl attended the 2019 SIAL Tradeshow in Toronto on May 1st and 2nd to check out the new products entering the market and to understand food and beverage trends. Below are Pearl’s top innovation themes and product picks from this year’s show.
1. Keto Friendly
The Keto diet has been on the rise with a demand for keto-friendly products replacing carb heavy every favourites like bread and crackers. Our 2019 Health & Wellness Study showed that 6% of Canadians said they used the Ketogenic diet in the past 12 months. Expect to see this trend continue to grow in the coming years as Canadians start learning more about the Keto diet and have more packaged food items readily available to make it easier to stay on it.
Pearl’s Top “Keto Friendly” Picks at SIAL 2019:
Unbun
These keto friendly buns are also paleo, gluten-free, and grain-free! They are made of only 8 ingredients – Almond Flour, Egg Whites, Psyllium Husk, Flax, Coconut Flour, Whole Eggs, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Paleo Baking Powder. Additionally, they’re available in both bun and mini-baguette formats.
Nud Crackers
Keto-friendly flax crackers help replace a favourite crunchy snack for those seeking low-carb options. They also target a number of other dietary needs such as paleo, vegan, and gluten-free. They contain only flax, carrots, and salt!
2. Plant-Based Mains
The trend of plant-based foods is continuing to grow and expand into various categories, but we saw a number of new and innovative plant-based main dishes at SIAL this year. In our 2019 Health & Wellness Study we found that 8% Canadians said they follow a vegetarian diet, and three-quarters said the would consider consuming plant-based meat substitutes.
Pearl’s Top “Plant-Based Mains” Picks at SIAL 2019:
Nutburg
Plant-based burgers are increasing in popularity, but the Nutburg is unique because it is made from a base of roasted almonds, cashews, and sunflower seeds.
Kitchen & Love
Kitchen & Love makes plant-based meals easy and convenient for those on the go. They added a new cauliflower based meal to their lineup of already existing quick meals of quinoa and faro.
3. Dairy-Free & Vegan Desserts
Similar to plant-based, dairy-free and vegan options were seen across the show in a variety of categories – especially dessert! These treats let vegans indulge in desserts that are typically dairy or animal product heavy. While only 5% of Canadians in our 2019 Health & Wellness study said they followed a vegan diet, dairy-free was important to almost one-quarter of Canadians. Additionally, almost two-thirds said they would be open to consuming plant-based dairy substitutes.
Pearl’s Top “Dairy-Free & Vegan Dessert” Picks at SIAL 2019:
Yellofruit
Yellofruit is a plant-based frozen dessert – basically ice cream made from bananas! All ingredients are organic and vegan friendly.
Yummy Doh
Yummy Doh created vegan raw cookie dough that can be eaten straight from the container or baked into cookies. Available in a variety of delicious cookie favourites like brownie delight, chocolate chunk, strawberry confetti, and chunky choco banana.
4. New Formats
Traditional products took to new formats – we thought this fun tread deserved a spot in our top picks as consumers continue to find new ways to explore innovation without moving too far away from familiar ingredients and flavours.
Pearl’s Top “New Format” Picks at SIAL 2019:
PB&ME
PB & Me makes powdered nut butters – they can be rehydrated or used directly in things like smoothies or baking. They have fewer calories than traditional peanut butter, easy to use, and offered in a variety of nuts such as peanut, almond, and hazelnut.
Christine Le Tennier’s Flavor Pearls
Flavor Pearls take familiar condiments like soy sauce and balsamic vinegar or fruity flavours like cranberry and pink grapefruit and transform them from liquid into a popping pearl format.
5. High Protein Snacking
This trend continues to be of a strong importance to consumers. Our 2019 health and wellness report showed High Protein as the #2 ranked top food attribute – with almost two-thirds of Canadians saying it is important to them.
Pearl’s Top “High Protein” Picks at SIAL 2019:
Todd’s Protein Crisps
Todd’s Crisps use egg whites and prairie lentils to create a crunchy and light snack that’s high in protein, naturally low carb, and gluten free.
Protein Ball Co.
These protein ball snacks offer high protein in fun flavours along with varieties to meet vegan dietary needs.
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