Fresh Thyme Market unveiled Tuesday its inaugural trends report with a focus on Midwest shopping behaviors and brands. The report offers a glimpse into the emerging trends that shoppers can expect to see in each aisle of the store next year, according to the retailer.
The trends are as follows:
1. Several Sustainability Solutions
Certified upcycled products and certified regenerative organic products are on the rise. Coral Reef safe products, including sun tanning and sun protection lotions, are also gaining ground as consumers look to incorporate sustainability into more areas of their lives.
Fresh Thyme spotlights Open Water, Ancient Nutrition, and Badger Spot Mineral Sunscreen within this category.
2. Prioritizing Animal Welfare
While shoppers aren't keeping meat and dairy out of their carts completely, they are becoming more conscious of where these types of products are coming from before they land in the cart. Consumers are purchasing more animal welfare approved products while purchases of non-certified items are declining.
Fresh Thyme cites Wild Planet, Regal King Salmon, and Vital Farms.
3. Close to Home: Local & Diverse Brands
The grocer is committed to and carries Midwest-founded brands as well as brands with underrepresented founders to ensure diversity in its offerings and foster an inclusive shopping experience.
Some of these local and diverse brands available at Fresh Thyme include True Made Foods Condiments, Pita Krunch, and Vitaminis.
4. Beauty Bloom
The retailer is sourcing beauty products that are focused on innovation and are plastic-free. This is in response to consumers seeking out more natural and organic products.
5. Protein in Motion
Shoppers are considering new alternative protein sources to support their fitness routine. Plant-based protein powders like pea protein and beet protein have become popular among consumers looking for plant-based products.
Leading this trend at Fresh Thyme Market are brands like Truvani, Orgain, and Sunwarrior.
6. The Takeover of TikTok and Social Media Trends
TikTok and Instagram have the power to influence the specific products that consumers buy. When recipes trend on social media, their ingredients also trend in-store.
7. Allergy Conscious Choices
Earlier this year, sesame became the ninth major allergen that must be disclosed on packaging of food. Consumers are showing a growing preference for products that are free of the top nine major allergens.
8. Functional Beverages
Beverages with added benefits are gaining ground. Whether immunity boosting, mood boosting, or better-for-you ingredients, consumers are craving drinks that taste good and help them feel good, according to the retailer.
The grocer carries Recess and Poppi brands and recently added De Soi to its product offerings.
9. Mushroom Mania
While the common varieties of mushrooms have remained popular amongst shoppers, consumers are also seeking out exotic and gourmet mushroom varieties in new forms.
Mushroom brands available in-store include Meati, Host Defense, and Four Sigmatic.
10. Crab-tivating the Nation
Crab purchases are on the rise because of its versatile culinary appeal, all while remaining on the low end of cost compared to other seafood options.
Related: Consumers Still Splurge at Grocery; Study: Ultra-Processed Food Addiction Affects Many