5 Trends Fueling Food & Beverage Innovation in 2021

After an unpredictable and turbulent 2020, many are hoping 2021 will bring more stability. But the pandemic is expected to still hold sway and influence some of the biggest food and beverage trends in the coming months.

One major theme that will continue in the new year reflects what many wish 2020 had more of: health. Companies will be looking to launch foods and beverages with immunity-boosting ingredients. The plant-based and alternative space will also see continued growth, but take different shapes with new ingredients, from algae to mushrooms.

Technology will also arise as a major trend as the calendar turns over. Since food and worker safety was in the spotlight this past year, new developments will promise to give consumers confidence in their food. Tech, like CRISPR, will also help create innovations in food that meet the growing demands of consumers as hot trends, like global flavors, dominate the space. 

After conversations with industry experts and analysts, here is a breakdown of the five biggest trends that Food Dive predicts will impact the food and beverage industry in 2021.