New research from Mintel, a leading Marketing Intelligence Agency, shows food and drink product launches with seaweed flavours have increased by 147% in Europe between 2011 and 2015.
This growth means Europe is now the second most innovative region globally when it comes to seaweed-flavoured food and drink. The largest number of seaweed-flavoured food and drink products are currently launched in the Asia Pacific region, accounting for 88% of global product launches between 2011 and 2015. Europe launched 7% of seaweed-flavoured foods and drinks globally, outpacing both North America (4%) and Latin America (1%).
Stephanie Mattucci, Global Food Science Analyst at Mintel, adds, “While still somewhat niche in Europe, we believe that seaweed could become the next superfood. Due to its abundance in natural vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein, seaweed speaks to the growing quest for naturally functional foods and alternative protein sources in the West. As consumer demand for low-salt products grows, food and drink offerings that reduce the intake of dietary sodium are increasingly popular. Seaweed is not only a natural way to substitute salt, but also exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties which may lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, or aid in digestion and weight management.”
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