Innova Market Insights data shows that 72% of consumers worldwide actively limit sugar intake. This drives the market toward sweetener innovation, with an average growth of 8% from July 2020 to June 2025. Soft Drinks have the largest share of NPD, and the use of sweeteners in Hot Drinks is increasing. Sucralose was the leading sweetener used for NPD, but Monk Fruit Concentrate had the fastest growth.

Innova Market Insights data shows that consumers are interested in brands that enhance the flavor of plant-based offerings. Some 59% of consumers globally name taste improvement as essential for meat and dairy alternatives. Dairy Alternative Milks are currently the most established product launches, while soy and tofu products show the most potential for NPD. Vegetable, falafel, and chickpea flavors lead the innovation for taste improvement.

According to data from Innova Market Insights, 67% of consumers worldwide are actively reducing artificial additives (such as flavors and colors) from their diets. In response, the use of natural color ingredients in global F&B launches has increased with an average annual growth of 8% from July 2020 to June 2025. Natural colors are most used in Bakery and Confectionery products, but their use in Hot Drinks is rising.

Innova Market Insights data reveals steady growth in F&B launches featuring citrus ingredients, up 3% between July 2020 and June 2025. Europe accounted for over half of these launches, with Soft Drinks being the top category. Meanwhile, citrus use is expanding into Hot Drinks, Sauces, and Seasonings, highlighting its versatility and continued appeal.

Innova Market Insights data indicates that health is a top priority for consumers worldwide, with 78% saying eating healthy foods is essential for them. Data shows that from July 2020 to June 2025, global F&B launches featuring health claims grew by 2%, particularly in the Bakery, Dairy, and Soft Drink categories. No additives was the top health claim, and hydration claims increase for NPD. Global growth in F&B launches with protein ingredients had a 4% year-over-year increase.

Innova Market Insights data reveals that 68% of global consumers view botanical flavor ingredients as sustainable. The use of botanicals in food and beverage launches is growing worldwide, with 45% of these launches occurring in Europe. Bakery and confectionery are the leading categories for botanical ingredient introductions. Clean label and diet claims are also driving the growth of F&B products featuring botanical ingredients.

Innova Market Insights data shows that more than 1 in 2 of consumers are willing to try out plant-based fish. Majority says that they would prefer it to mimic the original product in the taste and texture. Overall plant-based fish & seafood launches had a 22% growth from July 2020 to June 2025 with majority of these launches being in Europe.

Innova Market Insights data indicates that 40% of consumers globally have increased their protein intake, driving innovation in alternative proteins. NPD in this space grew by 4% between April 2020 and March 2025. Nearly half of all global alternative protein launches were in Europe, with Bakery & Bread products leading globally.

According to data from Innova Market Insights, consumers express interest in AI involvement in F&B production. Globally, 41% see significant potential in using AI to develop F&B products, encouraging the market to explore new AI-driven innovations. Key drivers behind this interest include health benefits, improved cost-effectiveness, and enhanced flavor and taste.