Ingredients

FMCG Reports

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Hot Drinks: Consumption Habits and Ingredients

Coffee & Tea Consumption

A significant portion of hot drink consumption is driven by habit. This has led to a lack of change in consumption for staple categories such as hot black tea and coffee. However, a more apparent trend is the growing percentage of individuals consuming hot coffee specialties and hot tea weekly. For instance, FMCG Gurus’ consumer insights reveal that 32% of global consumers say they drink hot speciality coffee weekly. In addition, our findings indicate that 30% of global consumers drink hot black tea weekly. This shift can be attributed to consumers seeking affordable indulgence as escapism during uncertain times. This is also accompanied by visiting food service outlets more often compared to the pandemic period.

Additionally, there has been a rise in the percentage of consumers regularly turning to green tea. This suggests a preference for better-for-you options among certain consumer segments. 

Coffee Consumption, Hot Drinks, Speciality Coffee, Hot Black Tea, Cost Of Living, Botanicals, Better For You, Ingredients, Consumer Insights, Market Research.

Consumers Have Conflicting Behaviors During Today's Recessionary Period

Even before the current economic challenges, a considerable number of consumers were managing their finances on a month-to-month basis and felt they lacked substantial finances. The escalation of price inflation has only enhanced these concerns, resulting in opposing attitudes among consumers toward product categories associated with indulgence. On one hand, there is a desire to limit spending on non-essential product categories or those linked to premium pricing.

Conversely, individuals continue to pursue indulgences as a means of escapism and compensation for reduced spending on larger-ticket items. These conflicting attitudes and behaviors are directly influencing the hot chocolate and hot coffee specialties categories. As a result, consumers demonstrate both a reduction and an increase in consumption simultaneously. This underscores the consumer focus on cost consciousness. As a result, brands should emphasize affordable indulgence and promote hot drinks as a means of escapism and self-care. 

Botanicals are Highly Appealing

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Authenticity and genuineness hold significant importance for consumers, particularly when selecting hot beverages. Consequently, it's unsurprising that 42% of global consumers indicate that botanicals make them want to increase their consumption of such beverages. This influence stems from two primary reasons. Firstly, consumers link these ingredients with environmental friendliness and purity. Secondly, with the promotion of various aspects of health during a time when proactive health approaches are prioritized (even as spending on health and wellness products is considered less essential compared to the pandemic period).

On a global scale, consumers mainly associate botanicals with contributing to sleep health. For example, FMCG Gurus’ market research indicates that 63% of consumers who are likely to purchase beverages with botanicals/botanical flavors believe they help to improve sleep health. The association with supporting physical and emotional well-being will resonate with consumers and shape their perceptions of value. This is important during a time when they strive to maintain fitness levels for as long as possible. This is especially pertinent as consumers express concerns about the impact of elevated stress and anxiety on their mood, sleep patterns, and long-term health. 

Consumers are Seeking Ingredients That They Deem 'Better For You'

In addition to steering clear of what consumers consider dietary drawbacks, they actively seek ingredients perceived as beneficial for themselves and the environment when selecting hot beverages. Through a better-for-you lens, consumers emphasize the importance of sustainably sourced ingredients. This indicates their increased attention to the supply chains of particular beverages. Consumers express a desire for ingredients to be produced in an equitable and responsible manner.

Health-related claims hold significant appeal. This is particularly true as certain hot drinks have long been associated with supporting both physical and cognitive well-being. However, in a climate where concerns about illness have lessened, it is paramount that product claims are viewed as trustworthy. In addition, health benefits should not be excessively highlighted to the detriment of sensory enjoyment. 

This article is based on FMCG Gurus: Hot Drinks Trends – Country Reports 2024. For more information, please click here.

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Food Allergies and Intolerances in 2024

Introduction

While there has been a surge in awareness around food and drink-related allergies and intolerances among younger demographics in the past decade, it's important to note that only half of the population feels confident in distinguishing between an allergy and an intolerance. Furthermore, there is often a lack of understanding regarding the profound impact of food allergies on the immune system and food intolerances on the digestive system.

This widespread lack of knowledge regarding the distinct symptoms and impacts on well-being calls for attention, especially given that consumers perceive immune function and digestive health as fundamental to overall well-being. As a result, this increases the likelihood of individuals confusing allergies with intolerances, or self-diagnosing conditions that may not accurately reflect their situation.

Food Allergies, Food Intolerances, FMCG, Consumer Insights, Market Research, Ingredients.

Symptoms and Ingredients

Globally, FMCG Gurus' consumer insights reveal that 41% of consumers report having a food allergy or intolerance, with a slight prevalence of reported intolerances which are often associated with milder symptoms.

Our findings indicate a substantial number of consumers are actively seeking to avoid specific ingredients or products when selecting food and beverages due to the potential impact on their well-being and the heightened risk of serious health issues. It emphasizes the critical significance of ensuring that product labeling provides clear and uncomplicated information, and that there is a diverse range of suitable products available to accommodate individuals adhering to specific dietary requirements, both in retail and food service settings. 

Diagnosis and Sources of Information

Slightly more than a third of consumers who report having a food allergy or intolerance have not received a formal diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Among those individuals, only half are confident in the accuracy of their self-proclaimed health condition.

Consumers frequently turn to online sources for information on allergies and intolerances, bypassing the guidance of medical experts, leading to self-diagnosis and potentially inaccurate assessments. Consequently, the percentage of consumers claiming to have allergies or intolerances often surpasses official national statistics in many countries. The hazards of self-diagnosis include misinterpreting symptoms as one condition when they may require different dietary adjustments, as well as the potential for consumers to unnecessarily eliminate vital nutrients and food items from their diets.  

Food Allergies, Food Intolerances, FMCG, Consumer Insights, Market Research, Ingredients.

Consumer Concerns

Among consumers who claim to be free from allergies or intolerances, four in ten express concerns about either developing such conditions or believe that they already have them. This emphasizes two important issues. Firstly, individuals might experience symptoms without a formal healthcare professional diagnosis, leading to instances where people have undiagnosed allergies or intolerances, or are self-diagnosing and mistaking other health issues for allergies or intolerances.

Secondly, it signifies a widespread belief that allergies and intolerances can manifest over time due to various factors, from aging and gut health to poor dietary habits and food choices. Regardless of the perceived reasons behind the development of allergies and intolerances, these findings indicate that over the next decade, the proportion of consumers self-identifying with allergies or intolerances is more likely to increase rather than decrease. 

This article is based on FMCG Gurus: Food Allergies and Intolerances – Global Reports 2024. For more information, please click here.

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Sugar Consumption: Navigating Moderation and Avoidance

Introduction

Globally, consumers remain vigilant about the ingredient information displayed on product packaging for a variety of reasons. These reasons include seeking safety and quality assurance, as well as the desire to avoid or moderate what they perceive as harmful dietary components. Regardless of the specific motivation, consumers seek the ability to quickly assess a product's nutritional profile, leading to a heightened preference for "free-from" claims and simplified ingredient lists. There is also a strong demand for straightforward nutritional labeling to address concerns about undisclosed ingredients hidden behind complex labeling strategies.

Research indicates that a significant majority of consumers express a preference for sugar-free claims, ranking behind only natural and additive-free claims in popularity. For instance, FMCG Gurus’ consumer insights reveal that 64% of global consumers like to see sugar-free claims. While consumer attitudes toward sugar are multifaceted, the overall tendency is to view sugar negatively, often considering it a primary dietary concern. 

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Attitudes Toward Sugar

Despite the prevailing negative attitudes toward sugar, a significant portion of consumers report a shift in their perceptions of sugar over the past few years. This indicates that as consumers increasingly take a proactive approach to their health and become more concerned about the long-term effects of their dietary choices, they are paying closer attention to their sugar intake. One of the primary reasons for the unfavorable view of sugar is its association with obesity. For example, FMCG Gurus’ market research indicates that 76% of global consumers believe sugar is a cause of obesity. Given the current concerns about rising prices in the food and beverage market, as well as the post-pandemic emphasis on self-assessment and physical appearance, many individuals are cautious about consuming excessive sugar and its potential impact on their health. 

Monitoring Sugar Intake

Roughly one-fifth of consumers indicate that they are managing a health condition that requires careful monitoring of their sugar consumption. For instance, FMCG Gurus’ consumer insights reveal that 20% of global consumers say they suffer from health issues that require them to take care of their sugar intake. This highlights a significant segment of people concerned about their sugar intake not only for its immediate effects on physical appearance, but also due to the potential serious health implications.

Furthermore, within the upcoming year, consumers are prioritizing various aspects of their well-being that are directly influenced by sugar intake, particularly heart health. This heightened focus is expected to bring increased attention to the topic of sugar consumption as individuals strive to maintain fitness and vitality well into the later stages of life while reducing the risk of disease and illness. As people engage in research and self-education about the impact of sugar on the body, the subject of sugar intake is likely to come to the forefront. Although these developments may not lead to fundamental and long-term changes in dietary habits for consumers, they do indicate that excessive sugar consumption can evoke feelings of concern and guilt after consumption. 

Sugar Consumption, Health And Wellness, Avoidance, Moderation, Sugar Intake, FMCG, Consumer Insights, Market Research, Ingredients.

Can Sugar Intake in Moderation Have Positive Benefits?

Despite the prevailing negative sentiments towards sugar, stemming from concerns about excessive intake and the challenges of monitoring it, four in ten individuals uphold the belief that moderate sugar consumption is important as part of a well-rounded diet, although compared to two years ago, there has been a decline in the proportion of people expressing this view.

When asked about the benefits they associate with sugar, respondents commonly identified energy-boosting and mood enhancement as the primary advantages. However, the uncertainty of escalating prices and global conflicts in the upcoming year can lead to heightened stress and anxiety for many individuals, consequently disrupting their ability to rest and sleep properly. This can result in feelings of fatigue and difficulty in navigating daily activities. Consequently, despite the awareness of excessive sugar intake, individuals are anticipated to continue turning to high-sugar items in the coming year as a means of escape and for energy-boosting purposes.

This article is based on FMCG Gurus: Sugars & Sweeteners Navigating Avoidance and Moderation for Better-For-You Consumption Habits – Global Report 2024. For more information, please click here.

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Hot Drinks: Ingredients and Consumption Patterns

Introduction

Consumption patterns in the hot beverages sector are long-established and are usually driven by habit. As a result, it is not a surprise that the proportion of consumers who drink these products on a weekly basis has shown minimal change over the past few years. While there has also been only a slight shift in the frequency of hot green tea and hot chocolate consumption, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of consumers who drink specialty coffees on at least a weekly basis.

With the challenges brought about by rising prices, many individuals have had to rethink their spending habits in order to make their money stretch further. One consequence of this is that consumers are seeking out products that they view as affordable indulgences, providing a sense of reward and escapism. This can be seen as a way of compensating for cutting back on more expensive items. This presents a significant opportunity for innovation, as it allows for the promotion of high-quality ingredients and new, unique flavors that can shape consumer perceptions of value, which is essential during a cost-of-living crisis. 

Hot Drinks, Healthy Beverages, Green Tea, Nutritional Value, Ingredients, FMCG, Consumer Insights, Market Research, Speciality Coffee.

Consumers are Conscious of Sugar Content

On a global scale, consumers remain proactive about their health, recognizing the potential long-term effects of their dietary choices. They are more attentive to product ingredient lists and are mindful of dietary risks, although to a lesser extent than seen in 2021 during the heightened pandemic period.

Sugar content stands out as a primary concern for consumers. For instance, FMCG Gurus’ consumer insights reveal that 43% of global consumers say they are concerned about hot drinks containing sugar. However, this concern is relatively lower compared to the levels observed in the soft drinks sector, where consumers have more control over adding sugar themselves. While the proportion of individuals worries about sugar content has slightly decreased over the past three years, there has been a rise in individuals conscious of the use of artificial ingredients, aligning with a growing consumer emphasis on natural ingredients. 

Hot Drinks, Healthy Beverages, Green Tea, Nutritional Value, Ingredients, FMCG, Consumer Insights, Market Research, Speciality Coffee.

Healthy Beverages

Perceptions regarding the healthiness of hot drinks vary significantly between different categories. Generally, consumers are more inclined to view hot green tea as healthy, and there has been a noticeable rise in the proportion of individuals expressing this view over the past three years. For instance, FMCG Gurus’ market research highlights that in 2021, 58% of global consumers who purchase hot green tea feel that it is healthy. Additionally, in 2024, 68% of global consumers who purchase hot green tea deem it to be healthy. Hot green tea has long been labeled as a superfood due to its antioxidant properties and its association with promoting various aspects of physical and cognitive health. The increased emphasis on the health benefits of hot green tea aligns with consumers adopting a more basic approach to nutrition and seeking everyday products to maximize their intake of health-boosting ingredients, especially as functional products are often associated with a premium price.

Conversely, there has been a decrease in the proportion of consumers who consider hot coffee specialties and hot chocolate to be healthy compared to three years ago. This shift could be attributed to some consumers prioritizing escapism and indulgence when turning to these products, rather than seeking out healthier options within the categories. Additionally, in the case of hot coffee specialties, increased consumption rates may lead individuals to perceive their intake as incompatible with maintaining an overall healthy diet and lifestyle. 

This article is based on FMCG Gurus: Hot Drinks – Global Report 2024. For more information, please click here.

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Joint and Bone Health: What Steps are Consumers Taking?

Introduction

Modern living has resulted in a significant proportion of consumers suffering from aches and pains. Among these consumers, there is great concern that these aches could result in more long-term, serious health issues. Importantly, a large number of consumers state that they are less proactive in addressing their joint and bone health, in comparison to other areas of their health. Despite this, consumers are widely aware of the effect that inactivity and poor posture have on their joint and bone health.

Many consumers can identify the crucial link between their joint and bone health with their overall health and wellness. When addressing this area of health, multifunctional products will appeal to consumers. These products will offer maximum efficacy, convenience, and value to consumers. In addition, brands should promote regular exercise and products enriched with calcium and protein. It is also essential that brands validate these claims with clinically proven evidence.

Consumer Insights, Market Research, Joint Health, Bone Health, Ingredients, Functional, Diet and Lifestyle, FMCG.

Consumer Attitudes & Behaviors

A significant number of global consumers say they are aware of the link between good joint and bone health and good overall health. For instance, FMCG Gurus’ consumer insights reveal that 65% of global consumers recognize the link between joint and bone health with overall health. As a result of this awareness, global consumers deem products that aid this area of health appealing, particularly in the dairy category. Many of these consumers are interested in such products, even if they are not suffering from symptoms.

Joint and bone health problems are often associated with senior consumers. However, modern-day living has enabled these health problems to become more widespread among consumers of all ages. This highlights a greater urgency for brands to offer products that aid this area of health.

The Steps Consumers are Taking

Over the last year, consumers have incorporated many steps to address their joint and bone health. FMCG Gurus’ market research illustrates that the most common actions taken among consumers are increased exercise (47%) and dietary changes (31%). This highlights the recognition that inactivity can impact flexibility, mobility, and muscle health. Additionally, this illustrates the importance of dietary habits in various aspects of health. To combat this, many consumers have increased their intake of health-boosting ingredients such as protein and calcium.

Consumer Insights, Market Research, Joint Health, Bone Health, Ingredients, Functional, Diet and Lifestyle, FMCG.

Benefits

Our joint and bone health country reports delve into the benefits consumers would like to obtain from food, drink, or supplements designed to aid joint and bone health. Our findings demonstrate that consumers are interested in products with various day-to-day and long-term benefits. Overall, many consumers said they are seeking products that will aid lifestyles in general. This is suggestive of the impact that aches and pains can have on one’s overall quality of life.

As a result, brands should look to incorporate a variety of health benefits. This is essential during today’s busy, fast-paced, and financially uncertain world. Due to this, multifunctional claims will highly appeal to consumers because they are linked with maximum efficacy, convenience, and value. These claims will appeal to both reactive and proactive consumers. However, brands must offer clear and concise evidence to validate such claims.

This article is based on FMCG Gurus: Joint & Bone Health – Country Reports 2023. For more information, please click here.

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Enhancing Cognitive Health: Attitudes and Natural Ingredients

Introduction

As consumer needs evolve, the focus on cognitive health has become increasingly prominent. Many consumers have felt satisfied with this area of health since the pandemic. However, there remains a significant number of consumers who are unsatisfied with their cognitive well-being. Notably, consumers are placing a greater emphasis on emotional wellness and cognitive health. They recognize the equal importance of this alongside physical well-being.

Amidst this shift in mindset, consumers are dealing with symptoms such as stress, worry, and tiredness. This is resulting in a desire among consumers to enhance their overall health and quality of life. Interestingly, while many acknowledge cognitive health concerns, consumers tend to refrain from seeking specialist treatment. Instead, many opt for general approaches to improve this area of health.

Cognitive Health, Ingredients, Cognitive Claims, FMCG, Food And Drink Industry, Consumer Insights, Market Research, Naturalness

Attitudes & Behaviors

In today’s post-pandemic society, consumers are demonstrating a proactive stance towards wellness. However, it is suggested that issues such as price inflation are impacting cognitive health. Importantly, recent trends from 2021 to 2023 reveal an increase in satisfaction levels regarding this area of health. For instance, FMCG Gurus’ consumer insights reveal that in 2021, 45% of consumers were satisfied with their cognitive health, and in 2023, 55% of consumers were satisfied with this area of health. Alternatively, there was a 10% decrease in consumers who are interested in brain health products even when they are not suffering from specific health problems.

These findings indicate a shift in consumer behavior, reflecting a decreased sense of urgency in actively seeking out functional products daily, as well as a reduction in the level of concern compared to the pandemic era. Furthermore, while factors such as price inflation continue to impact brain health, their effect appears to be less pronounced than during the pandemic.

Cognitive Health, Ingredients, Cognitive Claims, FMCG, Food And Drink Industry, Consumer Insights, Market Research, Naturalness

Increased Intake of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

In the past year, consumers have implemented various measures to enhance their cognitive health, indicating dissatisfaction with this aspect of wellness and recognizing the potential impact of poor cognitive well-being on overall long-term health. FMCG Gurus’ market research highlights that 49% of global consumers have eaten more fresh fruit and vegetables in the last twelve months to improve their cognitive health. The emphasis on consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables reflects consumers' belief in the ability of their diets to support cognitive health, rather than relying on specialized functional foods. This suggests an awareness among consumers that behaviors such as excessive consumption and inadequate nutrient intake can affect areas such as alertness and concentration. 

Cognitive Health Problems

Consumers are actively prioritizing various aspects of their health and well-being. There has been an increased effort to elevate emotional wellness to the same level as physical health, positioning cognitive health as the second most crucial priority after gut health. For example, FMCG Gurus’ consumer insights reveal that 17% of global consumers are most concerned about their cognitive health.  

This increased focus is linked to the impact of COVID-19 on cognitive health over the past few years. As society transitions to a post-pandemic phase, consumers are increasingly conscious of the influence of busy lifestyles and macroeconomic factors, such as price inflation, on their cognitive well-being in both the short and long term. Also, there is a growing recognition that cognitive health does not solely affect mood and energy levels but can also lead to long-term health issues, significantly impacting overall quality of life.

Ingredients

Consumers prioritize cognitive products that enhance memory over improving sleeping patterns, despite tiredness and sleep difficulties being more commonly experienced. This suggests that individuals believe they can address fatigue and poor sleep habits by improving their bedtime routines without the need for additional products.

Consumers link various fruits and vegetables to memory enhancement, with bananas being the most commonly mentioned. For instance, FMCG Gurus’ market research indicates that 44% of global consumers associate bananas with memory-boosting benefits. This highlights the perception that everyday grocery items can contribute to improving cognitive health, influencing their willingness to actively seek out and invest in functional products that offer similar benefits.

This article is based on FMCG Gurus: Navigating Cognitive Health and Wellness in 2023 - Global Report. For more information, please click here.

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Heart Health and the Proactive Consumer in 2022

Introduction

Heart health plays a significant role in impacting overall health. FMCG Gurus consumer insights reveal that 82% of consumers recognize the link between a healthy heart and a healthy body. This demonstrates that heart health is important to consumers and they are taking a proactive approach to maintaining this area of health. Our findings also indicate that consumers are viewing health in a holistic sense. This means that consumers are recognizing that all areas of health are somewhat interlinked. As a result, consumers are seeking out how to improve their overall areas of health and well-being.

Within this group of consumers, many are looking for products that aid heart health and are positioned in a multifunctional and holistic light. It is important for brands to offer clinically proven evidence to support multifunctional heart health claims. Consumers are actively researching the benefits of functional ingredients and products. This shows that claims and evidence on products will increase product credibility and reliability. In turn, this will improve the consumer-brand relationship by developing trust.

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The Proactive Consumer

Ingredient lists appeal to consumers due to the rise of the health-conscious consumer. These consumers are proactive in their approach to boosting their health. FMCG Gurus consumer insights found that 69% of consumers are interested in heart health products. This interest stems from health maintenance, as opposed to experiencing symptoms or problems. In addition, our findings have revealed that 43% of consumers want to feel more active. This reflects a prevention over cure approach, where the consumer is addressing their heart health before experiencing symptoms. This also indicates a long-term approach to health, through proactive and healthy lifestyle habits to remain active until as late in life as possible.

To aid this proactive lifestyle and improve heart health, consumers are looking to change their diets. To do so, consumers are seeking out products with specific health claims. FMCG Gurus consumer insights have revealed that 52% of consumers are interested in food and drink products that aid consumers with cardiovascular disease. An additional 50% of consumers find products that aid consumers with high cholesterol levels appealing. Therefore, it is important for brands to note that as consumers are taking a proactive approach to their health, products with claims positioned around protection from diseases will drive demand.

In addition, brands must be aware that products that are deemed as tasty, affordable, convenient, and healthy will greatly appeal to consumers who are seeking out functional claims and ingredients on everyday products.

Heart Health, Healthy Heart, Healthy Body, Holistic Health, Proactive Consumer, Consumer Insights

Addressing Heart Health

In addition, the health-conscious consumer is interested in the ingredient claims, lists and labels in the products that they consume. As a result, brands must be providing transparent credentials to validate health claims. One of the ingredients claims that consumers favor includes a ‘back to basics’ approach. This includes consumers seeking out products that are natural and that are accompanied with health claims and benefits. Ensuring that products are both natural and supported by claims will boost consumer trust and maximum reassurance, and therefore minimize skepticism. Brands should seek ways to authenticate and validate health claims through strategies such as using scientific evidence to support claims.

FMCG Gurus consumer insights found that consumers prefer products aimed at heart health in nutritional supplement form, 57% prefer capsules and 51% prefer tablets. One reason for this is convenience. This is because supplements are hassle free and do not need to be prepared or incorporated into a meal. The use of nutritional supplements to aid health is down to consumers wishes to receive a health boost beyond basic nutrition. Also, in a health-conscious world, consumers are constantly seeking products with multifunctional benefits.

Nearly 6 in 10 consumers associate protein with aiding heart health. When addressing heart health, consumers seek out ingredients which are attributed to a range of benefits. This includes protein, vitamin C and probiotics, which reflects how consumers are taking a holistic approach to their overall health.

This article is based on FMCG Gurus: Healthy Ageing: Heart Health in 2022.

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Skin Health: a Holistic Approach in 2022

Since the pandemic, consumer attention and attitudes towards skin health and overall health have shifted significantly. At a time when people were restricted in their movement and exercise, many consumers felt unsatisfied with their health. Common health issues faced included increased stress levels, reduced activity, and poor dietary habits. This includes comfort eating and frequent snacking in a time of uncertainty and fear.

An approach adopted by consumers during the pandemic was placing an emphasis on improving various aspects of health. FMCG Gurus consumer insights highlight the increase of a long term approach to maintaining health until late in life. 66% of consumers also recognize the influence of skin health on their overall health. As a result, a significant portion of consumers are interested in improving their skin health. This long term and proactive approach to health reflects many consumers holistic approach. This means that consumers are understanding the inextricable links between various areas of health.

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Areas of Improvement

FMCG Gurus findings have revealed the different areas of skin health that consumers would like to improve and the ways in which they are doing so. Examples of this include dry skin, wrinkles, and darkened skin beneath the eyes. To minimize wrinkles, 35% of consumers are changing the skin care products that they had been using. Another solution included 30% of consumers exercising more. Additionally, 41% of consumers went to bed at an earlier time. Lastly, 45% of consumers improved their work and life balance and 21% took nutritional supplements.

Among each issue, the steps taken to improve these issues varied. However, consumers are turning towards different products and proactive lifestyles to actively improve aspects of their skin health. It is important that brands are aware of these issues and the methods that consumers are taking to combat them. This will ensure that brands are emphasizing the most appealing health benefits of products, increasing consumer interest.

In addition, due to multiple skin health issues faced by consumers, it would be beneficial for brands to adopt a holistic approach when producing and positioning their products. For instance, if brands ensure that products address multiple aspects of skin health, consumers will be more likely to choose that product over competing products. An example of this could be an all-in-one skin product that ensures the prevention of dry skin, wrinkles and darkened skin beneath the eyes. This kind of product presents notions of convenience, efficacy and being great value for money.

Skin Health, Skin care Products, Holistic Health, Proactive Consumer, Collagen, Vitamin C

The Ingredients

The most valued ingredient among consumers when it comes to skin health is collagen. FMCG Gurus market research has revealed that 45% of consumers associate collagen with skin health. The second ingredient associated with skin health is vitamin C at 40%. Brands need to make it easier for consumers to decipher between competing skin health products. One way they can do this is by clearly labelling these ingredients on their packaging. After doing so, brands should be supporting these ingredient claims with scientific evidence and a reasonable price to enhance consumer likelihood of purchase.

FMCG Gurus consumer insights revealed the sharp increase of consumers interested in food and drink products that benefit skin health. The key products consumers would like to include these benefits are tea and coffee, having increased from 6% in 2019 to 54% in 2021. As well as bottled water, which has increased from 13% in 2019 to 47% in 2021. This highlights how consumers are seeking out convenient approaches to improving their skin health. As a result, water brands must offer nutrient-infused water to cater to multifunctional health benefits.

Skepticism

Consumers have expressed uncertainty around skin health claims within the skincare, health, and wellness market. Known for charging premium prices in this market, consumers fear being exploited and have doubts about whether these products will do what they say on their labels. However, it is clear that many consumers are still willing to pay a premium price for products that hold genuine value. This indicates that brands must be increasing the credibility of their products and include clinically proven evidence to address this skepticism. It is also important to note that at a time of economic uncertainty and financial struggle, consumers want products that are reliable and good value for money.

This article is based on FMCG Gurus: Healthy Ageing: Skin Health in 2022.