The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) today announced the top five trends that consumers should be aware of when shopping in their local health food store during 2015.
As Canada’s largest trade association for natural health and organic products, the CHFA is a significant voice for Canada’s natural trade industry and an authoritative source for what is trending in the industry.
The trends provide an interesting insight into the natural oils and vegetables that are expected to become increasingly popular among health conscious consumers.
The top five trends are:
New and interesting oils
With its numerous health benefits, coconut oil may have been all the rage in 2014, yet the CHFA predicts that more and more consumers will start using avocado oil, camelina oil and flax seed oil.
Avocado oil contains high levels of monounsaturated fats, phytosterols and antioxidants like vitamin E. It is believed to penetrate through the epidermis and into the dermis layer of our skin, creating a deep moisturising affect. Camelina oil is rich in omega 3 and vitamin E and is said to help improve skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Flax Seed Oil has a high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat skin irritation, redness or conditions such as rosacea.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is tipped to be the kale of 2015. The CHFA predicts an increase in the use of pumpkin oil and seeds in health products across the country. Pumpkin seeds are rich in B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc and essential fatty acids. The root vegetable is believed to strengthen the immune system and enhance eyesight. It has also been linked to heightened prostate and urinary tract health.
Digestive health
Natural health products that support digestion, such as probiotics, are being linked to health benefits beyond digestive and intestinal health, such as better skin, mental health and weight maintenance. In 2015, health products are expected to become increasingly focused on supporting the health of the digestive tract including L-glutamine, new probiotics and dietary fibre.
Fermentation
The trend of supporting digestion is likely to lead to an increase in fermented foods, beyond kimchi, tempeh and sauerkraut, which are currently popular. Fermentation can liberate nutrients in foods and help our bodies to absorb them. The process of fermentation also increases some anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant compounds in foods. In 2015, consumers should expect to see a wider range of foods in fermented forms such as bars, powders and capsules.
GM labelling
In more than 60 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of food containing genetically modified (GM) ingredients. In Canada, GM labelling demands are on the rise as consumers seek to understand the origin and environmental impact of products.
Although restrictions on GM ingredients have not yet been introduced in Canada, more and more suppliers are offering certified organic products containing an assurance that foods are produced without the use of GM ingredients. Consumers can expect to see an increase in voluntary disclosure on packaging indicating that products are GM-free. This trend will continue throughout 2015 in response to consumer demands and legislative pressure.
