Kroger Shares Top Food Trends for 2019

From regional tastes to plant-based alternatives, the year ahead will focus on flexible eating styles

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Oct 23, 2018, 08:05 ET

CINCINNATI, Oct. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kroger announced today its top food trend predictions for 2019, insightfully curated by its team of Our Brands new product developers, chefs and innovators, focusing on flexible eating styles.

No matter the preference or practice, the latest tastes and trends can be found in the aisles where customers shop for Simple Truth®, Kroger's natural, organic and free-from brand, Kroger®, Where Awesome Meets Affordable™, and Private Selection®, a collection of culinary creations designed to elevate every occasion.

Kroger shares it food trend predictions for 2019, insightfully curated by its team of Our Brands new product developers, chefs and innovators, focusing on flexible eating styles.

Kroger's Top 5 Trends for 2019:

1. Regional Flavors
Foods influenced by regions across the country are bringing flavor and fun to any meal. From tried-and-true barbecue sauces and flavorful potato chips with a twist – inspiration is coming from Nashville hot chicken, Southern Appalachian pimento cheese and other geographies. America's culinary heritage is as varied as it is delicious. Consumers will see a growing number of products influenced by local, regional and global tastes.

Products to Try: Private Selection BBQ sauces inspired by the Carolinas, Texas, Memphis and Kansas City, Kroger Nashville Hot Chicken Chips, Private Selection Pimento Cheese & Harissa Kettle Chips, Kroger Cuban Sandwich Kettle Chips, Private Selection Brown Butter Bourbon Truffle Ice Cream, and Private Selection Bourbon Barrel Cola

2. Plant-Based Foods
Consumers are finding it is easier than ever before to incorporate more plant-based fare into their daily diets. By electing to go meat or dairy free, whether for a meal, a Meatless Monday, Flexitarian Friday, or every day of the week, there will be more plant-based options available to power through the day. Last year, 31 percent of consumers participated in meat-free days once per week.ⁱ

Products to Try: Simple Truth Coconutmilk, Simple Truth Powdered Coconutmilk Creamer, Simple Truth Meatless Patties, Simple Truth Tofu, Simple Truth Greens & Grains Risotto, Simple Truth Organic Lentils, Simple Truth Organic Light Red Kidney Beans, and Simple Truth Organic Hummus

3. Eating Styles
More consumers are purchasing better-for-you products and subscribing to different eating styles, from vegetarian to flexitarian to keto and paleo. A recent study reports 15 percent of the U.S. population identify as vegetarian or vegan.ⁱⁱ Kroger is responding by offering and developing new products that make it easy for any customer practicing any lifestyle to find foods to support their health and wellness journey.

Products to Try: Simple Truth Date Bars, Simple Truth Frozen Quinoa and Red Pepper Omelet Bites, Simple Truth Tofu, Simple Truth Chicken, Simple Truth Grain Free Original Paleo Friendly Granola, Private Selection Beef Jerky, Private Selection Avocado Oil, Simple Truth Organic Coconut Oil, and Kroger Gluten-Free Pizzas

4. Gut-Healthy Foods
Medical studies show that a healthy gut is the foundation of overall wellness, and more than ever before, consumers are seeking foods that support self-care and healthy immune systems. Consumers will find a growing number of products rich in probiotics— good bacteria—and flavor.

Products to Try: Simple Truth Organic Kombucha (Blueberry Ginger; Raspberry Hibiscus; Blueberry Grape; and Strawberry Lemonade), Simple Truth Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Kroger Greek Yogurt, and Kroger Probiotic Low-Fat Milk

5. Low Sugar and Natural Sweeteners
Many consumers are motivated to reduce or eliminate sugar and/or consume alternate natural sweeteners like honey and agave. In fact, 47 percent of consumers say they are working to minimize their sugar intake.ⁱⁱⁱ New solutions and foods will continue to be added to grocery shelves to help consumers find products rich in nutrition and flavor and lean on sugar.

Products to try: Simple Truth Organic Blue Agave Light Golden Syrup, Simple Truth Orange Blossom Honey, Simple Truth Organic Seltzer Water, Simple Truth Organic Coconut Sugar, Kroger Fizz & Co. Seltzers (Cola, Root Beer, The Dr.), Kroger Carbmaster Yogurt, Kroger Carbmaster Milk, and Kroger Carbmaster Cottage Cheese

To view photography and video of Kroger's 2019 food trends, visit here.

At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are nearly half a million associates who serve over nine million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

ⁱ Mintel, Protein Report, 2017.
ⁱⁱ Mintel, Protein Report, 2017.
ⁱⁱⁱ Mintel, Better for You Report, 2017.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.