Key trends driving comfort food sales
Comfort food and drinks are indulgent. A soother for stress, the nostalgic pull of the familiar or a warmer for cold winter days, consumers seek the comfort of indulgence.
Research shows that more than 50% of consumers are willing to compromise on indulgence for health. This opens a gap for products that do both – offer the indulgent tastes consumers are seeking while still allowing them to meet their health goals. The gap between indulgence and health is shrinking, and comfort is at the heart.
Discover the free-from and better-for-you alternatives that satisfy comfort cravings.
Comfort meets convenience
Eating at home is on the rise, with 51% of Australian consumers reporting that they’ll be dining at home more in the next 12 months. With this trend, comfort joins convenience in the kitchen, where consumers are cooking up a storm.
The Nutritionist Choice Instant Green Curry Brown Rice Noodle Kit is a better-for-you, gluten and wheat free alternative to stir-fried noodles. Organic and plant-based, the non-fried, brown rice noodles are mixed with a convenient and flavoursome instant green curry sauce.
Purely Potato Instant Mashed POT-TATO contains 100% real russet potato for a tasty and convenient twist on a convenience classic. Free from gluten and dairy, it’s easy to prepare in under a minute by just adding water.
The PBCo. Protein Pancakes Mix is gluten-free, low-carb and keto-friendly. Made in Australia with clean ingredients, the mix contains 20g of plant protein per serve for a guilt-free indulgence.
Comfort meets convenience
More than two-thirds of consumers snack at least once daily, reporting feelings of comfort afterwards. The better-for-you snack market is booming, following the trend of consumers seeking healthy indulgences.
Vitawerx Protein White Chocolate Coated Macadamias contain whey protein isolate for a comforting protein treat. Keto-friendly and 100% natural, the snack also has no added sugar.
An option for consumers looking for a plant-based alternative to a mainstream favourite, the LoveRaw M:lk Choc Peanut Caramel Bar delivers. A mouthwatering combo of soft nougat, chewy caramel and roasted peanuts wrapped in a creamy m:lk chocolate coating, the bar is free from palm oil and artificial ingredients.
The Buderim Ginger Dark Chocolate Ginger is zesty and rich, made with velvety ginger enveloped in a dark chocolate coating. Made in Australia, it contains no artificial flavours or GMO ingredients.
Warming drinks
It’s not just food that provides comfort. Warming drinks – particularly in the cooler months – offer an indulgent and cosy treat.
Loving Earth Creamy Drinking Chocolate is a vegan and dairy-free alternative. It contains a blend of Loving Earth’s signature creamy mylk chocolate with ethically sourced cacao for a full-flavoured drinking chocolate.
Amazing Oils Cacao & Chai Nightly Magnesium Wellness Drink helps to relax, unwind and restore. The easy-to-mix drink contains magnesium, amino acids, passion flower and ashwagandha for a comforting drink with added benefits.
Tea is the original comfort drink, with consumers turning to their favourite blends for all sorts of occasions. Buddha Teas Cranberry Comfort Blend is one such blend made with certified organic, clean ingredients in unbleached tea bags.
