Brazilians Increasingly Choose Healthy Foods

*By Lilia Kawazoe

According to a survey conducted by the Brazilian Consumer Defense Association, Proteste, with 2,406 Brazilians aged between 17 and 74 years, 80% of people are aware that they need to change their eating habits. Furthermore, a study carried out by the Brazilian Council for Organic and Sustainable Production, Organis, indicates that 64% of respondents reveal that the consumption of organic products is related to health. For 15%, the reason is media recommendations portraying these foods as healthier options, and finally, 3% said they received recommendations from doctors or nutritionists.

Given these data, we can observe that, beyond flavor, the population is concerned with the healthiness of the foods they consume. Even young people and adolescents are paying more attention to dietary care. Thus, the major challenge for the food industry is related to investments in healthier and more natural ingredients. For this reason, research is increasingly important to ensure the development of innovative products that please the palate and positively impact health.

The analysis produced by Organis also revealed that for 18% of people, environmental issues are very important and influence their food purchases. In this regard, we can highlight butters and oils obtained from fruits and seeds of Brazilian biodiversity, including cupuaçu, licuri coconut, and Brazil nuts. In other words, besides sustainable origins, these are also beneficial for being natural and organic.

The proposal is that these ingredients be added to traditional everyday recipes such as breads, cakes, cookies, sauces, and mayonnaises, so that, in addition to providing unique flavors, they can nutritionally fortify the foods.

The conclusion from this entire scenario is that the food industry is undergoing a major transformation process, which involves not only changes in consumer behavior but also a revolution of brands for this new market moment. The result will certainly be beneficial for all. After all, healthy and functional foods are increasingly gaining space on our menus.

*Lilia Kawazoe is Commercial Manager of the Concepta Ingredients Business Unit, part of the Sabará Group, specializing in the development of natural and technological solutions, focusing on the food, beverage, animal nutrition, and veterinary pharmaceutical industries.