SPINS 2019 trend predictions include a new superfruit, mitochondrial energy, and sleep support

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SPINS has released its Top 10 Trend Predictions for 2019. Some notable predictions include aronia as the next high-profile superfruit, renewed interest in mitochondrial health, and new dosage forms for sleep-support products.

Aronia, known as chokeberries, are tart dark purple berries popular in Eastern Europe, but also native to parts of the United States. “[Aronia] is one of the highest in antioxidants. The anthocyanin content-the color pigment content-happens to be one of the most significant actives of our berries,” explains Melanie Bush, director of berry science at Artemis International (Fort Wayne, IN), to Nutritional Outlook. “It’s one of the highest even above elderberry, and it has been tested predominantly in studies of cardiovascular support, but with very notable results with very cost-effective dosages, relatively speaking, showing reduction in blood pressure [and] cholesterol levels improving, so pretty significant cardiovascular markers.” Because it is a berry, aronia is also very versatile, making it ideal not only for supplement applications, but also functional food and beverages. SPINS reports seeing a number of aronia-based beverages popping up on the market.

Established heart health supplements such as CoQ10 may also get a boost in 2019, says SPINS, as consumers become more aware of mitochondrial health and its importance to aging and energy production. Other supplements that may be subject to a boost with the increased awareness of mitochondrial health are pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), cognitive-support ingredients like L-theanine and acetyl-L-carnitine, and even sports performance ingredients like creatine.

“In terms of consumer awareness, the mitochondria’s connection to health is entering an important educational growth phase,” states the report. “This is similar to recent increased awareness of the endocannabinoid system, and, in some ways, it appears to be reminiscent of early-stage trends related to the microbiome from around 15 years ago.”

Energy is a big product category, and while we’re chasing energy during the day, at night we’re often chasing sleep. Caffeine consumption has a lot to with this, but what’s also keeping us up at night is our exposure to blue light from phones, tablets, and computer screens, which SPINS says can suppress the release of melatonin, an important sleep hormone. As a result, consumers have begun taking measures to improve their sleep habits by refraining from using tech right before bed, and utilizing sleep-supportive supplements. The new demand for sleep supplements such as 5-HTP, L-theanine, GABA, and melatonin is fueling innovation in the category and giving consumers alternative dosage forms such as liquid sprays, drink mixes, and even transdermal delivery such as patches and lotions, says SPINS.

Access the full report here for more trends and insights. And don’t miss our new Ingredient Sales Surprises of 2018 story featuring more insights from SPINS