Curious Plot recently released its second annual Consumer Curiosity Report, highlighting what more than 800 early food adopters nationwide are craving to help food brands plan for this year’s trends.
Easy, affordable meals are top of mind, with early adopters listing “Easy (Under 30 Minutes) Meals” and “Tips for Eating on a Budget” as their biggest curiosities. Almost three in four (73% of) respondents are looking for new ways to make the most of a limited food budget, 65% are either very or extremely curious about reducing food waste, and 63% are very or extremely curious about how they can prepare smaller meals.
Many are also craving new ideas, expressing curiosity about new ways to prepare vegetables (71%) and fruits (59%), new snack products and ideas (69%), and global and cultural flavors (65%).
Other highlights from the report include:
- Interest in foods that address health issues: Many respondents are very or extremely curious about foods that can improve gut health (69%), boost immunity (68%), and offer cognitive benefits (67%).
- Top influencers include social media, friends and family: Nearly 30% of early adopters get their food inspiration from social media, while 20% get ideas from friends and family. Restaurants (15%) and ranked food media (10%) play a smaller role in influencing early adopters.
See the full report for a closer look at what early adopters are curious about.