These figures are frightening: our diet generates 26% of greenhouse gas emissions, 40% of plastic consumption according to UNESCO and 1 in 5 deaths1The conclusion is clear: it is urgent to completely rethink our food system. Whether it is food (more sustainability, local, clean label, etc.) or nutritional (less sugar, good fat, plant-based proteins), the transition is accelerating and transforming the landscape of food products and dietary supplements. As the Natexpo trade fair (the international organic products fair) which starts on Monday, September 21, the Culture Nutrition team offers you a review of the initiatives that are rooted in the food and nutritional transition.
Reduce the consumption of animal products in favor of plant products?
Greenpeace denounces the destructive capacity ofLivestockThis industry is responsible for 63% of deforestation in the Amazon. It also contributes to the depletion and pollution of water resources. Furthermore, the overconsumption of meat, especially red meat, tends to increase the risk of certain diseases2.
The consumption of animal products therefore has a negative impact on our health and our environment, so manufacturers have decided to take action. The market is becoming greener3 !
The plant protein market is boosted, in terms of applications, by dairy product substitutes (milk, cream, yogurt, ice cream, cheese), whose sales are estimated at 17,3 billion dollars in 2018 and 29,6 billion in 20234The growth of this sub-segment is driven by plant-based drinks, ice creams and desserts, catalyzed by the search for lactose-free products, but also often less fatty and less sweet (for some).
Grandeur Nature, Happy Coco, and Tomm Pousse are part of this dynamic by offering plant-based desserts made with coconut, oats, and cashews. French manufacturers of organic and fresh deli products are also making the transition to plant-based products. This is the case with Carte Nature, which offers veggie bites with chickpeas and mozzarella.
The nutraceutical goes vegan also. The French food supplement market is a good example, since plants contribute to 93% of its growth.5It is the first ingredient on the market, even before the essential vitamins and minerals.
Consume animal products better
The fish and bugs can be consumed as part of a sustainable diet. However, their industrial-scale production costs must be optimized to make them truly sustainable alternatives to meat.
On the insect side, manufacturers are trying to overcome organoleptic and regulatory barriers by doubling their creativity to produce products that are each more delicious than the last, such as Insectéine. This French company develops and markets foods made from insects under the Avenia Nutrition brand. edible insect floursA very interesting commodity for its richness in proteins. Will the future of our food be based on insects?
On the fish side, many initiatives are being implemented to protect aquatic wildlife and combat overfishing. This is the case of Food4Good, which only offers MSC or organic eco-certified fish. Fishery resources are nutritionally interesting for their mineral, omega 3, vitamin content, etc., provided that their reproduction cycle is respected.
The motto: Good, Healthy and Responsible
The example of spread
The health and environmental impact Spread is often criticized for its high concentration of palm oil and sugars. However, there are alternatives with healthier compositions.
Agro sourcing, specialist in the import of organic and fair trade dried fruits, offers a minimalist and delicious spreadIt contains only four organic and fair trade ingredients, 75% of which are dried fruit. In short: it is lactose-free, has no added oils, is organic, fair trade, vegan, gluten-free, and has no preservatives, but has an irresistible taste and texture. It also won the Natexpo 2020 Gold Trophy in the sweet grocery category.
75% Agro-sourcing spread
Gustoneo manufactures organic, healthy, innovative and delicious products And their spread is no exception. Their advantage? The brand offers consumers the opportunity to make their own spread in Do It Yourself mode.
Another example, Funky veggie aims to make veggie accessible to all by promoting gourmet and nutritionally interesting productsThe OUF! spread is:
- a list of ingredients short
- as roasted hazelnuts
- of the pure cocoa powder
- as Red beans
- du coconut blossom sugar
- of'water
Ingredients selected for their low environmental impact and their high nutritional added valueA winning combo!
Engage in an impactful approach
Some brands go further. Aline et Olivier is an alternative brand that promotes organic, crafts and healthy eatingIn addition to the products this company manufactures in Provence, it is committed to actions with social and environmental impact. Aline&Olive is an example of a company to follow!
Less is more.
You noticed it. Consumers are favoring shorter and more without controversial ingredients, like nitritesBonval, the brand of certified organic breeders in the meat industry, offers a range of meat and charcuterie without nitrite salt.
Sustainable and circular food
There are many initiatives to move towards a new model. We are fascinated by the actors who are reusing what we commonly call waste, even though it is an unsuspected resource… Do you know the crackers of Resurrection ? The brand, a pioneer in the snacking products that enhance by-products, like spent grain or cider marc, offers healthy and virtuous crackers thanks to theupcycling. In fact, it offers a new use, good nutritional balance and Team superior organoleptic qualities to classic crackers.
Numerous initiatives implemented by brands and manufacturers demonstrate that the food and nutrition transition is underway. However, human activities are harmful to both humans and the Earth. The recommendations made by the FAO 10 years ago remain valid and urgently need to be implemented. A healthy and sustainable diet:
- is respectful of our environment
- participate in the food and nutrition security as well as a healthy life for current and future generations.
- helps protect and respect biodiversity and ecosystems
- is culturally acceptable
- is economically fair and accessible, affordable
- is nutritionally safe and healthy
- allows the optimization of natural and human resources.
To learn more about the food and nutrition transition and its innovations, listen to our audio guide to discover the Natexpo trade fair!
- The Lancet. Health effects of dietary risks in 195
- OECD Healthy Policy Studies. The heavy burden of obesity. 2019
- The State of the Global Plant-based Protein Market. 2019
- Markets and Markets. Dairy Alternatives Market. 201
- Food supplement market in France. 2019
Content written by our partner www.culture-nutrition.com
