While healthier foods continue to be a focus for consumers — and thus food manufacturers — the ways in which those foods are harvested, produced and packaged are becoming just as important, especially among Millennials.

A study analyzed 12.5 million social media posts and other online commentaries to determine that sustainability and company transparency are priorities that rank right alongside health and flavor. A Nielsen Report also surmises that Millennials are a demanding generation that wants to be more informed about companies, their products and their business practices.

Snack bars that offer health benefits and feature clean labels are one of the fastest growing segments in the market, and food manufacturers are working on formulations that combine nutrition and taste to appeal to a growing number of health-conscious consumers.

Cage-free eggs: they’re becoming a staple on restaurant menus and, increasingly, in the ingredient decks of a variety of grocery products. More than 200 retailers, restaurants and food manufacturers have committed to using only cage-free eggs, and most of them have promised to do so by 2025. Many others are following suit.  

However, these commitments may have been made prematurely, and not because the practice of using cage-free eggs and responding to consumer demands isn’t a noble endeavor. Rather, it’s because some analysts suspect it simply may not be possible.

There’s concerning data coming out of recent studies that reveals declining consumer trust in food companies. In 2017, 37% of respondents said they “strongly agree” that they trusted the food system, according to a survey by the Center for Food Integrity (CFI). That number dropped to only 25% in 2018.

Those consumer confidence statistics are alarming, yet they represent incredible opportunities for the food industry. Here are ways food manufacturers can engage consumers to build trust in their brands and improve formulations to deliver on their promises.

The popularity of the traditional soup and salad bar in restaurants is slowing a bit, according to the 2018 Soup & Salad Consumer Trend Report by Technomic. But that doesn’t mean these staples in the American diet have seen their day.

While soup and salad sales are lagging in some restaurant chains, others are getting creative with their offerings and capturing the attention of patrons (and capturing market share). Though some restaurateurs see the downward trend as a potential threat, others see it as an opportunity.

Fast-casual restaurants had a come-back year in 2017 compared to 2016. Sales for fast-casuals exceeded expectations for 2017 and grew by 9% among the top 250 restaurant chains. They remain one of the most popular dining destinations across the country and have hit the sweet spot with consumers by offering higher quality, healthier options compared to traditional fast food restaurants, while still maintaining quick service and an affordable price range.