b'31Convenience Is KingBrands will focus on helping consumers go simple in their preparation and cooking routines, and assureAlt Seafoodwould-be cooks that taking shortcuts is nothing to beThe awareness of the meatless category is driving ashamed of, said Mintels Melanie Bartelme. consumers to look for alternatives in seafood, too. Key to acceptance is aligning nutritional values, texture and flavor to those of traditional fish, said Patsy Ramirez-Arroyo, food and sustainability consultant.2Environmentally4Friendly FoodsIf convenience is top, sustainability and environmentalHealth in Balanceconcerns are a close runner-up. With growing unrest over climate issues and their impact on the future food supply,Consumers will seek more balance between their products that feature some aspect of sustainable ingredients,desire for health and sheer indulgence. Functional foods upcycled ingredients or environment-friendly packagingwont suffer as a result; with interest in immunity, gut are leading the way, said Drexel Universitys Jonathanhealth, memory and so many other health components, Deutsch. Ingredients like mushrooms, seaweed and jackfruitmanufacturers are introducing functional ingredients into have been developed into different products, and pastasproducts anywhere they can. And better-for-you snacks pandemic-fueled comeback made room for more innovationlike dehydrated vegetables or mushroom chips continue with black rice, pumpkin, red lentils, lupini and purple carrots. to dominate, said food stylist Lindsay Leopold. CATERING, FOODSERVICE & EVENTS cfe-news.com15'