November 4, 2024 – When Innova Market Insights looks at an ingredient such as omega-3 fatty acids and their sources, it conducts and examines consumer trends research, analyzes product development innovation, and identifies growth opportunities for manufacturers. Reports such as Innova’s global report on omega-3 trends can help manufacturers with decisions around market segmentation and sustainability practices.
Social Media and Omega-3s
Understanding trends in omega-3s involves taking a look at social media plus online news platforms to better understand consumer insights about emerging trends. Analysts from Innova Market Insights monitor social media trends, along with gathering information about new product launches, companies, product and company news, and articles in scientific journals. They capture social media information from key sites that include X, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok.
Social Media Terminology
Various terms define the data generated in monitoring social media trends. Engagement is the total number of interactions with content that is paid, earned, and owned. The term impressions represents the number of follower views. A mention is an on-line conversation about a topic, and a mentions trend depicts total mentions over time. Reach indicates the number of unique individuals who view the content. Sentiment shows the tone of discussion about the item or topic. Unique users are distinct individuals who interact with the content.
What Social Media Says About Omega-3s
Consumer trends research show that consumers are becoming more conscious about health, and this is leading to positive conversations about omega-3s. Fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts are among the distinct sources of omega-3s. Health benefits of omega-3s include boosting heart health, helping with brain development in utero, managing inflammation, and more.
Social media trends on X show that young Millennial males lead social media buzz about the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Heart health, brain health, and mood are the most interesting to consumers. Omega-3s social media posts with the greatest reach talk about omega-3 benefits for heart health, brain health, mood health, and weight management.
Omega-3s and Sustainability
Plant-based omega-3s and marine-based omega-3s offer the benefits of sustainability and nutrition. Plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids that have high reach and engagement include chia seeds, walnuts, flaxseeds, soy, algae, and hemp seeds. Plants mainly supply omega-3s as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The body uses ALA to produce more bioactive forms of omega-3s. Fish-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids supply the more bioavailable EPA and DHA fatty acids.
Sustainable omega-3 sourcing aligns with consumer concern about ethics and environmental impact. Omega-3 fatty acids should be sourced ethically and transparently. Algae-based omega-3s combine sustainability with taste preferences since they do not have a fishy aftertaste.
Salmon Leads Marine Omega-3 Engagement
Marine-based omega-3 fatty acids that are discussed in social media conversations include salmon, mackerel, herring, sardine, shrimp, and anchovies. Analysis of social media trends shows that salmon is the marine-based omega-3 fatty acid with the highest engagement and reach. The total reach of plant-based omega-3 options is higher, but salmon is the top single source for engagement.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for People and Pets
In products for consumers, omega-3 fatty acids are being added in a variety of categories and sub-categories, including milk, snacks, and smoothies, and functional beverages. Omega-3 supplements benefit pets in several ways. They improve the health of skin, coat, joint health, immune system support, and cognitive function.
Omega-3s Offer Market Opportunities
Omega-3s offer numerous opportunities to manufacturers. Companies can introduce new products with different types of omega-3 sources, including marine and plant-based ingredients. Plant-based omega-3 ingredients can appeal to consumers looking for vegan and vegetarian products.
Manufacturers can focus on sustainability in ingredient sourcing. Some of the sustainable sourcing practices to consider include certified organic, responsibly harvested, and other features that would appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Consumers of omega-3 fatty acids also might be concerned about clean label and transparency. Emphasize simplicity and transparency, emphasize natural ingredients, avoid artificial additives, and work to develop trust in products.
Manufacturers can innovate by fortifying foods and beverages in a way that appeals to consumers. Omega-3s can be incorporated into commonly consumed food and beverage products like dairy products, dairy alternatives, snacks, and functional drinks. Consumers increasingly will recognize omega-3s as an ingredient that enhances the nutritional value of products they eat.
This article is based on Innova’s Trending in Omega-3 – Global report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
