Wholesome Ingredients: Four Key Trends in The World of Beans & Pulses

Wholesome ingredients like beans and pulses have provided sustenance for a millennia. While there is overall high awareness of beans and pulses among consumers, there are challenges for wider acceptance. Brands should put an emphasis on convenience, taste appeal and nutritional value and address concerns around preparation and digestibility. Within ADM's latest wholesome ingredients report, four trends indicate where food manufacturers can best leverage beans and pulses to align with evolving consumer demands.

1.    Global Culinary Exploration 
Many consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, seek bold, global flavors. With beans and pulses used in a range of traditional cultural dishes, they provide an opportunity for authentic exploration. With growth potential in ready meals and side dishes, beans and pulses deliver on variety and support new culinary experiences.

2.    Getting Beans & Pulses Out of the Can 
Positive consumer perception is driving beans and pulses into categories like snacks, convenience meals, appetizers and even expanded dayparts like morning breakfast items. Pairing them with familiar ingredients like rice and grains can elevate both taste and nutritional value. Everyday formats like snacks and soups further increase their appeal and acceptance, as does leaning into flavor impact.

3.    Packaging & Preparing Convenience
Smaller portion sizes, convenient packaging and easy-to-prepare formats increase product accessibility and encourage trial of beans and pulses. Most consumers find beans and pulses easier to cook and prep relative to other healthy foods like ancient grains; however, convenient options such as microwaveable pouches and pop-top lids make them even more accessible and readily available.