The Consumption of Healthy Grains: Product, Health, and Wellness Trends

The cereal consumption in recent years has been dominated by several trends: shift from the traditional major staple cereals to the minor, ancient, and pseudocereals, the increased requirements for whole or minimally processed grains and cereals, and increased interest in free-from cereal-based products. Moreover, recent dietary patterns include more frequent consumption of plants, which is favorable for grain and cereal-based food categories. These trends, triggered by the increased consumer consciousness of health, well-being, and sustainability, have challenged industry to innovate not only in product development but also in production. However, the consumer acceptance of novel and innovative food alternatives is a complex and challenging issue. This chapter gives an overview of the cereal-based products corresponding to these trends, as well as the explanations of factors that influence the consumer’s choices and behavior.