LAS VEGAS — Manufacturers are responding to the bottled water backlash by introducing flavored water varieties that tout functional benefits which differentiate them from tap water, according to Lynn Dornblaser, director of Mintel's custom solutions' group. Products that boast sea salts and low-sodium reformulations are also increasingly hitting store shelves, as are products that contain ancient grains, Dornblaser told attendees at the FMI Show here yesterday. "These grains are appealing to adventurous cooks and many are higher in fiber than other grains, and gluten-free" she said. "Quinoa is an example of an ancient grain that is a complete protein, so it's good for vegetarians." "Junk-free food" claims, clean labels and an expansion of products that have been sourced in accordance with Fair Trade standards are also among the trends that Dornblaser is recognizing.

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