Gaming & eSports: Innovation in the Food & Beverage Space
September 10, 2021
Click Here for the full report!
The evolution of gaming is quite an intriguing concept for brands these days. From the inception of consoles such as Atari to Nintendo Switch, to cloud-based gaming platforms, livestreaming and more, eSports has grown from an individual experience to an interactive opportunity to play with and watch millions of gamers around the world. In fact, 89% of U.S. adults are dedicated gamers, playing video games at least weekly. Interest is opening a world of job opportunities as streamers and competitive eSports athletes become more well-known. And brands today are creating products to focus on this space as well as provide health benefits such as eye health, brain health and energy that will help players level up their game. Let’s take a look at his space, and see where your brand can find victory. Ready to play?
Global video game markets have grown in the past 12 months. In fact, according to Mintel, the market has seen an 8.3% YoY growth in North America. Much of this interest could be traced to pandemic-related lockdowns endured in the past year as people spent more time at home and turned to gaming for enjoyment and as a hobby to pass the time along with social connection during social distancing.
And though they dominated the space, interest isn’t only limited to younger male consumers as it may have been in the past. Interest spans cross-demographic from younger Gen Z consumers to older Millennials who may have developed their original love of gaming with consoles like GameCube and Game Boy as well as computer games and online gaming such as RuneScape.
Food and beverage developers can find opportunity or “land” success in offering products that will either benefit consumers’ playing abilities or serve as functional offerings for health concerns like eye health, focus, brain health and more.
Though the eating while gaming combo could be a recipe for mindless eating, food and beverage brands are creating products that will provide gamers with functional benefits as well. And gamers are craving these products. In fact, a 2020 report from Newzoo, a game research company, states that 80% of gamers regularly eat or drink while playing.
Across the three regions, female gamers show a preference for salty snacks while gaming, while males’ preferences differ more by region. Soft drinks and salty snacks are equally popular among male gamers in North America.
Runtime eSports Nutrition Company supports peak player performance and is focused on solutions for esports players and influencers. Their products include high-performance ingredients, including isomaltulose, branched chain amino acids, proteins and nootropics selected to help athletes achieve optimal physical and mental performance. Products include a performance drink, Megabite bar and Next Level Meal in various flavors.
Mtn Dew Charged Raspberry Lemonade Amp Game Fuel was released as a collaboration product with Call of Duty World League and Team OpTic. The drink comes in four flavor options including Charged Cherry Blast, Charged Cherry Burst, Charged Original DEW and Charged Tropical Strike.
28% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Doritos Towel Bag is a reusable snack bag made out of towel fabric, creating a convenient place for snackers to wipe their fingers to reduce “Doritos fingers.” Released in Israel, the bag is made out of 100% terry towel cloth, making it a machine washable and sustainable snack bag for small snack portions.
Brands can focus on gamers as key eye health targets whether they are casual gamers who play for entertainment or professional eSports athletes. Both casual gaming sessions and professional competitions can be hard on eyesight, and as screen impact on eye health has already been a general topic of concern, food and beverage manufacturers can capitalize by developing products that will help alleviate this stress.
The most common health complaint amongst eSports athletes was eye strain British Medical Journal as well as lack of sleep and poor nutrition.
Source: Mintel
Command Cans by Team Command (a MyProtein company) focuses its gaming energy drink on a nootropic blend that includes Lion's mane mushroom extract, taurine and caffeine with zinc and vitamin A to support eye health (UK).
Glico Libera Eye Support Milk Chocolates is an FFC-certified product is claimed to reduce feelings of eye fatigue with astaxanthin, which is claimed to help lens control, reducing computer screen eye fatigue. It retails in a 40g pack.
Previously looked at mostly as a mindless activity by many parents, gaming has become a legitimate sport, even providing financial opportunities for highly skilled players. Not only this, research shows that gaming can actually improve essential skills such as decision making, reflexes, reaction time, hand-eye coordination, critical thinking and strategy.
A healthy mind can improve gamers’ abilities on the screen as well as in real life, leaving white space for manufacturers to marry the two benefits and distinguish their brand. Familiar nootropics that improve cognitive function could be opportunistic ingredients/supplements in this space to level up player’s abilities and cognitive health. Offering hybrid products that include nootropics and energy boosting ingredients could be one way to persuade consumers to try these products.
Brain HP offers brain and vision benefits in a jellybean format. The product claims to contain L-theanine, an amino acid to help improve reaction time, citicholine to support attention and lutein to filter out blue light and support visual perception.
Ghost Gamer claims to be the perfect combo of brain-boosting nootropics and natural energy that can be used to ensure you're dialed for an afternoon on the sticks or at the office.
IQ Bar contains nutrients for the brain; protein for the body; fiber for the gut; and 1g sugar for crash-free performance. It contains the following six brain nutrients: Lion's mane, MCTs, omega-3s, flavonoids, vitamin E and choline.
36% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Mental focus and stamina are important as fatigue can set in during long periods of screen time. In fact, 17% of North American gamers reach for energy drinks while gaming according to Newzoo.
Functional products that feature energy benefits can help eSports players get through long sessions --either casually or competitively. And though there are an abundance of options in energy drinks and supplements, offerings with more-natural ingredients may be of interest to consumers to reduce an energy crash that could affect performance.
G Fuel Energy Formula claims to be the “Official Drink of Esports” and claims to provide energy, focus, endurance and hydration. The brand offers Collector’s Boxes with flavors inspired by gamers and other influencers.
Game Fuel MTN Dew was developed in partnership with pros and elite amateurs as the first beverage designed just for gamers. The brand offers core flavors of cherry burst and berry blast and features resealable tech to keep it fresh and your hardware dry and textured packaging for tactile grip.
Rage Ready-to-Mix Instant Coffee Shots provide vitamins and coffee for energy and focus. The product is infused with natural vitamins to boost energy, enhance fitness and improve focus. It also contains L-theanine, L-glutamine, ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri, Panax ginseng and Rhodiola rosea.
Below are a few innovative offerings that are drumming up even more interest in the gaming space.
Pizza Hut made the first all-digital Madden stadium for eSports competitions. Then, in March of 2021, the pizza chain partnered with Pac-Man for a limited-edition “playable” Pac-Man box, featuring a QR code that will direct a player to the game on their phone, with the option to share scores via social media to qualify for a prize sweepstakes.
Red Bull Underground eSports Bars combine drinking and friendly video gaming. The space features neon-lit ambiance with PCs, large TVs, headsets and the latest models of Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony consoles. It is said to be a key hangout spot for video game enthusiasts looking to have a drink and play alongside friends.
KFConsole is a gaming console released by KFC said to be equipped with a “chicken chamber” to keep your chicken warm, cross-platform compatibility, true 4k and the ability to run games at 120 frames per second. The console aims to “power your hunger”.
Taco Bell Gaming Themed Cantina is located in San Ramone, California and allows you to enjoy your Taco Bell favorites between video game showdowns. They claim to be setting the stage for ‘fast-social’ restaurants that introduce dynamic dining rooms and social gatherings.
In a digital world, brands are capitalizing on the gaming space through sponsorships and partnerships with gaming influencers, teams and professional eSports athletes to promote their products and offerings. From limited-edition packaging to innovative flavors and brand sponsorships, let’s take a look at how influencers in the gaming space are having an effect on the market.
Miller Light Sponsorship – Miller Lite is the official alcohol brand of Complexity Gaming, the competitive eSports team owned by Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys. This is the brand’s first sponsorship outside of traditional sports sponsorships.
PewDiePie G Fuel Collection –The G Fuel PewDiePie Collection features an energy formula in tubs or cans featuring flavors including Lingonberry, Yuzu Slash and Cherry. It is said to provide energy, focus, endurance and fast reaction. PewDiePie (Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg) is currently the 6th most subscribed to Youtuber. He was the highest subscribed to Youtuber for 1,920 days.
Ninja & Red Bull - Professional Gamer and YouTuber Tyler ‘Ninja’ Belvins is featured on Red Bull Energy Drink packaging and includes a competition to win a match against Ninja himself. He is known for being a professional Battle Royale Player and Streamer. He currently is playing Fortnite, Valorant, and Warzone.
The future of the eSports industry is bright, and that goes for food and beverage playing in this space as well. And as 80% of gamers say they eat and drink while gaming, developers can battle to distinguish their brand through fuel-filled snacks to energy beverages, supplements and more. The key – offering flavorful products that also provide functional benefits that will help gamers win on screen and in their everyday lives. Health concerns such as eye health, brain health and fatigue are prevalent in this space. And if you're not in this space yet, it's not quite game over for your brand. Whether you’re targeting the everyday gamer or the eSports athlete, there’s room for you to win in this space. Let us help you find your “what’s next?”.
Click here for the full report!
What does true partnership look like? You deserve a flavor partner ready to turn these trends into the tangible.
Let FONA’s market insight and research experts get to work for you. Translate these trends into bold new ideas for your brand. Increase market share and get to your “what’s next.” Our technical flavor and product development experts are also at your service to help meet the labeling and flavor profile needs for your products to capitalize on this consumer trend. Let’s mesh the complexities of flavor with your brand development, technical requirements and regulatory needs to deliver a complete taste solution.
From concept to manufacturing, we’re here for you — every step of the way. Contact our sales service department at 630.578.8600 to request a flavor sample or contact us at www.fona.com/contact-fona/
Sources in full report
The evolution of gaming is quite an intriguing concept for brands these days. From the inception of consoles such as Atari to Nintendo Switch, to cloud-based gaming platforms, livestreaming and more, eSports has grown from an individual experience to an interactive opportunity to play with and watch millions of gamers around the world. In fact, 89% of U.S. adults are dedicated gamers, playing video games at least weekly. Interest is opening a world of job opportunities as streamers and competitive eSports athletes become more well-known. And brands today are creating products to focus on this space as well as provide health benefits such as eye health, brain health and energy that will help players level up their game. Let’s take a look at his space, and see where your brand can find victory. Ready to play?
Gaming Interest Loading...
Global video game markets have grown in the past 12 months. In fact, according to Mintel, the market has seen an 8.3% YoY growth in North America. Much of this interest could be traced to pandemic-related lockdowns endured in the past year as people spent more time at home and turned to gaming for enjoyment and as a hobby to pass the time along with social connection during social distancing.
And though they dominated the space, interest isn’t only limited to younger male consumers as it may have been in the past. Interest spans cross-demographic from younger Gen Z consumers to older Millennials who may have developed their original love of gaming with consoles like GameCube and Game Boy as well as computer games and online gaming such as RuneScape.
- 87% of U.S. women who played video games at least weekly in the past three months consider themselves a dedicated gamer.
- 47% of teens list console gaming as one of their three favorite activities.
- 58% of Gen Z men say they opt for gaming to relieve stress.
“The Global Gaming Market was valued at USD 173.70 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach a value of USD 314.40 billion by 2026…These platforms are attracting more than hundreds and thousands of new visitors in online traffic.” – Modor Intelligence
71% of all Americans have played a video game in the past three months – Mintel
“Where are we Landing Boys?”
Food and beverage developers can find opportunity or “land” success in offering products that will either benefit consumers’ playing abilities or serve as functional offerings for health concerns like eye health, focus, brain health and more.
Game Paused: Snack Break
Though the eating while gaming combo could be a recipe for mindless eating, food and beverage brands are creating products that will provide gamers with functional benefits as well. And gamers are craving these products. In fact, a 2020 report from Newzoo, a game research company, states that 80% of gamers regularly eat or drink while playing.
What do North American gamers eat the most while gaming?
- 49% Salty Snacks
- 48% Soft Drinks
- 39% Sweet Snacks
Across the three regions, female gamers show a preference for salty snacks while gaming, while males’ preferences differ more by region. Soft drinks and salty snacks are equally popular among male gamers in North America.
80% of Gamers Regularly Eat or Drink While Playing: Gamer Consumption Habits in North America, Western Europe & APAC – Newzoo
Offerings of Note:
Runtime eSports Nutrition Company supports peak player performance and is focused on solutions for esports players and influencers. Their products include high-performance ingredients, including isomaltulose, branched chain amino acids, proteins and nootropics selected to help athletes achieve optimal physical and mental performance. Products include a performance drink, Megabite bar and Next Level Meal in various flavors.
Mtn Dew Charged Raspberry Lemonade Amp Game Fuel was released as a collaboration product with Call of Duty World League and Team OpTic. The drink comes in four flavor options including Charged Cherry Blast, Charged Cherry Burst, Charged Original DEW and Charged Tropical Strike.
28% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Doritos Towel Bag is a reusable snack bag made out of towel fabric, creating a convenient place for snackers to wipe their fingers to reduce “Doritos fingers.” Released in Israel, the bag is made out of 100% terry towel cloth, making it a machine washable and sustainable snack bag for small snack portions.
Vision Check
Brands can focus on gamers as key eye health targets whether they are casual gamers who play for entertainment or professional eSports athletes. Both casual gaming sessions and professional competitions can be hard on eyesight, and as screen impact on eye health has already been a general topic of concern, food and beverage manufacturers can capitalize by developing products that will help alleviate this stress.
eSports & Eye Strain
The most common health complaint amongst eSports athletes was eye strain British Medical Journal as well as lack of sleep and poor nutrition.
- 36% of U.S. adults are concerned about how screens are affecting their vision.
- 40% of U.S. consumers are concerned about how screens affect their child's vision.
- 25% of U.S. consumers aged 18-24 agree that eye health benefits would motivate them to purchase a performance or nutrition drink.
Source: Mintel
"No energy drinks launched in the US in the past five years carried an eye health claim, making eye health perhaps the greatest whitespace functional claim in the energy drink market.” – Mintel
Products of Note:
Command Cans by Team Command (a MyProtein company) focuses its gaming energy drink on a nootropic blend that includes Lion's mane mushroom extract, taurine and caffeine with zinc and vitamin A to support eye health (UK).
Glico Libera Eye Support Milk Chocolates is an FFC-certified product is claimed to reduce feelings of eye fatigue with astaxanthin, which is claimed to help lens control, reducing computer screen eye fatigue. It retails in a 40g pack.
Brain Boost
Previously looked at mostly as a mindless activity by many parents, gaming has become a legitimate sport, even providing financial opportunities for highly skilled players. Not only this, research shows that gaming can actually improve essential skills such as decision making, reflexes, reaction time, hand-eye coordination, critical thinking and strategy.
A healthy mind can improve gamers’ abilities on the screen as well as in real life, leaving white space for manufacturers to marry the two benefits and distinguish their brand. Familiar nootropics that improve cognitive function could be opportunistic ingredients/supplements in this space to level up player’s abilities and cognitive health. Offering hybrid products that include nootropics and energy boosting ingredients could be one way to persuade consumers to try these products.
“While only 15% of US sports/nutrition/performance drink consumers are interested in nootropics in nutrition or performance drinks, 31% are interested in products with a brain health benefit. Nootropics may still be an unfamiliar term to most consumers... In order to introduce consumers to the concept of nootropics, start with nootropic substances that people are familiar with, such as caffeine, L-theanine, or B vitamins.” - Mintel
Products of Note:
Brain HP offers brain and vision benefits in a jellybean format. The product claims to contain L-theanine, an amino acid to help improve reaction time, citicholine to support attention and lutein to filter out blue light and support visual perception.
Ghost Gamer claims to be the perfect combo of brain-boosting nootropics and natural energy that can be used to ensure you're dialed for an afternoon on the sticks or at the office.
IQ Bar contains nutrients for the brain; protein for the body; fiber for the gut; and 1g sugar for crash-free performance. It contains the following six brain nutrients: Lion's mane, MCTs, omega-3s, flavonoids, vitamin E and choline.
36% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Fueling Up
Mental focus and stamina are important as fatigue can set in during long periods of screen time. In fact, 17% of North American gamers reach for energy drinks while gaming according to Newzoo.
Functional products that feature energy benefits can help eSports players get through long sessions --either casually or competitively. And though there are an abundance of options in energy drinks and supplements, offerings with more-natural ingredients may be of interest to consumers to reduce an energy crash that could affect performance.
“It’s safe to say that consuming caffeine within esports is not only a part of the culture but a must when it comes to peak performance and staying on top of your game. Once again, this comes as no surprise given the multitude of cognitive benefits that caffeine provides and the emergence of various energy drinks and pills which have become so readily available.” – G Science
Products of Note:
G Fuel Energy Formula claims to be the “Official Drink of Esports” and claims to provide energy, focus, endurance and hydration. The brand offers Collector’s Boxes with flavors inspired by gamers and other influencers.
Game Fuel MTN Dew was developed in partnership with pros and elite amateurs as the first beverage designed just for gamers. The brand offers core flavors of cherry burst and berry blast and features resealable tech to keep it fresh and your hardware dry and textured packaging for tactile grip.
Rage Ready-to-Mix Instant Coffee Shots provide vitamins and coffee for energy and focus. The product is infused with natural vitamins to boost energy, enhance fitness and improve focus. It also contains L-theanine, L-glutamine, ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri, Panax ginseng and Rhodiola rosea.
Playing Up the Trends – It's Go Time
Below are a few innovative offerings that are drumming up even more interest in the gaming space.
Pizza Hut made the first all-digital Madden stadium for eSports competitions. Then, in March of 2021, the pizza chain partnered with Pac-Man for a limited-edition “playable” Pac-Man box, featuring a QR code that will direct a player to the game on their phone, with the option to share scores via social media to qualify for a prize sweepstakes.
Red Bull Underground eSports Bars combine drinking and friendly video gaming. The space features neon-lit ambiance with PCs, large TVs, headsets and the latest models of Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony consoles. It is said to be a key hangout spot for video game enthusiasts looking to have a drink and play alongside friends.
KFConsole is a gaming console released by KFC said to be equipped with a “chicken chamber” to keep your chicken warm, cross-platform compatibility, true 4k and the ability to run games at 120 frames per second. The console aims to “power your hunger”.
Taco Bell Gaming Themed Cantina is located in San Ramone, California and allows you to enjoy your Taco Bell favorites between video game showdowns. They claim to be setting the stage for ‘fast-social’ restaurants that introduce dynamic dining rooms and social gatherings.
Influencer Effect & Sponsorship Showdown
In a digital world, brands are capitalizing on the gaming space through sponsorships and partnerships with gaming influencers, teams and professional eSports athletes to promote their products and offerings. From limited-edition packaging to innovative flavors and brand sponsorships, let’s take a look at how influencers in the gaming space are having an effect on the market.
Miller Light Sponsorship – Miller Lite is the official alcohol brand of Complexity Gaming, the competitive eSports team owned by Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys. This is the brand’s first sponsorship outside of traditional sports sponsorships.
PewDiePie G Fuel Collection –The G Fuel PewDiePie Collection features an energy formula in tubs or cans featuring flavors including Lingonberry, Yuzu Slash and Cherry. It is said to provide energy, focus, endurance and fast reaction. PewDiePie (Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg) is currently the 6th most subscribed to Youtuber. He was the highest subscribed to Youtuber for 1,920 days.
Ninja & Red Bull - Professional Gamer and YouTuber Tyler ‘Ninja’ Belvins is featured on Red Bull Energy Drink packaging and includes a competition to win a match against Ninja himself. He is known for being a professional Battle Royale Player and Streamer. He currently is playing Fortnite, Valorant, and Warzone.
“Coupled with digital entertainment being the new go-to in times of boredom, eSports has already proven that it's expertly poised to be a huge entertainment venture that can handle large brand partnerships in exchange for mass exposure.” - Mintel
The Takeaways
The future of the eSports industry is bright, and that goes for food and beverage playing in this space as well. And as 80% of gamers say they eat and drink while gaming, developers can battle to distinguish their brand through fuel-filled snacks to energy beverages, supplements and more. The key – offering flavorful products that also provide functional benefits that will help gamers win on screen and in their everyday lives. Health concerns such as eye health, brain health and fatigue are prevalent in this space. And if you're not in this space yet, it's not quite game over for your brand. Whether you’re targeting the everyday gamer or the eSports athlete, there’s room for you to win in this space. Let us help you find your “what’s next?”.
Click here for the full report!
Order your free flavor sample here.
You deserve more. Let’s get started.
What does true partnership look like? You deserve a flavor partner ready to turn these trends into the tangible.
Let FONA’s market insight and research experts get to work for you. Translate these trends into bold new ideas for your brand. Increase market share and get to your “what’s next.” Our technical flavor and product development experts are also at your service to help meet the labeling and flavor profile needs for your products to capitalize on this consumer trend. Let’s mesh the complexities of flavor with your brand development, technical requirements and regulatory needs to deliver a complete taste solution.
From concept to manufacturing, we’re here for you — every step of the way. Contact our sales service department at 630.578.8600 to request a flavor sample or contact us at www.fona.com/contact-fona/
Sources in full report
