US - Whole Grain and High fiber food market by Product, Distribution Channel and Type - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027

Published: Oct 2023 Pages: 147 SKU: IRTNTR45863

US - Whole Grain and High fiber food market 2023-2027

The US - Whole Grain and High fiber food market size is projected to increase by USD 6.45 billion and the market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.07% between 2022 and 2027.

This whole grain and high fiber food market in US report extensively covers market segmentation by product (cereals, bakery products, snacks, and others), distribution channel (offline and online) and type (traditional and organic). Our report examines historic data from 2017 to 2021, besides analyzing the current market scenario.

Convenience factors associated with whole grain and high-fiber foods are notably driving the market growth. Rapid urbanization is growing in the US. For example, according to The World Bank Group, the percentage of the urban population in the US increased from 80.9% in 2010 to 82.45% in 2019. Urbanization implies an increase in the per capita annual household disposable income of consumers. As such, the consumer prefers convenient yet healthy food products that satisfy their routine nutrition prerequisites. Most individuals choose ready-to-eat food, which takes the lowest preparation time. Whole-grain foods such as granola and energy bars, processed breakfast cereals, and whole-grain bread are meal-replacement snacks. High-fiber biscuits such as oats breakfast biscuits and Quick Starts Breakfast Biscuits Sandwiches can easily suppress hunger which can result in the expansion of the US - whole grain and high fiber food market. Therefore, the comfort factor is fuelling the growth of the whole grain and high-fiber food market in the US during the forecast period.

US Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market: Overview

The US Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market shows an accelerated CAGR during the forecast period.

To get additional information about the market, Request Free Sample

Trends

The growing popularity of food made from sprouted whole grains is an emerging trend shaping the market growth. The popularity of foods made from sprouted whole grains is one of the significant trends. The process of sprouting activates the enzymes in grains, adds a sweet texture, and improves the color of bakery products. To render them a different flavor, sprouted flours are used in bakery products. Such a trend is eventually gaining traction with the rising use of sprouted whole grains in products like muffins, crackers, cupcakes, and biscuits. For example, the popularity of bread that is made using sprouted grains is increasing owing to its numerous advantages. Such type of bread is advantageous for people who are mildly sensitive to gluten and for those who face difficulty in digesting regular bread.

In addition, the grains are sprouted before adding to the flour which minimizes the amount of phytic acid, thereby enabling easy digestion of the bread. Also, sprouting expands the number of key nutrients such as vitamin B, vitamin C, folate, fibers, and certain amino acids. These advantages will promote the adoption of sprouted whole grain products and will fuel the growth of the whole grain and high fiber food market in US during the forecast period.

Challenge 

Change in consumer preferences is a significant challenge hindering market growth. Changes in preferences of the consumers can negatively influence the growth of the whole grain and high fiber food market. Customers who choose to cut carbs and have sensitivities to flour may not be likely to purchase wholegrain meals. As a result, customers lowering carbohydrate intake and subsequently, the demand for wheat might decrease. Aspects like consumers preferring high-protein, decreased carbs diets impede the growth of the whole grain and high fiber food market in US.

In addition, the high protein diet will help boost metabolism, build muscles, and also support making feel fuller longer. Due to such elements, consumer preferences change, which in turn will hinder the growth of the whole grain and high fiber food market in US during the forecast period.

US Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel

The offline distribution segment includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, discount stores, convenience stores, and individual retailers. In the US, hypermarkets and supermarkets as the key source of distribution of the whole grain and high fiber food market in 2022. The high popularity of this distribution channel can be attributed to rapid urbanization and changing consumer lifestyles. However, in-house promotions by retailers and easy ways to compare prices are some of the factors that attract consumers to shop from hypermarkets and supermarkets, therefore increasing the US - whole grain and high fiber food market demand. Supermarket and hypermarket chains are emphasizing rising the number of stores. Such expansions of supermarket and hypermarket chains will improve customer accessibility and expand the sales of whole grain and high fiber food, which will fuel the growth of the whole grain and high fiber food market in the US during the forecast period.

US Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market Segmentation by Product

The market share growth by the cereals segment will be significant during the forecast period. The cereals segment dominated the US - whole grain and high fiber food market in 2022. Companies are adopting new strategies, which focus on whole grain and high fiber foods, in an attempt to expand sales. Furthermore, cereal foods are convenient in terms of preparation and consumption, and therefore, most time-pressed consumers prefer such products. 

The cereals segment was the largest and was valued at USD 3.29 billion in 2017. 

For a detailed summary of the market segments Request for Sample Report

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is one of the major reasons for death in the US. One person dies every 36 seconds in the US from cardiovascular disease. The higher intake of whole grains is linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality. The growing awareness regarding the advantages of whole grain and the high majority of chronic diseases in the region will expand the demand for whole grain products such as cereals in the country, which will fuel the growth of the cereals segment in the whole grain and high fiber food market in the US during the forecast period.

Company Overview

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

  • Key Offering- Ardent Mills LLC: The company offers whole grain and high fiber food products such as Sustagrain barley flour, pearled barley and wheat berries.
  • Key Offering- B and G Foods The company offers whole grain and high fiber food products such as cream of wheat, McCanns Irish oats and New York flatbreads.
  • Key Offering- Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods Inc.:The company offers whole grain and high fiber food products such as pearl barley, buckwheat groats and bulgur.

The US whole grain and high fiber food market report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 20 market companies, including:

  • Campbell Soup Co.
  • Cargill Inc.
  • Conagra Brands Inc.
  • CreaFill Fibers Corp.
  • Flowers Foods Inc.
  • Food For Life Baking Co. Inc.
  • General Mills Inc.
  • Glanbia plc
  • Grain Millers Inc.
  • Hodgson Mill
  • Kellogg Co.
  • McKee Foods
  • MGP Ingredients Inc.
  • Mondelez International Inc.
  • Natures Path Foods
  • Nestle SA
  • PepsiCo Inc.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Segment Overview

The US whole grain and high fiber food market report forecasts market growth by revenue and provides an analysis of the latest trends and growth opportunities from 2017 to 2027. 

  • Product Outlook (USD billion, 2017 - 2027)
    • Cereals
    • Bakery products
    • Snacks
    • Others
  • Distribution Channel Outlook (USD billion, 2017 - 2027)
    • Offline
    • Online
  • Type Outlook (USD billion, 2017 - 2027)
    • Traditional
    • Organic

US Whole Grain And High Fiber Food Market Scope

Report Coverage

Details

Page number

147

Base year

2022

Historic period

2017-2021

Forecast period

2023-2027

Growth momentum & CAGR

Accelerate at a CAGR of 8.07%

Market growth 2023-2027

USD 6.45 billion

Market structure

Fragmented

YoY growth 2022-2023(%)

7.95

Competitive landscape

Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks

Key companies profiled

Ardent Mills LLC, B and G Foods Inc., Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods Inc., Campbell Soup Co., Cargill Inc., Conagra Brands Inc., CreaFill Fibers Corp., Flowers Foods Inc., Food For Life Baking Co. Inc., General Mills Inc., Glanbia plc, Grain Millers Inc., Hodgson Mill, Kellogg Co., McKee Foods, MGP Ingredients Inc., Mondelez International Inc., Natures Path Foods, Nestle SA, and PepsiCo Inc.

Market dynamics

Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for the forecast period.

Customization purview

If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

BUY NOW Full Report and Discover more

What are the Key Data Covered in this US Whole Grain And High Fiber Food Market Report?

  • CAGR of the market during the forecast period
  • Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the market between 2023 and 2027
  • Precise estimation of the whole grain and high fiber food market in US size and its contribution to the market in focus to the parent market
  • Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behaviour
  • Growth of the market across US
  • A thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
  • Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of whole grain and high fiber food market in US companies

We can help! Our analysts can customize this market research report to meet your requirements. Get in touch

1 Executive Summary

  • 1.1 Market overview
    • Exhibit 01: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Overview
    • Exhibit 02: Executive Summary – Data Table on Market Overview
    • Exhibit 03: Executive Summary – Chart on Country Market Characteristics
    • Exhibit 04: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation by Product
    • Exhibit 05: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel
    • Exhibit 06: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation by Type
    • Exhibit 07: Executive Summary – Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

2 Market Landscape

  • 2.1 Market ecosystem
    • Exhibit 08: Parent market
    • Exhibit 09: Market Characteristics

3 Market Sizing

  • 3.1 Market definition
    • Exhibit 10: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition
  • 3.2 Market segment analysis
    • Exhibit 11: Market segments
  • 3.3 Market size 2022
    • 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027
      • Exhibit 12: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 13: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 14: Chart on US: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit 15: Data Table on US: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

    4 Historic Market Size

    • 4.1 Whole grain and high fiber food market in US 2017 - 2021
      • Exhibit 16: Historic Market Size – Data Table on whole grain and high fiber food market in US 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)
    • 4.2 Product Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021
      • Exhibit 17: Historic Market Size – Product Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)
    • 4.3 Distribution Channel Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021
      • Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size – Distribution Channel Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)
    • 4.4 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021
      • Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size – Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

    5 Five Forces Analysis

    • 5.1 Five forces summary
      • Exhibit 20: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027
    • 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers
      • Exhibit 21: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers – Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027
    • 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers
      • Exhibit 22: Bargaining power of suppliers – Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027
    • 5.4 Threat of new entrants
      • Exhibit 23: Threat of new entrants – Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027
    • 5.5 Threat of substitutes
      • Exhibit 24: Threat of substitutes – Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027
    • 5.6 Threat of rivalry
      • Exhibit 25: Threat of rivalry – Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027
    • 5.7 Market condition
      • Exhibit 26: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027

    6 Market Segmentation by Product

    • 6.1 Market segments
      • Exhibit 27: Chart on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit 28: Data Table on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)
    • 6.2 Comparison by Product
      • Exhibit 29: Chart on Comparison by Product
      • Exhibit 30: Data Table on Comparison by Product
    • 6.3 Cereals - Market size and forecast 2022-2027
      • Exhibit 31: Chart on Cereals - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 32: Data Table on Cereals - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 33: Chart on Cereals - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit 34: Data Table on Cereals - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
    • 6.4 Bakery products - Market size and forecast 2022-2027
      • Exhibit 35: Chart on Bakery products - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 36: Data Table on Bakery products - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 37: Chart on Bakery products - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit 38: Data Table on Bakery products - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
    • 6.5 Snacks - Market size and forecast 2022-2027
      • Exhibit 39: Chart on Snacks - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 40: Data Table on Snacks - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 41: Chart on Snacks - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit 42: Data Table on Snacks - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
    • 6.6 Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027
      • Exhibit 43: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 44: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 45: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit 46: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
    • 6.7 Market opportunity by Product
      • Exhibit 47: Market opportunity by Product ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 48: Data Table on Market opportunity by Product ($ billion)

    7 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel

    • 7.1 Market segments
      • Exhibit 49: Chart on Distribution Channel - Market share 2022-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit 50: Data Table on Distribution Channel - Market share 2022-2027 (%)
    • 7.2 Comparison by Distribution Channel
      • Exhibit 51: Chart on Comparison by Distribution Channel
      • Exhibit 52: Data Table on Comparison by Distribution Channel
    • 7.3 Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027
      • Exhibit 53: Chart on Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 54: Data Table on Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 55: Chart on Offline - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit 56: Data Table on Offline - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
    • 7.4 Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027
      • Exhibit 57: Chart on Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 58: Data Table on Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 59: Chart on Online - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit 60: Data Table on Online - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
    • 7.5 Market opportunity by Distribution Channel
      • Exhibit 61: Market opportunity by Distribution Channel ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 62: Data Table on Market opportunity by Distribution Channel ($ billion)

    8 Market Segmentation by Type

    • 8.1 Market segments
      • Exhibit 63: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit 64: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%)
    • 8.2 Comparison by Type
      • Exhibit 65: Chart on Comparison by Type
      • Exhibit 66: Data Table on Comparison by Type
    • 8.3 Traditional - Market size and forecast 2022-2027
      • Exhibit 67: Chart on Traditional - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 68: Data Table on Traditional - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 69: Chart on Traditional - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit 70: Data Table on Traditional - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
    • 8.4 Organic - Market size and forecast 2022-2027
      • Exhibit 71: Chart on Organic - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 72: Data Table on Organic - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 73: Chart on Organic - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit 74: Data Table on Organic - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
    • 8.5 Market opportunity by Type
      • Exhibit 75: Market opportunity by Type ($ billion)
      • Exhibit 76: Data Table on Market opportunity by Type ($ billion)

    9 Customer Landscape

    • 9.1 Customer landscape overview
      • Exhibit 77: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria

    10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

    • 10.1 Market drivers
      • 10.2 Market challenges
        • 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges
          • Exhibit 78: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027
        • 10.4 Market trends

          11 Vendor Landscape

          • 11.1 Overview
            • 11.2 Vendor landscape
              • Exhibit 79: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation
            • 11.3 Landscape disruption
              • Exhibit 80: Overview on factors of disruption
            • 11.4 Industry risks
              • Exhibit 81: Impact of key risks on business

            12 Vendor Analysis

            • 12.1 Vendors covered
              • Exhibit 82: Vendors covered
            • 12.2 Market positioning of vendors
              • Exhibit 83: Matrix on vendor position and classification
            • 12.3 Ardent Mills LLC
              • Exhibit 84: Ardent Mills LLC - Overview
              • Exhibit 85: Ardent Mills LLC - Product / Service
              • Exhibit 86: Ardent Mills LLC - Key offerings
            • 12.4 B and G Foods Inc.
              • Exhibit 87: B and G Foods Inc. - Overview
              • Exhibit 88: B and G Foods Inc. - Product / Service
              • Exhibit 89: B and G Foods Inc. - Key offerings
            • 12.5 Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods Inc.
              • Exhibit 90: Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods Inc. - Overview
              • Exhibit 91: Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods Inc. - Product / Service
              • Exhibit 92: Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods Inc. - Key offerings
            • 12.6 Campbell Soup Co.
              • Exhibit 93: Campbell Soup Co. - Overview
              • Exhibit 94: Campbell Soup Co. - Business segments
              • Exhibit 95: Campbell Soup Co. - Key offerings
              • Exhibit 96: Campbell Soup Co. - Segment focus
            • 12.7 Cargill Inc.
              • Exhibit 97: Cargill Inc. - Overview
              • Exhibit 98: Cargill Inc. - Product / Service
              • Exhibit 99: Cargill Inc. - Key news
              • Exhibit 100: Cargill Inc. - Key offerings
            • 12.8 Conagra Brands Inc.
              • Exhibit 101: Conagra Brands Inc. - Overview
              • Exhibit 102: Conagra Brands Inc. - Business segments
              • Exhibit 103: Conagra Brands Inc. - Key news
              • Exhibit 104: Conagra Brands Inc. - Key offerings
              • Exhibit 105: Conagra Brands Inc. - Segment focus
            • 12.9 Flowers Foods Inc.
              • Exhibit 106: Flowers Foods Inc. - Overview
              • Exhibit 107: Flowers Foods Inc. - Product / Service
              • Exhibit 108: Flowers Foods Inc. - Key offerings
            • 12.10 Food For Life Baking Co. Inc.
              • Exhibit 109: Food For Life Baking Co. Inc. - Overview
              • Exhibit 110: Food For Life Baking Co. Inc. - Product / Service
              • Exhibit 111: Food For Life Baking Co. Inc. - Key offerings
            • 12.11 General Mills Inc.
              • Exhibit 112: General Mills Inc. - Overview
              • Exhibit 113: General Mills Inc. - Business segments
              • Exhibit 114: General Mills Inc. - Key news
              • Exhibit 115: General Mills Inc. - Key offerings
              • Exhibit 116: General Mills Inc. - Segment focus
            • 12.12 Glanbia plc
              • Exhibit 117: Glanbia plc - Overview
              • Exhibit 118: Glanbia plc - Business segments
              • Exhibit 119: Glanbia plc - Key offerings
              • Exhibit 120: Glanbia plc - Segment focus
            • 12.13 Grain Millers Inc.
              • Exhibit 121: Grain Millers Inc. - Overview
              • Exhibit 122: Grain Millers Inc. - Product / Service
              • Exhibit 123: Grain Millers Inc. - Key offerings
            • 12.14 Hodgson Mill
              • Exhibit 124: Hodgson Mill - Overview
              • Exhibit 125: Hodgson Mill - Product / Service
              • Exhibit 126: Hodgson Mill - Key offerings
            • 12.15 Kellogg Co.
              • Exhibit 127: Kellogg Co. - Overview
              • Exhibit 128: Kellogg Co. - Business segments
              • Exhibit 129: Kellogg Co. - Key news
              • Exhibit 130: Kellogg Co. - Key offerings
              • Exhibit 131: Kellogg Co. - Segment focus
            • 12.16 McKee Foods
              • Exhibit 132: McKee Foods - Overview
              • Exhibit 133: McKee Foods - Product / Service
              • Exhibit 134: McKee Foods - Key offerings
            • 12.17 MGP Ingredients Inc.
              • Exhibit 135: MGP Ingredients Inc. - Overview
              • Exhibit 136: MGP Ingredients Inc. - Product / Service
              • Exhibit 137: MGP Ingredients Inc. - Key offerings

            13 Appendix

            • 13.1 Scope of the report
              • 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist
                • Exhibit 138: Inclusions checklist
                • Exhibit 139: Exclusions checklist
              • 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$
                • Exhibit 140: Currency conversion rates for US$
              • 13.4 Research methodology
                • Exhibit 141: Research methodology
                • Exhibit 142: Validation techniques employed for market sizing
                • Exhibit 143: Information sources
              • 13.5 List of abbreviations
                • Exhibit 144: List of abbreviations

              Research Framework

              Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The analysts have presented the various facets of the market with a particular focus on identifying the key industry influencers. The data thus presented is comprehensive, reliable, and the result of extensive research, both primary and secondary.

              INFORMATION SOURCES

              Primary sources

              • Manufacturers and suppliers
              • Channel partners
              • Industry experts
              • Strategic decision makers

              Secondary sources

              • Industry journals and periodicals
              • Government data
              • Financial reports of key industry players
              • Historical data
              • Press releases

              DATA ANALYSIS

              Data Synthesis

              • Collation of data
              • Estimation of key figures
              • Analysis of derived insights

              Data Validation

              • Triangulation with data models
              • Reference against proprietary databases
              • Corroboration with industry experts

              REPORT WRITING

              Qualitative

              • Market drivers
              • Market challenges
              • Market trends
              • Five forces analysis

              Quantitative

              • Market size and forecast
              • Market segmentation
              • Geographical insights
              • Competitive landscape

              PURCHASE FULL REPORT OF

              whole grain and high fiber food market

              Key Questions Answered

              • What are the key global market and the regional market share?
              • What are the revenue-generating key market segments?
              • What are the key factors driving and challenging this market’s growth?
              • Who are the key market vendors and their growth strategies?
              • What are the latest trends influencing the growth of this market?
              • What are the variables influencing the market growth in the primary regions?
              • What are the factors influencing the growth of the parent market?

              Why should you prefer Technavio's market insights report?

              • Off-the-shelf research reports
              • Reports can be tailored to meet the customer's needs
              • Trusted by more than 100 fortune 500 organizations
              • Information about the market's key drivers, trends, and challenges
              • Parent market analysis
              • Every week, 50,000 people visit our subscription platform
              • Detailed vendors report with competitive landscape
              • Covid-19 impact and recovery analysis
              • Data on revenue-generating market segments
              • Details on the market shares of various regions
              • Five-force market analysis