Nutrition and dieting trends are becoming more widely adopted as consumers recognize the advantages of a balanced diet. Eating well not only makes people feel better, but it can reduce their risk for disease and extend lifespans; additionally, weight-related health problems like diabetes, heart disease and cancer may be avoided with proper nutrition.
The World Health Organization recently updated their guidelines on diet and health, emphasizing the benefits of fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced lifestyle. They encourage people to consume four servings of fruit per day along with five servings of vegetables (WHO, Dietary Guidelines for the Whole Family 2022). Furthermore, some new dietary restrictions were added such as restricting sugar consumption in any form and eliminating foods high in saturated fats, sodium or sugar alcohols.
People are seeking new, creative ways to enhance their health through food choices. One prominent trend we’ve observed is the rise of plant-based alternatives which provide similar nutrients as animal protein. While there remain some challenges associated with creating these products, this movement shows no signs of slowing down.
Product innovation strives to enhance nutritional value while maintaining taste and food safety. While this can be a daunting challenge for many food processing companies and formulators, technology is making the job simpler with its ever-advancing pace.
With the rise of vegan and vegetarian movements, more consumers are turning towards plant-based options for various reasons. Many are searching for a more sustainable lifestyle and recognize how eating meat can have an adverse effect on our planet.
Furthermore, more consumers are searching for nutrient-rich plant-based ingredients that can provide health advantages like energy boosts, mood enhancement and improved sleep – such as turmeric, ashwagandha, GABA, L-theanine and B vitamins.
Adaptogens and nootropics are popular ingredients among those looking to improve their mental wellbeing. These botanicals may promote focus, boost energy levels and induce feelings of calm.
These herbs are frequently combined with other natural ingredients like probiotics, fiber and antioxidants to create a holistic approach that promotes overall health. This approach is increasingly being preferred by younger age groups of consumers.
A diet high in protein is another popular dietary trend. This involves eating more plant-based proteins and dairy, as well as including more plant-based ingredients like nuts, seeds and legumes to increase protein intake without adding excess calories.
Consuming more plant-based products is essential for combatting deforestation and soil degradation. Furthermore, these foods tend to be lower in inflammatory fatty acids which may contribute to chronic illnesses like heart disease.
These trends are altering the face of food and beverage marketing, as more consumers want to be informed about their purchases. Therefore, ingredient declarations now include nutrition facts like calorie count or saturated fat content, plus there are more products incorporating probiotics and prebiotics to aid digestion and boost immunity.
