Take a look at the top nutrition trends for 2024 and learn why sustainable, function-focused eating is making waves. From eco-friendly superfoods to personalized wellness plans, we’re analyzing what’s driving this trend.
1. Sustainable nutrition
Sustainable nutrition focuses on eating habits that support personal health and environmental well-being. According to the World Economic Forum, 65% of people desire to make the right choices and live healthier, more sustainable lives.
In the UK, the Food Standards Agency says around 73% of people think it is important to buy food that has a lower impact on the environment.
These statistics reflect the growing awareness of environmentally friendly consumption. Sustainable and ethical food choices include consuming more plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables. It also involves reducing the use of animal products like dairy and choosing plant-based milks.
Sustainability also means minimizing food waste and utilizing leftovers, such as turning yesterday’s roasted vegetables into today’s salad.
2. Women’s health
The White House announced its first women’s health research initiative earlier this year. And, while overall health tech funding fell 27% between 2022 and 2023, investment in women’s health innovators increased 5%, according to consulting firm Deloitte.
Furthermore, the global women’s health supplements market is expanding as more women seek health solutions tailored to their needs.
Female-centric digital markets, such as birth control wearables, are also expanding. These devices and apps are helping women track their hormonal health and make informed dietary choices based on their specific needs.
did you know? We teamed up with Chief Nutritional Scientist and Registered Dietitian Stephanie Nelson to create a free 7-Day Diet Impact Plan. It’s designed to help women inspire their best and make them feel their best. learn more!
3. Cortisol and Stress Management
Stress management has become an important trending topic in 2024, especially cortisol (a stress hormone). TikTok has popularized cortisol-lowering products like supplements and adaptogens to manage stress, and sales are rising.
Stress-relieving foods, such as the anti-inflammatory foods found in the Mediterranean diet, can help control cortisol levels.
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4. Microbiome Health
The probiotic market is expected to grow from US$71.2 billion in 2024 to US$105.7 billion in 2029.
This trend reflects the growing focus on gut health and its impact on overall health. A healthy gut helps support digestion, immunity and mental health, and nutrition plays a key role in maintaining a balanced microbiome.
The best foods for gut health include fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as probiotics found in yogurt and fermented foods.
5. AVAILABLE NUTRITION
Food security remains a major global challenge through 2024, with the World Bank mobilizing US$45 billion to address it. Despite this, a recent poll showed that 53% of people believe nutritious food remains difficult to access or afford.
Strategies to lower the cost of healthy eating while maintaining the food supply include community gardens and farmers markets with subsidized prices. Some tips you can follow include cooking at home, meal planning, buying non-perishable foods in bulk, and creating a flexible shopping list so you can buy at sale prices. Government programs and policies can also increase the affordability and availability of nutritious foods so that everyone can enjoy healthy eating.
6. Plant-based diet
Plant-based food sales will reach $8.1 billion in 2023, with 62% of U.S. households purchasing these products and 81% returning for more.
They can provide many health benefits, including improved digestion and weight management. They are also proven to have a positive impact on the environment by reducing their carbon footprint and conserving resources.
To start eating more plant-based foods, add fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, meat alternatives, and dairy-free options to your diet. Gradually replacing animal products with plant-based alternatives can make the transition smoother and more sustainable. Be patient with your body, as a plant-based diet may cause stomach problems initially.
7. Functional drinks
Functional drinks may soon overtake coffee and energy drinks in popularity. These healthy alternatives are packed with vitamins, minerals, adaptogens and probiotics and are designed to enhance energy, focus and overall health. The functional drinks market is expected to grow at a rate of 5.4% through 2033, which shows how high the demand for them is.
Research shows that the matcha market will grow by 9.9% and reach US$6.86 billion by 2033.
Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage also praised for its ability to promote a healthy lifestyle. That’s why this drink currently ranks among the top popular fermented beverages, with sales expected to reach $1.3 billion by the end of this year.
8. Low carb diet
Although some nutritionists do not recommend low-carb diets, they are still a hot nutrition topic in 2024.
Benefits include faster weight loss and stable energy levels. As more and more people seek sustainable health solutions, low-carb diets offer a manageable way to achieve and maintain optimal health and fitness.
9. Non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails
The rise of the sober curiosity movement is driving the popularity of non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails, with the industry expected to grow rapidly by 2033.
These drinks appeal to those looking for a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing a social experience. For example, virgin mojitos and non-alcoholic gin and tonics. Try making your own mocktails using fresh fruit, herbs and sparkling water.
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10. Reduce sodium and sugar intake
The International Food Information Council’s 2023 Food Survey shows that about 72% of people want to reduce or limit sugar in their diet. Another survey from the organization also showed that 37% of people are currently reducing sodium in their diets and 17% are interested in doing so in the future. Reducing sugar and sodium in your diet may be a long-standing nutritional trend.
Reducing salt and sugar intake in your diet is important to prevent health risks associated with high intake, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
To make this change in your life, consider reading food labels, controlling ingredients when cooking at home, and using herbs and spices instead of salt for seasoning. Choose fresh foods over processed foods, and choose fruit or natural sweeteners like stevia to satisfy sweet cravings.
11. Personalized nutrition
From 2024 to 2031, the digital personalized nutrition market is expected to grow at a rate of approximately 16.5%. Innovative technology can track nutrient intake, monitor progress and adjust recommendations on the fly, making it easier to achieve specific health goals and optimize overall well-being.
12. Artificial intelligence in food
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming nutrition and will be a dominant trend in 2024 with its ability to create personalized meal plans, analyze eating habits and assess overall health. Trend analysis shows that personalized diet planning using artificial intelligence is expected to grow 21.9% annually, reaching $10.5 billion by 2030.
About 77% of devices use some form of artificial intelligence. Additionally, a recent survey found that 55% of Americans regularly use artificial intelligence. This shows that there is a large demand for artificial intelligence-driven solutions, which is in line with the growth trend of artificial intelligence nutrition.
A recent study shows that artificial intelligence-powered mobile apps can help you move more and encourage weight loss by recommending physical activities based on your specific inputs—i.e., your personal profile, goals, and needs. Other apps can identify foods and track and evaluate your dietary intake.
Tools like MyFitnessPal’s Nutrition Tracking App can provide tools to help you achieve your nutrition or fitness goals, including tracking tools, an extensive food library, goal-focused recipes and workout routines, and scientific support from a registered dietitian Guidance and programs (for example, a gut health nutrition program for people with digestive problems).
Bottom line: Sustainable, function-focused nutrition will be a reality by 2024
Sustainable and functional eating patterns will be a nutrition trend in 2024 due to growing awareness of environmental impact, health optimization and personalized diets. Consumers prioritize foods that support personal well-being and ecological balance, favoring nutritious, minimally processed foods that align with their values and health goals.
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