Get to know the top nutritional trends for 2024 and discover why sustainable, functional-focused eating is making waves. From organic superfoods to personalised wellness plans, we look at what’s making waves.
1. Sustainable nutrition
Sustainable nutrition focuses on dietary practices that support both personal health and environmental well-being. According to the World Economic Forum, 65% of people aspire to make the right choices to lead healthier and more sustainable lives.
In the UK, the Food Standards Agency says that around 73% of people consider it important to buy foods that have a low environmental impact.
These statistics reflect a growing awareness of green consumption. Sustainable and ethical food choices involve consuming more plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables. They also involve reducing the use of animal products, such as dairy, and opting for plant-based milk.
Sustainability also means minimizing food waste and using leftovers, like turning yesterday’s roasted vegetables into today’s salad.
2. Women’s health
The White House announced the first Women’s Health Research Initiative earlier this year. And despite a 27% decline in overall health tech funding between 2022 and 2023, investments in women’s health innovators increased by 5%, according to consulting firm Deloitte.
In addition, the global market for women’s health supplements is expanding as more women seek health solutions tailored to their needs.
The digital market focused on women (for example, contraceptive wearables) is 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 partnered with our lead nutrition scientist and registered dietitian Stephanie Nelson to create a FREE 7-day impact eating plan. It’s designed to help women eat their best so they can feel their best. Learn more!
3. Cortisol and stress management
Stress management has emerged as a key trending topic in 2024, with a notable focus on cortisol, a stress hormone. TikTok has popularized cortisol-reducing products, such as stress-management supplements and adaptogens, and sales are on the rise.
Stress-relieving foods, such as anti-inflammatory foods from the Mediterranean diet, can help keep cortisol levels in check.
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4. Microbiome health
The probiotics market is expected to grow from $71.2 billion in 2024 to $105.7 billion in 2029. This makes microbiome health an emerging nutritional trend in 2024.
This trend reflects the growing interest in gut health and its impact on overall wellbeing. A healthy gut supports digestion, immunity and mental health, and nutrition plays a key role in maintaining a balanced microbiome.
Some of the best foods for gut health include high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with probiotics found in yogurt and fermented foods.
5. Accessible nutrition
In 2024, food security remains a major global challenge, prompting the World Bank to mobilize $45 billion to address it. However, a recent survey found that 53% of people believe that nutritious food is still not sufficiently accessible or affordable.
Strategies to reduce 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 nonperishable foods in bulk, and having a flexible shopping list so you can shop at bargain prices. Government programs and policies can also promote the affordability and availability of nutritious foods, making healthy eating accessible to everyone.
6. Plant-based diet
Sales of plant-based foods will reach $8.1 billion by 2023, with 62% of American households purchasing these products and 81% repeating them.
They can offer numerous health benefits, such as improved digestion and better weight management. They have also been shown to have a positive impact on the environment, reducing carbon footprint and conserving resources.
To start eating more plant-based foods, add fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, meat substitutes, and dairy-free products to your diet. Gradually replacing animal products with plant-based alternatives can make the transition easier and more sustainable. Be patient with your body, as plant-based eating may cause stomach issues at first.
7. Functional drinks
Functional beverages could soon replace coffee and energy drinks in popularity. These healthy alternatives, enriched with vitamins, minerals, adaptogens and probiotics, aim to increase energy, concentration and overall well-being. The functional beverage market is expected to grow at a rate of 5.4% until 2033, demonstrating the high demand for these beverages.
Research indicates that the matcha tea market growth rate will increase by 9.9% and reach $6.86 billion by 2033. Customer awareness about the numerous health benefits of matcha is likely driving this trend.
Kombucha, a fermented tea drink, is also praised for its ability to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. That’s why this drink is currently at the top of the list of most popular fermented beverages, and its sales are expected to generate $1.3 billion by the end of the year.
8. Low-carb diets
Low-carb diets are a trending topic in nutrition in 2024, even though some dieticians do not recommend them.
Benefits include faster weight loss and stable energy levels. As more people seek sustainable health solutions, low-carb diets offer a manageable approach to achieving and maintaining optimal health and fitness.
9. Non-alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic cocktails
The rise of the sober-curious movement has boosted the popularity of non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails, and this sector is expected to grow rapidly by 2033. Bars now offer creative non-alcoholic options that cater to all patrons.
These drinks appeal to those seeking a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing social experiences. Examples include non-alcoholic mojitos and non-alcoholic gin and tonics. Try using fresh fruit, herbs, and sparkling water to make homemade mocktails.
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10. Reduce sodium and sugar
The International Food Information Council’s 2023 Food Survey found that about 72% of people are looking to reduce or limit sugar in their diet. Another survey from the same 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 the diet may be a long-standing nutritional trend.
Reducing salt and sugar intake in the diet is important to prevent health risks associated with high consumption, such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
To implement this change in your life, consider reading food labels, cooking at home to control ingredients, and using herbs and spices instead of salt for flavor. Choose fresh foods instead of processed ones, and opt for natural sweeteners like fruit or stevia to satisfy sweet cravings.
11. Personalized nutrition
The digital personalized nutrition market is expected to grow at a rate of around 16.5% between 2024 and 2031. Personalized nutrition through technology provides the opportunity for more accurate and actionable insights to achieve individual health outcomes. Innovative technologies can track nutrient intake, monitor progress, and adjust recommendations in real-time, 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 is set to become a leading trend in 2024 for its ability to create personalized meal plans, analyze eating habits, and assess overall health. Trend analysis indicates that AI-powered personalized meal planning is projected to grow by 21.9% annually and reach $10.5 billion by 2030.
Around 77% of devices use some form of AI. Moreover, a recent survey revealed that 55% of Americans use AI regularly. This indicates that AI-powered solutions are in high demand, in line with the growing trend in AI-based nutrition.
A recent study showed that an AI-powered mobile app can help you exercise more and promote weight loss by recommending physical activity based on your specific preferences, i.e. your health status, goals, and individual desires. Other apps recognize foods and track and evaluate your dietary intake.
Tools like MyFitnessPal’s nutrition tracking app can offer tools to help you achieve your nutrition or fitness goals, including tracking tools, an extensive food database, goal-focused recipes and exercise routines, and also offer science-backed guidance and plans from registered dietitians (for example, a gut health nutrition plan for those with digestion issues).
Bottom line: Sustainable, function-focused nutrition will be key by 2024
Sustainable yet functional eating patterns will thrive as a nutritional trend in 2024 due to increasing awareness of environmental impact, health optimization, and personalized diets. Consumers are prioritizing foods that support both personal wellness and ecological balance, favoring nutrient-dense, minimally processed options that align with their values and health goals.
The post 12 Nutrition Trends for 2024 and What All the Hype is About appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.
