12 Nutrition Trends for 2024: The Hype Explained

Discover the top nutrition trends for 2024, highlighting the growing importance of sustainable, function-focused eating.

Sustainable nutrition focuses on eating practices that benefit both personal health and the environment. According to the World Economic Forum, 65% of people aim to make healthier and more sustainable lifestyle choices.

In the UK, the Food Standards Agency reports that 73% of people prioritize buying food with a low environmental impact.

These figures demonstrate a rising awareness of eco-friendly consumption. Sustainable and ethical food choices include increasing plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, reducing animal products like dairy, and opting for plant-based milk alternatives.

Sustainability also involves minimizing food waste and utilizing leftovers, like transforming yesterday's roasted vegetables into today's salad.

The White House launched the first-ever Initiative on Women’s Health Research earlier this year. Despite a 27% decrease in overall health tech funding between 2022 and 2023, investments in women's health innovators saw a 5% increase, according to Deloitte.

Moreover, the global market for female health supplements is expanding as more women seek health solutions tailored to their specific needs.

The female-focused digital market (e.g., birth control wearables) is also growing. These devices and apps are helping women track their hormone 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 Eating for Impact Plan. It’s designed to help women fuel their best—so they can feel their best. Learn more!

Stress management has become a key trending topic in 2024, with a notable focus on cortisol, a stress hormone. TikTok has popularized cortisol-reducing products like supplements and adaptogens to manage stress, and sales are rising.

Stress relieving foods, like the anti-inflammatory ones on the Mediterranean diet, can help keep cortisol levels in check.

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The probiotic market is expected to grow from $71.2 billion in 2024 to $105.7 billion by 2029. This makes microbiome health an emerging nutrition trend in 2024.

This trend reflects the rising interest in gut health and its impact on overall well-being. A healthy gut helps support digestion, immunity, and mental health, and nutrition plays a key role in maintaining a balanced microbiome.

Fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with probiotics found in yogurt and fermented foods, are among the best foods for gut health.

Food security remains a major global challenge in 2024, prompting the World Bank to mobilize $45 billion to address it. However, a recent poll revealed that 53% of people feel that nutritious food is still not accessible or affordable enough.

Strategies to reduce the cost of healthy eating while maintaining food supply include community gardens and farmers’ markets with subsidized pricing. Some tips to follow include cooking at home, planning meals, buying non-perishable food in bulk, and having a flexible grocery list so you can shop for sale prices. Government programs and policies can also promote the affordability and availability of nutritious food, making healthy eating accessible to everyone.

Plant-based food sales reached $8.1 billion in 2023, with 62% of U.S. households buying these products and 81% returning for more.

They can offer numerous health benefits, including improved digestion and weight management. They’ve also been shown to positively impact the environment by reducing carbon footprints and conserving resources.

To start eating more plant-based food, add fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, meat substitutes, and dairy-free products into your diet. Gradually replacing animal products with plant-based alternatives can make the transition smoother and more sustainable. Be patient with your body, as plant-based eating may cause stomach issues initially.

Functional beverages, enriched with vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, and probiotics, may soon replace coffee and energy drinks in popularity. These healthy alternatives aim to boost energy, focus, and overall well-being. The functional beverage market is expected to grow at a 5.4% rate through 2033, showcasing their high demand.

The matcha tea market is predicted to expand at a rate of 9.9% and reach $6.86 billion by 2033. This growth is likely driven by increased consumer awareness of matcha's various health benefits.

Kombucha, a fermented tea beverage, is also recognized for its contribution to healthy lifestyles. Consequently, it is currently a top fermented drink, with sales expected to generate $1.3 billion by the end of the year.

Low-carb diets are a trending nutritional topic in 2024, despite some dietitians' reservations.

Benefits include faster weight loss and stabilized energy levels. Low-carb diets provide a manageable approach to achieving and maintaining optimal health and fitness as people increasingly seek sustainable health solutions.

The rise of the sober curious movement has fueled the popularity of non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails, with this sector expected to grow rapidly by 2033. Bars are now offering creative non-alcoholic options for all patrons.

These beverages appeal to those pursuing a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing social experiences. Examples include virgin mojitos and alcohol-free gin and tonics. Consider using fresh fruits, herbs, and sparkling water for homemade mocktails.

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The International Food Information Council’s 2023 Food Survey found that about 72% of people are seeking to reduce or limit sugar in their diets. A separate survey by the same organization revealed that 37% of people are currently reducing sodium intake, while another 17% are interested in doing so in the future. Dietary sugar and sodium reduction continue to be major nutrition trends.

Reducing dietary salt and sugar is crucial to prevent health risks associated with high intake, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

To incorporate these changes into your lifestyle, consider reading food labels, preparing meals at home for greater ingredient control, and substituting herbs and spices for salt to enhance flavor. Choose fresh foods over processed options, and opt for natural sweeteners like fruits or stevia to satisfy sweet cravings.

The digital personalized nutrition market is projected to grow at a rate of around 16.5% from 2024 to 2031. Personalized nutrition through technology offers the potential for more precise and actionable insights to achieve individual health goals. Innovative technologies can monitor nutrient intake, track progress, and adjust recommendations in real time, making it easier to achieve specific health targets and improve overall well-being.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming nutrition, emerging as a leading trend in 2024 due to its ability to create personalized meal plans, analyze dietary habits, and assess overall health. Trend analysis suggests that AI-powered personalized meal planning is poised to grow at an annual rate of 21.9%, reaching $10.5 billion by 2030.

Approximately 77% of devices utilize some form of AI. Additionally, a recent survey found that 55% of Americans use AI regularly. This widespread adoption of AI-driven solutions reflects the growing popularity of AI-based nutrition.

A recent study demonstrated that an AI-powered mobile app can encourage exercise and weight loss by recommending physical activity based on individual condition, goals, and preferences. Other apps can identify foods and track and assess dietary intake.