Food trends may come and go, but the increasing popularity of clean eating and the overall health-conscious movement—alongside the decline of heavily processed foods—seems to be a lasting change. Consumers are becoming more aware of how their food choices impact their health, opting for dietary strategies that help maintain wellness rather than relying solely on medications to address health issues. Recently, there has been growing interest in diverse options ranging from adaptogenic plants that support the adrenal system to the paleo diet as natural and healthy methods for sustaining well-being. While these approaches may represent the extremes of the healthy eating spectrum, they carry their own merits.
According to Nielsen’s Global Health and Ingredient Sentiment Survey, around 60% of Americans report that they actively make dietary choices to prevent health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Over the past few years, 26% of consumers have increased their consumption of plant-based milks—like almond, coconut, or soy—while 21% are opting for vegetarian protein sources, as noted by Packaged Facts research. In response to these trends, major food manufacturers, including Nestle and Hormel, are embracing medical foods to promote healthier lifestyles and assist consumers with various health conditions. Additionally, larger companies are acquiring innovative startups that utilize new ingredients to create and market superfoods with health benefits. For instance, Dean’s Food recently purchased Uncle Matt’s Organics, known for its probiotic-infused juices, some of which include ashwagandha, an ingredient acknowledged for its stress-reducing and memory-enhancing properties. General Mills has also invested $3 million in Purely Elizabeth, which incorporates Om Mushroom powder to boost the health benefits of its wellness bars, including increased energy, vitality, and immunity.
Clearly, consumer lifestyles and eating habits are shifting. Even those who would never fully commit to a paleo diet are increasingly adopting healthier living and eating practices. This is evident in the types of food products gaining traction in conventional grocery aisles, such as grass-fed meats and dairy, coconut oil, stevia, avocados, sweet potatoes, and grain-free alternatives like zoodles.
As this trend continues to evolve, one intriguing aspect to consider is the difference between calcium magnesium and calcium citrate. Understanding what is the difference between calcium magnesium and calcium citrate can further inform consumers about the best dietary choices for their health. It will be fascinating to observe how these trends develop; one thing remains clear: the movement toward better health is here to stay.