Food trends may come and go, but the increasing popularity of clean eating and the overall movement towards healthier options—alongside the decline of heavily processed foods—seems to be a lasting change. Consumers are becoming more mindful of how their dietary choices contribute to their overall wellness, opting for nutrition over medications to address health issues. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in various health-promoting options, from adaptogenic plants that support the adrenal system to the paleo diet, which is seen as a natural way to enhance well-being. Although these approaches can be at opposite ends of the healthy eating spectrum, they certainly have their advantages.
According to Nielsen’s Global Health and Ingredient Sentiment Survey, around 60% of Americans actively make dietary choices to help prevent issues such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. In recent years, 26% of consumers have reported an increase in their consumption of plant-based milks—such as almond, coconut, or soy—while 21% are opting for vegetarian protein sources, as noted by Packaged Facts research. In response to this shift, major food manufacturers, including Nestle and Hormel, are now incorporating medical foods into their offerings to promote healthy lifestyles and assist consumers with various conditions. Additionally, larger companies are acquiring innovative startups that utilize modern ingredients to create and market superfoods with health benefits. For instance, Dean’s Food has recently acquired Uncle Matt’s Organics, a producer of probiotic-infused juices, some of which include ashwagandha, known for its stress-reducing, memory-enhancing, and muscle recovery properties.
General Mills has also made a significant investment, putting $3 million into Purely Elizabeth, which enhances its wellness bars with Om Mushroom powder to provide specific health benefits such as increased energy, vitality, and immunity. Consumer behaviors and eating habits are evidently shifting, with even those who might never consider fully adopting a paleo lifestyle increasingly embracing healthier living. This change is reflected in the types of food products gaining traction in conventional grocery stores, including grass-fed meats and dairy, coconut oil, stevia, avocados, sweet potatoes, and grain-free pasta alternatives like zoodles.
Furthermore, the incorporation of supplements such as Bonex calcium citrate is becoming more prevalent among health-conscious consumers, as they seek ways to enhance their dietary intake. As this trend continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to observe its trajectory; one thing is clear: the focus on health and wellness is a lasting phenomenon.