In 2023, wecorrectly predicted trendslike spritzes, copycat recipes and adaptogen drinks to be all the rage. Meshing nutrition with the foods and activities you enjoy is especially important for your physical and mental health, which was rightfully prioritized over the past year. And in 2024, we’re expecting nothing less.
Focusing on your health should not mean completely cutting out comfort and enjoyment from your lifestyle. You’ll notice that the food and nutrition trends we’re predicting for the new year combine wellness with joy—think fun drinks with a gut-healthy punch and satisfying snacks, among others.
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1. Hydration
Staying hydrated will remain top of mind, and with social media trends like “WaterTok” andStanley tumblersbeing one of the most seeked-out wellness gifts, this probably isn’t a surprise. Across all Dotdash Meredith brands (EatingWellis a part of Dotdash Meredith) interest in articles about water and hydration grew 29% from last year.
Handling dehydration is just as important, according toEatingWellreaders. Articles likeThe #1 Food to Eat When You’re DehydratedandDoes Dehydration Cause High Blood Pressure?are some of our most-clicked stories published this year. We believe this trend will only continue to grow as the connection between hydration and positive physical and mental health is becoming more apparent.
Why Drinking Water All Day Long Is Not the Best Way to Stay Hydrated
2. Caesar Everything
Datassential, a top food and beverage data collector, is predicting Caesar salad to be loved outside of your typical romaine base with greens like kale and asparagus taking on the creamy dressing. This doesn’t surprise us, as views on caesar salad recipes grew 89% this year compared to last year on EatingWell.com.
After our Caesar-inspiredRoasted Cabbage Saladwentviral on TikTok, we’re expecting all types of greens to take over this trend, like ourKale & Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Avocado Caesar Dressing. But it won’t stop at salad; Caesar salad’s ingredients, especially the dressing, will become components of all of your favorite foods. Think: flatbreads,wraps,Roasted Cabbage Wedgesand more.
Our 8 Best Caesar-Inspired Recipes You’ll Want to Make ASAP
3. Functional Beverages
Last year, we predicted alternative coffees as a top trend for 2023—andWhole Foodshas it listed as a trend for 2024. Withenergy drinkscommonly used as a coffee substitute, this may be the transition from the coffee alternative trend we were expecting. Be sure to be mindful of yourcaffeine intakethroughout the day as some of these drinks can have more than twice the amount of caffeine as your average cup of Joe.
Is It Safe for Kids to Drink Caffeine? Here’s What Experts Say
4. Focusing on Gut Health
Speaking of gut-healthy sodas, we’re noticing a major uptick in interest in foods and drinks focused on supporting gut health—interest in topics like gastrointestinal health grew 60% this year compared to last year on EatingWell.com—so we’re fully expecting that fermented foods and probiotic- and prebiotic-rich ingredients will be a primary focus for the year to come.
Plus, gastroenterologist-approved advice will not only be needed, but it will be seeked out. We noticed articles likeThe Best Vegetable for Gut HealthandEasy Food Swaps to Improve Gut Healthfeaturing insights from gastroenterologist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, M.D. were especially intriguing for our audience throughout 2023.
5. High-Protein Snacks
More and more accessible sources of protein are becoming available on the market, and a top category is snacks. Whether it’s your classic nuts, trail mix or yogurt or new and improved protein bars and chips, we’re ready for the protein takeover on the grocery shelves.
The 9 Best High-Protein Snacks at Walmart, According to Dietitians
6. Food for Menopause
As celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Oprah and Naomi Wattsopen up about menopausein the public eye, the “taboo” topic is becoming quite the opposite. Resources for menopause and perimenopause are more accessible, and Google’s data is seeing an increase in health trends with terms likecreatineand menopause being widely searched together.
There are foods that can helprelieve menopause symptoms, includinghot flashes, so we think that a menopause-friendly eating pattern will start to be a focus for many without the stigma.
7. No Added Sugar
9 No-Added-Sugar Desserts in Three Steps or Less
8. Mocktails
Nonalcoholic drinks have become more popular over the years, and we’re only expecting the mocktail trend to grow. InPinterest Predicts, the social media’s trend prediction roundup for 2024,tropical booze-free drinksare anticipated to be sipped on all year long—pineapple mocktails were searched for 70% more this past year.
Specifically, we’re talking about alcohol-free beverages that have the flavor and feel of popular alcoholic drinks will be on the rise this year. “People still want to socialize and want their drink experience to be special as if they were ordering a cocktail,” saysAlex Loh,EatingWell’s associate food editor. “They want to follow a low-alcohol or no-alcohol lifestyle.” With trends likeDry Januaryand Sober October increasing in popularity each year, we’re anticipating the growth of a sober-curious society.
9. Ice Baths and Cold Plunges
Cold plungesare being added to daily routines, and it’s becoming the latest anti-inflammatory wellness trend that celebrities are endorsing.Google’s Year in Search for 2023listed water chillers for ice baths as a top searched appliance.
While it may provide health benefits like increasing circulation, increasing your metabolism and decreasing muscle soreness, it can cause hypothermia and cold shock if you’re not careful. Talk to a healthcare professional to help decide what’s best for you and your health.
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10. Interest in Weight Loss Medication
With drugs likeOzempicand natural options likeberberinereceiving a ton of press for promoting weight loss, we’re expecting a clear uptick in weight loss medications—and possibly prescription requests—on the rise.Datassentialreports that 14% of consumers are becoming more interested in GLP-1 receptor agonist prescription drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy.
“With more weight loss medications getting approved, we expect to see interest in them continue to increase. It’s important to remember that while these medications aren’t right for everyone and should be taken with precaution—just like with any medication—they are a safe option for many people with obesity,”Maria Laura Haddad-Garcia,EatingWell’s senior nutrition and news editor says. “When considering weight loss medication, it’s more than a number on the scale an individual is able to reach, but more so, the other health outcomes of reducing their weight. Are they able to move more? Do they reduce the risk of certain chronic conditions? Do they sleep better? Does their quality of life improve? Those are the questions we should be asking ourselves.”
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