The past year has had some notable food moments: Who can forget the girls’ meal, the immune-boosting wellness shots, and the cottage cheese and pickles in everything? But now we can look forward to seeing what exciting new culinary innovations await us.
Many of these innovations take their cues from ongoing research highlighting the role food and nutrition play in the risk of developing chronic diseases and how diet affects daily functioning, energy levels, and even mood and mental health. Experts predict a continued emphasis on new and better plant-based foods, as well as foods that nourish our guts with pre-, pro- and post-biotics.
To discuss these and other emerging trends, we consulted with Everyday Health’s staff dietitian Kelly Kennedy, RDN, New York City-based dietitian Sammi Brondo, RD, Lauren Twigge, RD, owner of Lauren Twigge Nutrition, and Diana Wind, RD. Nutritionist at Inspira Health. Here they share their thoughts on the top healthy food trends we’re likely to see in 2024.
1. Economical Foods
Food prices have started to slow down, but they’re still not what they used to be. But there is a silver lining for home cooks. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), all food prices are expected to increase by 1.2 percent in 2024, but while the cost of eating out of the home is expected to increase by approximately 5 percent, the prices of eating at home are actually expected to increase by 1.2 percent. fall slightly.
“Many people, especially people with large families, will have to look for affordable options to stay within their budget,” says Kennedy. “I definitely think people are going to watch more closely where they put their food money.” While inexpensive protein sources such as canned fish, canned beans and legumes may remain popular, pricier cuts of meat may also take a backseat.
2. More Protein, Less Meat
On that note: Plant-based meat options were all the rage in 2023. A year from now, consumers won’t need masks like fake burgers or sausage links to continue embracing non-meat protein sources. “The protein trend will continue into 2024, but I think shoppers are increasingly looking beyond the meat aisle, even the plant-based meat aisle,” says Brondo. Instead, he adds, they’ll reach for whole food sources like eggs, tofu, cottage cheese, beans and even bread to hit their protein goals. For most people, this addresses two concerns: animal and environmental ethics, and saving money. (According to Gro Intelligence’s report, beef prices are expected to reach new records in 2024, while chicken prices are expected to continue their fluctuating course.)
Whole Food Markets’ 2024 Trend Report confirms Brondo’s view, adding that simple, protein-heavy products consisting of mushrooms, walnuts, tempeh and legumes are expected to attract attention with an ingredient list over complex meat alternatives. This trend parallels the growth we are already seeing in plant-based nutrition, and the boom is expected to continue; In fact, a Research and Markets report says the plant-based food market is predicted to exceed $75 billion by 2028, up from $41 billion in 2022.
3. Plant-Based Seafood
What started as a dip in a pool of plant-based seafood via veggie sushi rolls and the like is turning into a full-on dip, thanks to the tin fish trend emerging in 2023. In contrast, plant-based packaged food brands are bringing vegan and vegetarian products. According to Whole Foods Market, vegan consumers are offering their own versions of the savory snack in the form of carrots like lox, trumpet mushrooms flavored like scallops, and the root vegetable konjac in sushi rolls and poke bowls.
4. Environmentally Responsible Drinking
The interest in minimizing food waste in order to protect the environment will continue from 2023, this time with a focus on sustainable water resources. According to Whole Foods Market, new water brands use water derived from fruit byproducts that would otherwise be thrown away. The new Regenerative Organic Certification also requires soil health initiatives to help conserve water. Additionally, non-governmental organizations are showing their support for oysters being grown to enable both the natural filtering of water through aquaculture and the restoration of coastal ecosystems.
Food waste has come under increased scrutiny in recent years, but it still remains a major problem, with more than a third of the U.S. food supply ending up in landfills or compost piles, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In the past, meal planning helped families manage household waste, but now manufacturers are tackling the problem, too, says Kennedy.
5. Functional Foods
If you haven’t yet paid more than $10 for an immune-boosting juice drink at your local smoothie shop, you’re in luck; You have plenty of time to keep up with this trend. The U.S. functional food market is expected to grow nearly 9 percent from 2022 to 2030, according to an industry report, and Twigge says 2024 will be the biggest year yet.
A functional food is “a food substance that provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition and demonstrates specific health or medical benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease,” according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Taking this definition one step further, Twigge adds that people are increasingly turning to food as medicine. “In fact, the importance of this issue is becoming so apparent that the White House recently developed a Food as Medicine Initiative aimed at reducing nutrition-related diseases and food insecurity to improve health and racial equity,” he explains. Not to mention its popularity Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue ZonesA 2023 Netflix documentary series about global diets, traditions, and longevity practices has sparked increased interest in the subject.
Some other examples of functional foods include nuts and milk, which contain magnesium for muscle relaxation, or chocolate with added chamomile and valerian for potentially better sleep, Twigge says. There are also countless foods enriched with probiotics and fiber for gut health, but don’t feel like you need to look for fancy packaging with big promises to harness the power of nutrition. “Specific nutrients like fiber [found in beans]antioxidants [found in citrus fruits]and probiotics [found in fermented or pickled foods] “These are great examples of things to look for when choosing functional foods, as it is well documented that these nutrients support health and reduce the risk of disease,” Twigge says.
6. Choline
“Vitamin D, magnesium, and collagen have all been in the spotlight, and I think next year will be choline’s time to shine,” says Brondo. According to the National Institutes of Health, choline is a nutrient required by the brain and nervous system for mood regulation, memory and muscle control. It also helps form membranes around body cells, and although the liver produces small amounts, most choline is absorbed by food sources like beef, chicken, eggs and broccoli, Brondo says. Also available in supplement form.
“Choline is also particularly important during pregnancy because it helps support proper brain and spinal cord development,” says Brondo. “The importance of this is finally beginning to be understood more. Most people don’t get enough of this nutrient, and it’s not always found in prenatal supplements. So look for choline-rich foods and make sure your prenatal vitamin contains choline.
7. Food for your gut
People are interested in taking care of their gut health, although there are still many questions about which foods are best and whether to take supplements. “Gut health will continue to be a growing area of interest in the coming years as the connection between gut health and total body health is established,” says Twigge. “In fact, research supports that a healthy gut microbiome may have benefits beyond digestive health and may support brain health, mood, sleep, reduce disease risk, and more.”
Probiotics have always been at the forefront of people’s lists of gut-loving foods, including yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, fermented cheeses, tempeh, miso, pickled vegetables, and even beverages like kombucha. However, Twigge emphasizes that fiber-rich prebiotics are equally important for maintaining a healthy microbiome, and therefore predicts that they will be the rising star of the niche in 2024.
“Prebiotics, a type of fiber found in plant foods, serve as nutrients for probiotics and can support healthy gut microbiota,” explains Twigge. He adds that you can find them in bananas, blueberries, artichokes, oatmeal, spinach and onions, to name a few. To make sure you don’t run into any nutrient deficiencies, “As with most nutrients, your best bet is to vary your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains,” he continues. “I think we will continue to see prebiotics and probiotics added to more foods in the coming year to make it easier for people to access foods that support gut health,” he says.
8. Contains No Sugar or Artificial Sweeteners
It may finally be time to see the collapse of the alternative sweetener empire. With the recent publication of the World Health Organization (WHO) assessment of the health risks of aspartame, particularly its potential carcinogenicity, people are curbing their consumption of pink and yellow packets; Even Diet Coke lovers put it in the can. Of course, real sugar is also off the table due to its own potential dangers, so the best remaining option would be to prioritize natural sweeteners (e.g. date syrup) or forego sweetness altogether. flavor other tempting flavors that are less threatening.
According to the Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) predictions, the new daughters of flavors will likely be bold, bitter, salty, sour, or a combination of all of these, in the form of vegetable-heavy cocktails and earthy flavors. spice blends.
9. High Spice Levels
Speaking of spice, the heat-tolerant part of our palate is in for a rude awakening this year. “We have already seen this trend slowly grow, with the rise of snack chips in hot, salty flavors and eye-catching packaging aimed at young people,” says Wind. “Hopefully big companies will turn some of their magic flavor combinations into healthier foods.”
According to IFT, spicy, peppery options will also be among the bold flavor profiles that will replace sweetness on menus.
10. Multicultural Food
After several years of DoorDashing the same three comfort foods during quarantine, people are craving new and varied dishes, especially dishes that combine techniques from various cuisines, according to IFT. IFT calls it “third culture cuisine,” and its exotic flavors marry beautifully with the aforementioned daring palate initiative. Some examples of these foods you may see on restaurant menus, if you haven’t already, include birria ramen, boba ice cream, and Japanese guacamole.