3. Plant-based products

Year over year, plant-based foods continue to rise in popularity, leading brands to develop more high-quality, plant-based products to satisfy consumer tastes. In fact, there has been a 59% increase in new plant-based products over the past year. (6) The saturated market for plant-based foods has driven innovation, resulting in improved tastes and textures of many available products. Whether you’re interested in plant-based products for global sustainability, your physical health, or taste preferences, there’s a multitude of options available in grocery stores and restaurants.

Did you know? Although plant-based meats can be tasty alternatives to their meat counterparts, these foods tend to be highly processed and may be missing essential nutrients found in animal protein, such as vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. (3)

While plant-based, non-dairy beverages are nothing new, data suggests that the oat milk market is positioned to surpass $6 billion by 2027. Oats are a sustainable, allergy-friendly, and versatile alternative to dairy and other popular non-dairy products made from almond or soy. Be on the lookout for other plant-based dairy analogs on grocery store shelves, including oat yogurt, butter, ice cream, and more. (15)

4. Fermented foods

Fermented foods and beverages are popular due to their enhanced shelf-life, unique flavors, and nutritional properties. (12) According to the tenth annual What’s Trending in Nutrition survey conducted by Pollock Communications and Today’s Dietitian, fermented foods are once again regarded as one of the top health-promoting foods. (2) Fermented foods, such as kimchi, kombucha, miso, tempeh, yogurt, and kefir, boast a myriad of benefits. (12) For example, research demonstrates that fermented foods promote a healthy microbiome by restoring the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut. (12)

Did you know? Fermented foods aren’t the only gut health-promoting products gaining popularity. Synbiotics, foods and supplements that combine probiotics and prebiotics, and supplemental postbiotics, bioactive compounds produced in the gut when probiotics digest and break down prebiotics, are also popular for promoting a healthy gut microbiome. (8)

5. Beauty from within

Not only are consumers interested in the enormous personal care and beauty market, but they’re also showing interest in products that may enhance beauty from the inside out. According to data published by the New Hope Network 2022 Natural Products Industry Trends Forecast, products containing supplement ingredients that may enhance the appearance of hair, skin, and nails, are projected to grow nearly 10% this year. Some of the top dietary supplements included in this expanding category include collagen, carotenoids, and astaxanthin. (15) If you’re a patient, speak to your integrative healthcare provider before taking new supplements.

6. Functional beverages

The Hartman Group’s Functional Food & Beverage and Supplements report summarizes that consumers are looking for beverages that provide more than hydration but also provide energy, immune support, and general health-promoting benefits. (16) Beverages containing antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C and E), green tea, electrolytes, antioxidant-rich fruits (e.g., black currant, acai), fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and nutrient-dense greens are among the most popular nutrients and functional foods added to beverages. The report also concluded that consumers are interested in purchasing beverages they currently consume, such as tea, juice, smoothies, or bottled water, that contain added functional ingredients. (16)

7. Online supplements

As the global health crisis continues and the demand for safe, convenient retail options increases, online shopping remains the preferred choice for many consumers. E-commerce is expected to rise through 2022, and the Nutrition Business Journal forecasts online sales to increase from $5 billion in 2019 to over $10 billion in 2022. (11) Online supplement sales are also expected to capture 19.6% of all supplement sales by 2023. (11)

8. Telehealth

Telehealth usage has continued to expand over the past couple of years as patients seek more accessible options for receiving routine and preventive care. Although virtual care does pose some challenges and can’t provide all of the same services as in-person care, it has been shown to improve access to medical care during the global public health crisis and has allowed healthcare providers to expand their services to more individuals to help improve patient outcomes and well-being. (4)