As the world of nutrition evolves, so too do its trends. With more and more consumers becoming aware of the importance of healthful eating, dieticians and nutritionists are hard at work trying to provide new and innovative ways to eat healthfully. But what can we expect from nutrition trends in 2023? Let's take a look at some of the top 10 nutrition trends that will be shaping our diets this year.
1. Plant-based Diets
Plant-based diets are quickly gaining traction as one of the most popular nutrition trends of 2023, with more people choosing to reduce their reliance on animal proteins and focus instead on plant proteins for their dietary requirements. This trend is likely to continue as more research abounds about the benefits of reducing animal protein intake.
2. Eco-friendly Packaging
More people than ever before are becoming conscious about their environmental footprint when it comes to food choices, seeking out products with packaging made from recycled materials or biodegradable options like cardboard and paperboard. Companies that offer eco-friendly packaging will have a major leg up over those who don't in 2023.
3. Local Produce
Locally sourced produce is becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers as they seek out fresh ingredients that are grown close by with fewer chemicals or preservatives added during processing. Local farmers markets, CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), and other local food sources will become even more important as these sustainable practices become the norm in 2023.
4. Functional Foods
Functional foods are those that contain specific ingredients that provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition such as probiotics, antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals, etc., all designed to promote better overall health and wellness. Consumers looking for an edge in terms of their nutritional needs will be turning towards functional foods in increasing numbers this year and beyond.
5 . Natural Sweeteners
Consumers are increasingly looking for healthier alternatives to sugar when it comes to sweetening food items such as baked goods or beverages; natural sweeteners like honey or agave nectar are gaining traction thanks to their lower glycemic index numbers meaning less impact on blood sugar levels than traditional sweeteners like table sugar or corn syrup solids.
6 . Healthy Fats
Fats have long been demonized by health experts but now many people understand that healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds can actually be beneficial for our bodies when consumed in moderation; this trend is likely only going to grow stronger over time due to further research into the power of healthy fats for our bodies.
7 . Probiotics
The notion that probiotics—the good bacteria found naturally in yogurt—can help improve digestion has been around for years but now consumers are taking it a step further by incorporating probiotic supplements into their daily routines; this trend is expected to continue throughout 2023 given its potential benefits for digestion as well as overall immunity support .
8 . Organic Food
Organic food has been steadily growing in popularity since its introduction onto grocery store shelves back in 2000, this trend looks set to continue into 2023, particularly given recent studies showing organic produce contains higher levels of some nutrients than non-organic produce.
9 . Gluten Free
Gluten free options have exploded over the past few years , with gluten free products available everywhere from restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries etc. This trend looks set to continue into 2023 given its popularity amongst those who suffer from coeliac disease or other gluten related intolerances/allergies. Furthermore, gluten free items tend to be perceived as being healthier than their non - gluten free counterparts which could also contribute towards its continued popularity over the next few years .
10 . Mindful Eating
Mindful eating involves slowing down while eating, paying attention to how your body feels while you're eating, focusing on enjoying each bite without distractions ( eg no phones or TVs ) , etc - all designed with the aim of improving your overall relationship with food and nourishment. Mindful eating is expected to gain even greater traction during 2023 given its potential benefits both physically and mentally .
Nutrition trends come and go but certain ones seem here here stay, plant based diets, eco friendly packaging, local produce sourcing and functional foods all look set be big players during 2023; other trends such as natural sweeteners and healthy fats may not get quite so much attention but still have potential benefits if incorporated sensibly within a nutritious diet; finally mindful eating looks set take off monumentally during coming year so let’s all try enjoy our meals a bit slower and savour every bite!
