EatingWell's Top 10 Food & Nutrition Trends for 2024

1. Hydration

Staying hydrated will continue to be a top priority, with a particular focus on trendy water-related content, such as "WaterTok" and Stanley tumblers. Interest in articles about water and hydration has grown by 29% across all Dotdash Meredith brands, including EatingWell.

2. Caesar Everything
Caesar salad is expanding beyond the traditional romaine base, with kale and asparagus becoming popular greens to pair with the creamy dressing. Views on caesar salad recipes on EatingWell.com have increased by 89% compared to the previous year.

3. Functional Beverages
Alternative coffees, which were predicted as a top trend for 2023, are now transitioning into a broader trend of functional beverages. Energy drinks are commonly used as coffee substitutes, but it's essential to be mindful of the caffeine content in these drinks, as some can contain more than double the amount found in a regular cup of coffee.

4. Focusing on Gut Health
There is a growing interest in foods and drinks that support gut health. Topics related to gastrointestinal health have seen a 60% increase in interest on EatingWell.com. Fermented foods and ingredients rich in probiotics and prebiotics are expected to be a major focus in the coming year.

5. High-Protein Snacks
Protein is gaining recognition as an essential nutrient for strength and satiety. EatingWell has observed a 41% increase in interest in plant-based protein since the beginning of 2023, and protein powder remains a prominent ingredient with a growth rate of 58%.

6. Food for Menopause
Menopause, once considered a taboo topic, is now becoming more openly discussed, thanks to public figures like Drew Barrymore, Oprah, and Naomi Watts. As resources for menopause and perimenopause become more accessible, there is an increased interest in foods that can help relieve menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes. A menopause-friendly eating pattern is expected to receive more attention.

7. No Added Sugar
Consumers are seeking products that are low in added sugars or entirely sugar-free. EatingWell has seen a significant increase of 1200% in views on articles about added sugar compared to the previous year. It's important to note that "added sugars" refer to sugars from sweeteners, syrups, and honey, excluding naturally occurring sugars in fruits, vegetables, and milk.

8. Mocktails
The trend of nonalcoholic drinks, or mocktails, continues to grow. Pinterest Predicts, a roundup of social media trends for 2024, anticipates an increase in searches for tropical booze-free drinks, with pineapple mocktails seeing a 70% increase in searches. Alcohol-free beverages that mimic the flavor and experience of popular alcoholic drinks are gaining popularity, catering to those who prefer a low-alcohol or no-alcohol lifestyle.

9. Ice Baths and Cold Plunges
Cold plunges have become a part of daily wellness routines, endorsed by celebrities and touted as an anti-inflammatory trend. Google's Year in Search for 2023 listed water chillers for ice baths as a top searched appliance. While cold plunges offer potential health benefits, such as increased circulation and decreased muscle soreness, caution should be exercised to avoid hypothermia and cold shock. Consulting a healthcare professional is advised to determine what is best for individual health.

10. Interest in Weight Loss Medication
Weight loss medications, including drugs like Ozempic and natural options like berberine, are receiving significant attention for their potential in promoting weight loss. There is an expected increase in interest and possibly prescription requests for GLP-1 receptor agonist prescription drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy. It's important to note that weight loss medications are not suitable for everyone and should be approached with caution. However, they can be a safe option for many individuals with obesity, considering the broader health outcomes beyond just reaching a target weight, such as improved physical activity, reduced risk of chronic conditions, better sleep, and enhanced quality of life.