Food and Nutrition Trends for 2021

As most everyone found 2020 to be one of the most challenging years in recent history, reports have shown eating habits have changed dramatically. Having to stay home around food all day, we are eating more than ever before. Our daily schedules have been so disrupted and priorities changed, the stress alone has given more reasons, or excuses, to eat badly and not take care of our health.

The beginning of a new year brings a sense of starting fresh. We take stock of the past year, learn from mistakes, and make changes for the upcoming year to bring about a healthier, happier life. For a majority of the population, this means changing your diet and making better choices with our health and nutrition. If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that our health is the most important factor. We have brought to you a carefully compiled list of predicted food and nutrition trends for this year. Adopting any of these trends can be a good start in helping to improve your overall health.

Mental Health
The drastic changes of last year led to negative effects on our mental well-being. As opposed to relying solely on medications, trends suggest that more and more people will begin relying on healthy food to achieve mental strength. Researchers have found these top 10 raw fruits and vegetables contributed to better mental health and fewer symptoms of depression. These include carrots, dark leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, cucumber, apples, bananas, grapefruit, other citrus fruits, fresh berries, and kiwi. While food alone cannot treat or cure depression, anxiety, or stress, eating a diet rich in a variety of nutrients has been linked to support mental well being.

Immunity Boosters
According to Market Research, it is estimated over 50% of consumers will be taking more supplements to support their immune health in 2021. This growing interest in immune health will be a top focus of the health and wellness industry in 2021. Rather than focusing on treating conditions, many consumers will strive to prevent them via a strengthened immune system.

This year, people will focus on food items as well as supplements that are rich in zinc, selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Also, by adding purpose-driven ingredients such as olive oil to support heart health, vitamin C to boost the immune system, or probiotics to promote a healthy digestive system, will further contribute to boosting immunity. The addition of these various nutrients improves overall health and strengthens the functioning of the immune system by activating and suppressing immune specialized cells.

Coffee
Remember the days when you met your friends for coffee at the corner shop? With so many coffee options and alternative resources available, consumers now prefer preparing coffee at home. Not only is it cheaper, but with tastes becoming more diverse and having the means to customize to our liking, it’s no wonder people are reverting back to making their own.
In 2021, it’s expected that the demand for coffee beans will further increase to an all time high. We now have one of the most diverse and active coffee communities in the world. From affordable to exclusive, there are numerous independent coffee companies, both local and worldwide, offering coffee subscriptions and clubs. Some have local cafes while others sell directly to customers without a brick-and-mortar space. From a simple cup of joe, to a sophisticated blend, options have become unlimited. You can choose from a variety of coffee flavors to satisfy every taste.

Plant-Based Diet
There is no denying that vegetables, fruits, and nuts offer a plethora of health benefits. Further, as the demand for organic foods has steadily increased in recent years, the accessibility has also contributed to switching to a plant based diet. Rather than taking a handful of supplements, we’re seeing a shift toward whole, natural foods. Additionally, companies continue to promote plant-based products but also develop new products that contain higher amounts of plant-based ingredients and lower amounts of animal-based ones to help customers find a middle ground.

It’s a good sign that people continue to add more and more vegetables into their diet plans as they seek a more balanced approach to health. Thanks to more nutrition and health professionals growing large audiences on social media, we’re also starting to see a shift in people wanting to cook more meals at home. With so many easy-to-make recipes available on the internet, there’s no reason one can’t quickly prepare healthy and delicious, nutrient-rich meals.

We’re starting to see a huge shift in diets and the food industry. Many people are getting tired of expensive diets and gimmicky supplements that promise big results but don’t deliver. Gone are the days of extreme diets, unnecessary ingredients, and false promises. Popular diets, such as keto, Whole30, paleo, and F-Factor, have been criticized for their extreme restrictions that aren’t sustainable or enjoyable. As they fall out of favor, people will continue to seek a more balanced approach to health instead. We’ll see more people choosing to eat food that has a purpose, and serves our overall health.