Although many health-conscious consumers don’t make a habit of frequenting greasy fast food joints, they still crave the convenience of quick, easy and on-the-go food and beverage options.
In fact, demand for convenience and customization have consistently been growing in the health food segment. In 2020, consumers will continue to seek high-quality, nutritious meals that fit into their fast-paced lifestyles while accommodating their individual dietary needs.
In line with changing consumer preferences, here are three of the top health and nutrition trends we can expect in 2020:
- Convenient Health Foods
Food trends may come and go, but convenience remains king for consumers. On-the-go consumers are shopping across channels for grab-and-go breakfasts, quick snacks and dinner time solutions.
Many of them expect high-quality food and beverage options that fit into their fast-paced lifestyles, without having to sacrifice their health goals or flavor. These convenience-driven consumers have recently given rise to new categories in the foodservice and retail sector, with emerging businesses offering subscription meal kits, grocery delivery services and other fast and easy food options for the time-crunched masses.
At the same time, 27 percent of U.S. consumers think healthy food takes too much time to prepare, so companies that capitalize on grab-and-go snacks and easy, portable and convenient meal options will likely continue to gain greater market share in 2020 and beyond.
- Keto, Paleo and Specialized Diet-Friendly Options
As holistic consumers prioritize long-term, sustainable healthy living options over short-term weight loss, ketogenic (keto), paleo and other specialized “lifestyle” diets and eating patterns are picking up where fleeting fads have left off.
Instead of opting for the lowest-calorie options, consumers are focusing more on the actual macronutrients – particularly protein, fat and carbohydrates – they put into their bodies.
Whether strict or flexible followers of these diets and lifestyles, consumers across the board will continue to look for keto and paleo-friendly, low-carb foods in 2020.
- Alternative Protein Sources
Similarly, mindful consumers have become more in-tune with their body’s unique needs, intolerances and overall composition. This has prompted many of them to cut out meat, gluten, lactose or other common food ingredients from their diets.
Alternative foods using plant-based protein, such as almond and oat milk, hemp and chia seeds, soy and seitan, will continue to dominate the market next year. Not only do these alternative protein sources help circumvent various food intolerances, but they also appeal to a growing number of vegetarian and vegan consumers.
Health and wellness-oriented foodservice brands that offer convenient and customizable menu options will continue to reign supreme in 2020. As we work to become an integral part of guests’ unique wellness journeys, the Smoothie King mission continues to be founded on our desire to inspire people to live healthy and active lifestyles every day.
Our smoothies are blended with a purpose to help guests achieve their individual wellness goals, and empower them to find fulfillment by pursuing their own unique purpose.
To see more top trends in health and nutrition for 2020, check out our video here: