The Kerry Health and Nutrition Institute experts provide their perspectives on the 10 biggest health and nutrition trends for 2021 and beyond. Read on for opinions from our scientists, resources that break down the science behind each trend, and the impact that immunity, sustainability, plant-based eating, and more are having on the world of foods and beverages.

Sustainable Nutrition

Sustainable nutrition is key to the future of the planet and part of the strategies for many companies in the food and beverage industry. It refers to our ability to provide positive and balanced nutrition solutions that help maintain good health, but are also created in a way that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their nutritional needs.

Proactive health

Using diet to improve day-to-day life, rather than focusing on fixing a health problem once it has already occurred, is what proactive health is all about. This trend was dominant in 2019 and only made more important by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and moving into 2021. “Food as medicine”, “naturally functional”, and “superfoods” all come to mind when thinking about proactive health. Immunity, mood, energy, and digestive health are some of the most common health benefits people look for from foods and beverages

Immunity

Immunity was top-of-mind throughout 2020 and will continue to be in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a lot of questions around how the immune system works and how to support it with nutrition.

Plant Power

Now that the plant-based trend is becoming a mainstay in the global food economy, plant-based foods and beverages are no longer getting a free pass on nutrition. In the United States, for example, health and nutrition are the top two reasons people purchase plant-based cheese, yogurt, or ice cream and health is ranked third for plant-based meat alternatives (Winning with Plant-based, Kerry Proprietary Research 2020).

Don’t miss out on the complete research findings by visiting: https://khni.kerry.com/trends-and-insights/ten-key-health-and-nutrition-trends-of-this-year/