The height of the pandemic has pushed people to look for food alternatives either for convenience or health reasons. As a result, several food trends have emerged over the past few months since the outbreak. Trends like easy-to-prepare meals, chef-inspired meals, and seafood have seen a significant rise in demand. But, out of all the food trends we have seen this year, health and wellness top the list.

According to ReportLinker, the global market for health and wellness foods is projected to grow to $1 trillion by 2027. Health and wellness foods are expected to dominate the food trend this 2021.

In response to fears over the current pandemic, immunity boosting food products are seeing a spike in sales. Food products such as ginger, turmeric, olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, plant-based proteins, kombucha, and fiber-rich nuts are increasing in popularity, as these foods are believed to promote overall health and wellness for consumers.

Dietary Supplements will also play a big role as consumers continue to realize the importance of supporting the immune system to elevate health. Dietary supplements such as vitamins C and D, along with zinc are in consumers’ baskets this year and are projected to be one of the in-demand supplements due to their health benefits. Likewise, as people tend to reduce their sugar intake from foods and beverages, another top food trend is the reduced/no sugar food products such as healthy meals and snacks that have ingredients with no added sugar.

Opportunity for Retailers

The health and wellness trend is a great opportunity for retailers to adjust their merchandising, marketing, and operational strategies to cater to this food sector. One way is to feature reduced/low/no sugar food products in-store to keep up on consumers’ demands for foods with no added sugar. Likewise, the healthy buying trend is also a great advantage for food retailers to increase in-store visibility of immune-support foods through strategic merchandising and to invest and integrate easy-to-prepare meals that have healthy and sustainable ingredients.

The past year has amplified our realization that health is truly wealth. This is a time to prioritize better sleep, exercise, and eating right in order to prepare our overall health for the uncertainty we are currently experiencing. This year there will likely be a huge shift in the food retail industry as the overarching trend will be on health and wellness. It looks like, despite everything that has happened this year, 2021 will be an exciting year for the industry.