The new year is just around the corner and consumers’ pursuit for the betterment of their health and wellness goals will remain strong in 2022. Consumers have already begun investing in themselves and finding the importance of personal health and wellness as we continue to battle the pandemic health crisis.

Food will greatly drive health and wellness goals in 2022. Here are some things you need to know:

Consumer Fitness Goals

The pandemic did not just trigger some health concerns, it also gained us a few unwanted pounds. That is why a number of consumers are targeting their fitness goals in 2022 to include virtual fitness classes, allowing them to stay fit while remaining physically apart. To support their fitness goals, sports nutrition products and plant-based proteins, such as plant-based meat and organic protein powders, will be in consumers’ grocery baskets next year. Likewise, for people who are on their weight loss journey, keto food and beverage products are still gaining in popularity.   

Mindful Eating

Food affects how we live our daily lives. That is why it is important to pay more attention to the food we consume. Gaining control of the food we eat, and how much and how frequently we eat, is a step towards a healthier eating habit. Paired with nutritious foods, like immune balancers, functional foods and beverages, and food supplements, adopting a healthy eating habit will be big in the coming year.

Mental Wellness Matters

According to research, the food we eat affects our mental health. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, such as fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods, seafood, and brain boosters, supports overall mental wellness. These foods are becoming more in-demand these days as consumers are starting to understand the clearer link between diet and mental health. Mental health is as important as physical health, and it is comforting to know that consumers are now paying more attention to it.   

The opportunities these upcoming wellness trends present to food retailers will be substantial in the coming new year. Supporting consumers’ health and wellness goals in 2022 would entail a more cohesive supply chain and a more personalized merchandising strategy. Food retailers could leverage this new trend by highlighting these new, in-demand categories in their stores through customized promotion and the use of merchandising display cases that not just attract customers but also save retailers money with their energy-efficiency benefits.

Meeting customers right at where their needs are for their 2022 overall health and wellness goals is a sure way to win their hearts and give them the value they need. We are looking forward to a better 2022 and supporting customers on their journey towards health is a great way to get it underway!