Each year, new trends in wellness emerge as people seek ways to optimize their health and well-being. In 2023, mental health took center stage, Diet Coke faced significant scrutiny, and Ozempic became widely recognized. Magnesium gained popularity, fitness became more inclusive, and plant-based diets flourished.
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But what can we expect in 2024? Here, members of the Forbes Health Advisory Board share their predictions for the most influential food, fitness, and wellness trends of the upcoming year.
Plant-Based Focus
Plant-based nutrition was a major trend in 2023, and it’s expected to continue its rise in 2024. TikTok data reveals that #plantbased amassed 1 billion views in the U.S. over the past year, with #plantbasedrecipes garnering 200 million views. Experts predict a shift towards more natural plant-based foods over ultra-processed options.
Jackie Newgent, a registered dietitian and award-winning cookbook author, anticipates a surge in “real” plant-based items featuring wholesome ingredients like vegetables, pulses, nuts, and seeds. Carolyn O’Neil, another registered dietitian, agrees that ultra-processed plant-based meats, like those from Beyond and Impossible, will lose their appeal.
Despite some skepticism within the nutrition science community, the synthetic meat industry is expected to continue promoting sustainable, plant-based meat alternatives.
Protein Power
Protein remained a popular macronutrient in 2023, with #highprotein reaching 2 billion views on TikTok. This trend is set to persist, particularly with plant-based proteins gaining more attention. O’Neil notes that the promotion of plant-based proteins will grow as sustainability becomes a key consideration in food choices.
Toby Amidor, a registered dietitian and best-selling cookbook author, highlights the importance of protein for older adults who often have a protein gap in their diets. She expects fish to become a major source of protein in 2024, with more convenient products making it easier to incorporate fish into meals.
Felicia Stoler, a registered dietitian and exercise physiologist, emphasizes the importance of whole food, plant-based proteins like nuts, seeds, and legumes. O’Neil also stresses the need to balance protein intake with other vital macronutrients.
Balanced Diets
Specific, rigorous diets like keto and intermittent fasting may decline in popularity in 2024, making way for more balanced, sustainable eating plans such as the Mediterranean diet. This diet, which has had 76 million views on TikTok, is praised for its health benefits and enjoyable eating experience.
Michael Bass, M.D., a gastroenterologist, and Carolyn O’Neil both advocate for the Mediterranean diet as one of the best for optimal health and enjoyment.
Sustainability
Sustainable practices in nutrition are expected to gain even more momentum in 2024. TikTok data shows #foodwaste garnered 88 million views in 2023, highlighting efforts to reduce food waste and make the most of available ingredients.
Jackie Newgent points to regenerative agriculture, upcycling ingredients, and environmentally-conscious packaging as key trends. Stoler also sees upcycling and repurposing food becoming more prevalent.
Group Exercise
Post-pandemic, group workouts and social sports are set to rise in popularity, providing a sense of community alongside physical benefits. Pickleball, in particular, saw 459 million views on TikTok in 2023.
O’Neil notes that social sports like tennis, pickleball, and golf will attract more participants, especially retirees and remote workers. Collier adds that the desire for in-person interactions will drive the popularity of group workouts.
Other Trends to Watch
Experts also predict an increase in the popularity of certain supplements, including creatine, ashwagandha, berberine, matcha, mushroom powders, marine collagen, NAD supplements, magnesium, vitamin D, and those aimed at aging and brain health.
Additionally, trends in nervous system regulation, stress management, sleep, emotional health, personalized wearable technology, cannabis, and psychedelics are expected to grow in 2024.
Navigating wellness trends can be challenging, as social media is filled with unverified claims. It’s crucial to seek personalized guidance from healthcare providers before trying new trends.
“If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is,” says Collier. “Health and wellness don’t have magic solutions. Anything promising quick fixes or universal benefits should be approached with caution.”
