Global nutrition trends 2025

Nutrition is vital in promoting overall well-being, supporting physical health, and enhancing mental and emotional resilience. As consumer preferences evolve, the demand for functional foods, natural ingredients, and affordable nutrition rises. Through Innova’s Insights360 analysis of the latest global nutrition trends, we uncover how generational shifts, financial priorities, and technological advancements shape the food and beverage industry.

Nutrition for health

Consumers worldwide increasingly seek foods that provide more than basic nutrition and contribute to overall health. Nutrition trends reveal that half of consumers prefer functional products over food products with reduction claims.

This preference differs across generations. Seniors prioritize gut health and seek solutions in natural substances. All generations actively regulate sugar in their diet, followed by fat, oil, and sodium. Gen Z particularly embraces personalized nutrition for their lifestyles and fitness goals. They show interest in AI assistants for food recommendations supporting their health and lifestyle goals and for product information.

Weight management trends 

Medicines like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are buzzing in social media as “weight loss wonders.” However, most consumers prefer exercise and fitness as the primary approach to managing weight, highlighting the belief in the holistic benefits of lifestyle changes over the convenience of medications. Additionally, medication like GLP-1 is expensive, scarce, has temporary results, and can cause side effects.

The top four dietary approaches to weight loss are reduction, nutritional balance, diet brands, and meal replacements.

Gen Z shows interest in AI-driven tools for personalized nutrition.Seniors focus on weight management to enhance their quality of life, while Millennials and Gen Z consider it as part of healthy habits and fitness. Nutrition trends show that half of individuals of all ages avoid diet products with artificial ingredients or excessive processing. Natural options help them eliminate side effects during weight loss.

Affordable nutrition 

Financial pressures influence dietary planning for 1 in 3 consumers. Price is the leading factor in product purchases, followed by taste and texture, and naturalness. In the past year, more than half of consumers have noticed a rise in food prices, which has encouraged 38% to opt for cheaper products.

Many consider fortified ultra-processed foods (UPFs) as an affordable source of nutrition. However, they also associate UPFs with health risks, with two in five consumers linking them to poor nutritional quality.

Beyond affordability, consumers prioritize product quality, health benefits, and functional nutrition. Private labels drive innovation by offering affordable, functional nutrition, and valuable products at fair prices. The top five functions attracting consumers are hydration, gut health, improving sleep, immunity boost, and de-stress. 

Nutrition trends show that lower-income consumers prioritize nutrition for mental well-being and financial stability. Higher-income consumers focus on physical and mental well-being. Financial constraints drive demand for affordable nutrition products.

Gender-specific nutrition trends 

Gender difference plays a key role in desired food and beverage functions. Nutrition trends reveal that women prioritize beauty and hormone balance, while men focus on building muscle, sports performance, and recovery.

Two in five women consume vitamin/mineral supplements to manage hormonal cycles. Seniors over 45 primarily seek functional food to improve bone or joint health. Younger generations aged 18–44 desire functional food to enhance beauty.

Holistic wellness 

Consumers are turning to natural solutions for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Some 70% of consumers prefer natural foods to obtain nutrients for a healthy and balanced diet. They view natural foods as the best way to ensure a healthy diet and reduce consumption of UPFs.

Globally, consumers vastly underestimate their consumption of UPFs. Ten percent consume UPFs daily.

What’s next in global nutrition trends? 

Global nutrition trends reflect consumers’ growing focus on health and sustainability. The rise of functional foods, natural ingredients, and targeted nutrition underscores the need for innovation that aligns with diverse health goals. Meanwhile, financial challenges increase the need for affordable nutrition solutions.Women prioritize hormone balance, while men focus on muscle building and sports performance.

These shifts create opportunities to meet the varied needs of consumers while encouraging healthier lifestyles. Functional foods and beverages can continue to grow by emphasizing benefits like improved digestion, cognitive support, and hormone regulation. Addressing the specific needs of women or older generations with micronutrient solutions can create valuable opportunities. 

The weight management market can expand through products that combine natural solutions with affordability. Highlighting the benefits of balanced diets and promoting sustainable, long-term approaches may resonate more than quick-fix alternatives.

Natural and less-processed ingredients may remain at the forefront of innovation. Reformulating products with nature-derived ingredients can appeal to health-conscious consumers who prioritize clean label items. Additionally, brands can integrate these trends into affordable options to appeal to low-income consumers seeking functional benefits, such as enhanced energy or brain health. 

Consumers’ positive approach to health drives the nutrition trend. This evolving landscape provides opportunities for brands to launch natural and less-processed products with micronutrients targeting specific demographic groups.

This article is based on the Innova Market Insights report, “Top Health & Nutrition Trends for 2025 — Global.”