Nutrition in 2025: Longevity, sustainability and weight management technologies on rise

As we step into 2025, the world of nutrition continues to evolve with trends that promise to reshape our approach to health and wellness. Key areas such as healthy and active aging, the gut microbiome and its many axes, personalized nutrition, AI and the spotlight on GLP-1 agonists and other anti-obesity medications (AOMs) highlight a growing commitment to combating obesity with scientifically backed treatments.

Additionally, rising sustainable solutions reflect a broader industry shift toward environmentally responsible practices that not only promote health but also protect our planet.

Nutrition Insight delves into the top nutritional trends set to steer the course of nutrition in 2025 with experts from ADM, Cargill, dsm-firmenich and FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

FrieslandCampina Ingredients highlights the role of technology for 2025, noting its increasing influences on health and nutrition and giving consumers access to data that helps them achieve goals such as weight management or muscle growth. AI-powered platforms promote specialized and tailored nutrition for specific demographics while revolutionizing ingredient innovation.

“By leveraging cutting-edge tech, we’re constantly pushing boundaries to craft high-quality ingredients that help formulators bring the latest trends to life,” says Vicky Davies, the global marketing director for performance, active and medical nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

“For example, we use state-of-the-art spray technology to create our powder-based ingredients, such as proteins and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for specialized nutrition and food and beverage solutions.”

“This advanced process ensures the ingredients retain their high-quality nutritional value while improving stability and shelf life. The result is an easily dispersible, accessible format, which is easier to formulate, unlocking new possibilities for innovative product development.”

Healthy aging, preventative nutrition and personalization

dsm-firmenich spotlights three main trends for 2025 — healthy and active aging, preventative nutrition and optimized personalization.

dsm-firmenich points to active and healthy aging as a key trend for 2025.François Scheffler, the executive vice president of global marketing and business development at dsm-firmenich, states the nutrition industry this year is poised to focus on bridging the gap between lifespan and healthspan as 52% of consumers link their diet to living healthier, longer lives.

“A heightened focus on cellular aging has emerged, with 14% of global consumers now actively concerned about aging’s impact at the cellular level,” explains François Scheffler, the executive vice president of global marketing and business development at dsm-firmenich. “As this understanding expands, brands will need to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible consumer communications.”

“At dsm-firmenich, we’re addressing this through our research in key hallmarks of aging — cellular senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation and gut microbial dysbiosis — developing solutions that target these fundamental processes.”

Scheffler further notes that preventative nutrition is also rising, with 21% of consumers considering supplements essential for long-term health. This trend is expected to persist, demanding solutions with proven effectiveness. He also says personalized solutions will increasingly shape the market as consumers seek treatments tailored to specific aging needs.

“This drives demand for targeted nutritional interventions tailored to specific needs, with scientific validation and clear mechanisms of action becoming key purchasing drivers,” he emphasizes. 

“Because we understand that aging affects everyone differently, our approach addresses multiple biological processes simultaneously, allowing for personalized combinations supported by robust evidence generation and advanced testing methods.”

Tackling sustainability

Cargill points out that by 2025, the dual challenges of climate change and a projected global population increase of 500 million by 2030 will intensify. The company says its collaborative innovations with farmers, producers, customers, governments and partners are crucial in developing a sustainable and resilient food system.

Cargill highlights the importance of sustainability for customers, consumers and the future.“To meet these changes and challenges, Cargill partners with new players who offer new technologies and capabilities,” Franck Monmont, the president of Cargill Food Solutions, tells us. “We can and must make transformational changes to sustainably feed our immediate future and the generations that follow.” 

“Our size, scale and unique position in the food supply chain enable us to innovate in the areas of food production and food solutions, adapting to trends to create more resilient food systems with a focus on sustainability. In this way, our approach in 2025 is helping to make that change happen, bringing the power of our people, partnerships, a bias for action, sustained commitment and innovation to reimagine what’s possible in food and agriculture.”

Cargill adds that it is also focused on sustainably delivering fortifying ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA, to consumers. These nutrients are crucial for health throughout all stages of life.

“Traditionally, fish oil has been the primary source of DHA, but we’re bringing algae-based DHA to the table – not just as a matter of focus on sustainability, but also in response to changing consumer preferences. Algae-based DHA is vegan friendly and provides a safe, allergen-free source of Omega-3 that helps meet the needs of health-conscious consumers while aiming to reduce environmental impact.”

Addressing AOM’s and utilizing technological breakthroughs

ADM spotlights that, in 2024, the company explored new consumer segments and found that a surge in the use of AOMs, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, significantly influenced the weight management industry and revealed new opportunities for complementary nutritional solutions tailored to this group.

To capitalize on this emerging market, ADM launched a platform offering scientific and market analysis alongside consumer insights. The platform equips manufacturers with ready-to-market products featuring biotics, plant-based ingredients, botanical extracts, sweeteners and other solutions, specifically designed to address five key consumer needs.ADM emphasizes the opportunities presented to the nutrition industry by the latest AOM and GLP-1 strategies.

“For current AOM users, concerns include maintaining muscle mass, minimizing gastrointestinal discomfort and supporting hydration,” reveals Paula Limena, vice president for global marketing, health and wellness at ADM. “Those reducing or discontinuing use of the treatments may need support for promoting satiety and managing weight regain.”

“Through our new supportive solutions platform with turnkey concepts, manufacturers can swiftly bring tailored offerings to these consumers. Our proprietary survey shows 83% of US adults taking AOMs find products specifically marketed as supportive of people on GLP-1 medications appealing.”

“GLP-1 medication use will continue to disrupt the nutrition industry in 2025, from differentiated nutritional needs to changing consumption preferences. We’re working alongside our customers to set them up to empower this new consumer segment, taking AOMs by refining our market-ready concepts within our supportive solutions platform and keeping a pulse on consumer needs as the segment grows and evolves.”

At the same time, ADM stresses that technology is crucial in evolving its ingredients and solutions to ensure the future of health and wellness products available to consumers now. As interest in gut health solutions grows, technologies like AI simplify the identification of microbial strains that offer personalized health benefits.

“Working with predictive modeling, we can assist food, beverage and dietary supplement brands in anticipating where consumers’ interests and needs are headed next,” says Limena. “Additionally, nutrition solutions will only be successful if they taste exceptional. Combining the expertise of our flavorists and sophisticated flavor modulation technology with AI has the potential to create distinctively appealing sensorial experiences.”

Protein and gut health

FrieslandCampina Ingredients reveals that each year the company explores the top trends in the nutrition industry and adds that 2025 promises some exciting developments. It predicts that protein supplementation remains a key focus, but this year, it will come with a new twist.

“Rather than looking for single products with a big protein hit, consumers are increasingly looking for novel, convenient and fun ways to incorporate this nutrient into every meal, snack and drink,” Davies underscores. “In short, they want protein in every bite.”FrieslandCampina Ingredients spotlights AI technology and protein fortification as major trends for 2025 and beyond.

“Think protein-fortified coffees, hydrating flavored waters, desserts — and even pizzas. In light of the recent rise of weight management solutions, people are becoming more aware that protein can also help them stay full for longer between meals. It’s a popular choice for those looking to balance their hunger and support their health goals effortlessly.”

“Proteins and prebiotics will continue to be big areas of innovation for us as we look for new ways to help consumers get the most out of life. This includes supporting people across all stages of life with nutritious, multifunctional solutions that enhance overall well-being. Whether it’s helping active individuals optimize their health, supporting older adults to age or helping families to find nutritious, value-packed products for their children amid cost-of-living pressures.”

According to Davies, the gut health trend will continue to expand in 2025.

“You just need to look at social media to find influencers showcasing their DIY fermented foods and memes about ‘hot girls with stomach issues,’” she concludes. “People are increasingly open toward discussing — and addressing — their digestive issues.”

“Where social media leads, the market often follows — so we expect this growing interest to translate into more product innovation and more consumers embracing gut health in 2025.”