by 1. Healthcare personalization influenced by artificial intelligence (AI).
According to the IFIC survey, half of Americans are interested in using AI to help choose nutritious foods and drinks. It is likely that companies will develop or update their healthcare tools with AI technology to enable a more personalized approach.
These tools can be useful, but should be viewed with some skepticism. Studies that have examined the use of AI in nutrition point to problems with quality, availability of data and biases, and warn about its reliability. Visiting a healthcare provider is the best approach as they will have a complete picture of medical history, lab values, medications and more. There’s a reason why ChatGPT issues a warning about undiagnosed medical conditions.
2. Foods high in protein
Protein is at the forefront of Americans’ food choices. The IFIC survey found that the number of consumers trying to consume protein increased from 59% in 2022 to 71% in 2024. In addition to “fresh” and “low-sugar” foods, “a good source of protein” was ranked among the top three criteria for defining a healthy food.
3. Foods that promote healthy aging
The Blue Zone diet consists of very little meat, favoring legumes instead. It is also low in sugar, dairy and bread and encourages eating whole foods and drinking plenty of water. Remember that there are no magic supplements that will delay aging, but a balanced diet including foods promoted in the Blue Zone diet can contribute to healthy aging.
4. Functional water
It is well known how important it is to stay hydrated and drink enough water. From lubricating our joints to preventing brain fog, water is vital. “Functional water,” or water that provides health benefits beyond hydration, has been around for some time. The labels highlight the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants content. After the rise of prebiotic and probiotic sodas last year, we can expect continued popularity and evolution of these drinks that offer more than just hydration. Functional water ingredients can include chlorophyll, fiber, proteins, adaptogens and more.
It’s important to keep an eye on the sugar and sweetener content of drinks. It’s always best to get nutrients from whole foods.
5. Probiotics beyond pills
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