From "whole self" nutrition to microbiome and gut health, ADM, a global leader in human nutrition, released their top nutrition trends based on what consumers want. Keep an eye out for these five needs in 2022.
Log in to view the full article
From "whole self" nutrition to microbiome and gut health, ADM, a global leader in human nutrition, released their top nutrition trends based on what consumers want. Keep an eye out for these five needs in 2022.
1. Whole Self Nutrition
Gone are the days were food is used for body nourishment alone. This is a long-term trend; although it's not necessarily new, it is definitely not going away. The initial kick off for this trend was due to the global pandemic putting renewed interest on mental well-being, and wholesome nutrition has been a key way that people have been focusing on this wellness initiative. ADM reported that 37% of global consumers expect the snacks they eat to improve their mental well-being.
Innova Market Insights research pointed out that brand and mood health claims make up the largest percentage of botanical herbal-based food supplement launches in North America. To further this, supplement industry experts from NutritionInsight highlighted that mental health positionings are poised to edge out immunity in consumer priorities.
If you are retailing supplements in your spa, make sure that they are pointing out the mood and mind boosting benefits they provide, and try and do this on your menus as well. Highlight ingredients that boost moods or make a mood/mind boosting smoothie, snack or meal of some type.
Related: Now Trending: Purposeful Smoothies
2. Plant-Based Nutrition
Vegan and flexitarian approaches to nutrition have become more mainstream, leaving many consumers looking for functional, wholesome, plant-based nutrition. ADM has predicted that by 2035, alternative proteins are "very likely" to account for 11% of the total protein market.
Call out any vegan or plant-based options on your spa menu, and make sure to offer plant-based snacks as well as supplements. When applicable, see if calling out any vegan or plant-based brands on your retail shelves makes a difference as well as in your treatment room.
Related: [Nutrition] What's the Difference Between Meat and Meat Substitutes?
3. Microbiome Awareness
The use of the word microbiome has become increasingly buzzy as the year has progressed. ADM's Outside Voice data shows that 58% of global consumers are aware of the potential benefits that bacteria in the digestive system can have on overall health. This has led to the popularity of anything that supports gut health, whether it is food, beverages or supplements. The demand for probiotics has risen significantly.
ADM reported that consumers' approach to supporting a healthy gut is evolving from reactive (seeking foods to alleviate discomfort) to proactive (tailored and customized pre-, pro- and postbiotic solutions).
Highlight anything probiotic or microbiome-related in your spa, whether it is a beverage, food or treatment.
Related: Fermented Foods Linked to Gut Microbiome Diversity
4. Clean Sourcing
Consumers are looking for "clean label" products that consist of real, kitchen-level ingredients with a transparency across the product's lifecycle, from how it's made to how it's packaged. Consumers are keeping themselves educated in understanding the products they use and consume.
Be as transparent as possible with the consumable products you are providing in your spa. Also, make sure to call out any of the ingredients you're using in your food that are locally sourced.
Related: Creating Calming Smoothies
5. Sustainability
The word we all love so much and hear so often. Consumers look at sustainability now as a moral imperative, and they connect it to what they determine as "right" and "ethical." Roughly 47% of global consumers claim they are now more attentive to sustainability claims. This sparks the need for ethical production and sustainable sourcing (i.e., regenerative agriculture and carbon-negative production).
Luckily, sustainability has been a big concern in the spa industry for a while. Take this trend outside of just the food and beverage options you provide and show your guests how you are making the entirety of your spa more sustainable, more green and more carbon neutral.
