Five health food trends you’ll see everywhere this year (and are they worth the hype?)

From performance beverages to products that promise better sleep, here’s what to look out for in your health food aisles this year.

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Every January we are bombarded with predictions of what will be the biggest food trends of the year ahead. While there are often a couple of random ideas thrown around, like drinking alpaca milk or eating insects, it is useful to keep across the interesting additions to supermarket shelves that you will be seeing more of in 2024.

Twisted Healthy Treats belongs to a growing range of high-protein foods.Supplied

All things protein

Food manufacturers understand if you slap the word protein on any food, whether it is pizza, ice-cream, cottage cheese or a snack, it will instantly be considered “healthier”. As such when it comes to predicted global health trends, protein-enriched foods are top of the list. Expect to see more foods on supermarket shelves highlighted for their increased protein intake, even if they already offer plenty of protein. Keep in mind that a serve of protein to deliver any upside is more than 10-20g, so eating a processed snack food that offers 5g or less protein is unlikely to deliver any significant benefit.

Aussies are jumping on the beverages with benefits bandwagon.Steven Siewert

Performance beverages

For anyone looking for a natural performance edge, chances are you have heard of adaptogens – the name given to a group of plant-based food including various herbs and concentrated powders associated with improved mood, hormone function, immune function and higher energy levels. Adaptogens such as ginseng are already added to a number of different foods including different types of tea, and more recently there has been a growing range of drinks associated with improved memory, brain function and mood. Again, while some of the adaptogens added to, or concentrated in these drinks are associated with health benefits, there are few studies that confirm they do exactly what they claim to do. While they may not cause harm, they are not guaranteed to improve performance. For anyone taking medication, it is important to also check that there are no interactions between various herbal adaptogens, especially those found in oral supplements, which tend to be more concentrated.

Legumes are an extremely cost-effective ingredient base for new products.iStock

Legume-based foods

Legume-based foods (lentils, chickpeas, beans) have been on the rise in the past few years for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are extremely cost-effective as a base ingredient and can be easily made into lower carbohydrate varieties of pasta, plant-based milks, chips and snacks. Legumes are also a nutrient-rich whole food, offering protein and dietary fibre, as well as a range of key vitamins and minerals. Plus, legumes are also highly under-consumed in the Australian market, so there is a huge opportunity for market expansion. Expect to see a lot more pea, edamame and chickpea-based products, likely also improving in taste and texture as time goes on.

Co-owners of Monceau, Rowan McNaught and Alan Caras.Justin McManus

Non-alcoholic drinks

Now occupying an entire section in the drinks section of supermarkets, the non-alcoholic beverage market is only likely to keep growing in the next few years, with more and more sparkling, wine and spirit alternatives to offer a social beverage to those who choose not to, or can’t consume alcohol. Whilst the non-alcoholic range is expanding, ideally we will also see improvements in the flavour profile of non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits as well.

Foods for sleep

How many people do you know who struggle with sleep? The ubiquitousness of sleep issues is why so many products have been popping up in supermarkets and health-food stores that are specifically formulated for their association with relaxation and sleep. With added magnesium, naturally occurring melatonin or amino-acid levels in the baseline ingredients, these products are “associated with” relaxation and sleep but not necessarily proven to reap actual benefits. In general, these foods are relatively healthy, nutritious options, but at a higher price point, so keep in mind they aren’t guaranteed to help you sleep better.

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