These are the ten most important nutrition trends in 2022

For the third edition of the "Nutrition Trends Report", the network "Nutrition Hub" joined forces with the German Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Federal Centre for Nutrition and asked 107 experts for their assessments of the most important nutrition trends for 2022.

The answers were evaluated according to frequency. From the experts' feedback, the network formulated the ten most important nutrition trends for the coming year:

1. Climate-friendly and sustainable nutrition: The focus is on diets that have as little impact as possible on the environment and keep people healthy. A rethink is also taking place in communal catering: Increasingly, seasonal and regional food is being purchased and more plant-based dishes are being added to the menu.
2. Vegan and plant-based diets: The demand for non-animal products continues to grow strongly. Many parents want to feed their children a vegetarian or vegan diet and seek reliable information from professionals. Innovative catering concepts are also being worked on in large-scale catering. The aim is to offer more vegan and biodiverse dishes.
3. Digital nutritional counselling in therapy and prevention: Since the beginning of the Corona pandemic, many people have become more open-minded towards digital solutions. Video conferences or apps simplify access to certified offers from nutrition professionals and enable uncomplicated, close-meshed care.
4. Awareness of healthy eating: Many people recognise the influence of diet on their own health. They want to "heal" their own relationship with food and are declaring war on diets in favour of healthier beaviours.
5. Personalised nutrition and biohacking: "It is becoming more and more normal to monitor your body, whether with blood sugar sensors in your arm or with the help of a smart drinking bottle," says nutritionist and food technologist Fabian Schlang. One thing is clear: the market for such products is growing, and corresponding business models are emerging.
6. Convenience food and healthy food-to-go: Due to the Corona pandemic, food-to-go has experienced strong demand. In the area of out-of-home catering, the combination of sustainability, health and enjoyment is becoming increasingly important. In the future, the delivery industry is likely to focus even more on the affluent target group of the health-oriented consumers.
7. Nutrition for the gut and probiotics: Digestive problems are no longer a taboo subject, more awareness of gut health is emerging. The relevance of the gut and gut bacteria in relation to psyche and nutrition is rapidly increasing.
8. Nutrition myths and false nutrition information: There is an increased demand for reputable sources and reliable nutrition information on social media. Clumsy influencer marketing is usually recognised as such. Big brands in the food sector are therefore increasingly becoming knowledge mediators and drivers of nutrition education, says Jan Rein, Head of Content & Communications at Koro.
9. Workplace health promotion (WHP): "Companies are becoming more and more aware that they can increase their own attractiveness for potential applicants and employees through WHP," says Katharina Kühtreiber, dietician and owner of the nutrition consultancy Female Food Freedom.
10. Nutrition education in day-care centres and schools: The topics of nutrition education and catering in day-care centres and schools are becoming more important. Governments are increasingly supporting campaigns to provide access to knowledge about healthy nutrition already in kindergarten and school. Nutrition apps and other digital offerings are also being used.