Food and Nutrition Trends Set to Make the Most Impact in 2018

For more food and nutrition trends and how they’re impacting the nation’s health, attend Partnership for a Healthier America’s 2018 Innovating a Healthier Future Summit, May 2-4 in Washington, D.C.

Headshot for Amaris Bradley, Partnerships Director and Registered Dietitian at Partnership for a Healthier America. Post by Amaris Bradley, Partnerships Director and Registered Dietitian at PHA, (@AmarisBradley)

Over the past few years, we’ve seen the food industry experience an undeniable surge in consumer demand for healthier options. As we continue to vote with our wallet and demand more from food manufacturers and retailers alike, I witness how this channeled demand can ignite opportunities to create healthier environments for everyone. As a dietitian at Partnership for a Healthier America, that potential excites me.

There are a number of food trends and projections for 2018 that have already been shared widely. What I’m most energized about in the new year ahead are these early signs of disruption that bridge innovation with tangible accessibility for our most vulnerable neighbors struggling to achieve a healthy weight and gain access to basic, nourishing foods.

The future looks bright. Here’s what I’ll be watching in food and nutrition this year:

Millennial Farmers

Image of woman farmer holding produce in a basket. The rise in young farmers is exciting both for the food industry and anyone who buys groceries. For the first time since the 1970’s, the number of farmers age 30 and under is on the incline. Undoubtedly, this shift will lead to more innovation in farming from this new generation of leaders in agriculture.

Plant-Based Everything

We saw an increase in plant-forward product launches in 2017, and we’ll continue to see growth in this category – from new packaged foods on shelves to the menus of fast casual restaurants – budget-friendly ingredients like the humble bean and peanut that dietitians have been recommending for years, are finally getting the attention and love they merit.

The Future of Food is Female

Beyond the rise of prominent female chefs, we’re seeing women leading organizations that transform chefs into advocates, women launching venture capital funds to invest in companies with female founders, and we’re going to see even more outstanding women taking center stage in historically male-dominated environments.

Image that represents online grocery shopping.

SNAP Goes Digital

It’s been a few years in the making, but 2018 will mark the year that USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service launches a pilot with nearly 10 retailers to test the acceptance of SNAP benefits in online transactions. With e-commerce and online grocery concepts on the uptick, this move could be immensely impactful in breaking down barriers for low-access Americans that rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table.

Reducing Food Waste at All Points of the Supply Chain

Image of imperfect carrots Food waste in the U.S. is estimated at 30 - 40% of the food supply. At the same time, 1 in 6 people in America faces hunger. From companies recovering ugly produce and a number of apps that divert surplus food to hungry neighbors, to the first-ever Retail Food Waste Action Guide, this is a budding movement inspiring everyone from home cooks, food manufacturers and retailers to cut costs and waste by optimizing how we procure and prepare food. It’s time we begin collectively addressing this issue and I’m encouraged by the movers and shakers paving the way.