Top 5 Nutrition and Fitness Trends of 2019

January 16, 2019
Home 9 Blog 9 Top 5 Nutrition and Fitness Trends of 2019

At R-Kane Nutritionals, it is no secret that we’re passionate about health, nutrition and fitness. With 2019 upon us, the time to forecast this year’s trends is an exciting moment for our team; it’s a time for us to review what happened in the last years and make plans for the upcoming years. As the industry continues to evolve, what do we see moving forward into 2019?

 1.       Protein Everywhere

More clinical research emerges touting the myriad benefits of a higher protein diet (high metabolism, better weight loss, increased fullness). The industry will continue to see a rise in protein-fortified foods throughout not only the USA, but also the worldwide markets too. In fact, the whey protein market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% and the milk protein market at 6.8% CAGR. Driven by millennials (21 – 34 years old) and boomers (50 – 64 years old), 2018 alone saw launches across various food segments from high protein ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, high protein RTD,  clear protein water, RTD coffees, frozen novelties, pastries, extruded snacks and even iced teas featuring both whey protein and milk protein isolates. 2019 isn’t expected to slow down the product launches – look for newer delivery methods such as protein-fortified fruit pouches and even energy shots.  

2.       Shifting in Sweetness Preference

Shift in sweetness palette will continue to impact the food and beverage markets in 2019. With the FDA mandating all companies roll out the new labels by 2020, companies will have to call out “added sugars;” this includes honey, syrups, sugars and fruit juices used as sweeteners. Consumers are very aware that added sugars need to be kept at a minimum (current guidance is less than 10% of total calories should come from added sugar). This label mandate will only bring more awareness to the issue. Look for a rise in products sweetened with stevia, erythritol and monk fruit. But don’t discredit the value of other non-nutritive sweeteners that media portrays in a bad spotlight. The Calorie Control Council recently dissented an article published in the British Journal of Medicine that point to potential negative outcomes using non-calorie sweeteners. However, in their retort titled, “Large Body of Science Points to Benefits of Low Calories Sweeteners, Contrary to Recent Study,” they cite hundreds of well controlled and designed studies showing otherwise. Our product development team has already been formulating with these each of these in applications like nutrition bars, baked goods and instant puddings.

3.       Meal Replacements Still Surging   

On-the-go nutrition is a continuing trend seen throughout the industry. With folk’s lives becoming increasingly busier, this leaves less time for adequate meal preparation. Typical commercial meal replacement product for active nutrition and weight loss that have been around for decades, though, are receiving a much-needed makeover. Available in ready-to-drink or powdered format, meal replacements are not only including more protein per serving (which our body’s crave and need), but other important nutrients typically left out of past formulations: fiber and a myriad of multivitamins. It doesn’t stop there, though. Expect to see these meal replacements to be fortified with more plant-based ingredients like phytonutrients lutein (carrots), beta glucan (oats) and hesperidin (citrus). These nutrients play key roles in reducing body inflammation, something that’s needed when undergoing weight loss and living an active lifestyle.

4.       Rowing is the new Spinning

Fitness is another aspect of health and wellness that is ever changing, with new formats launching left and right. Over the years we’ve seen jazzercise, Zumba, Buns of Steel and of course the infamous Sweating to the Oldies. The last two years saw a rise in boutique fitness with fancy spin and boxing studios offering niche workouts, and this year is no different. Expect 2019 to usher in the Rowing Studio – a high intensity workout that was once reserved just for warm ups, rowing now touts its fat-blasting ability combined with a boutique setting. Also expect to see yoga with more animals…and not just goats: kittens, puppies and wait for it…cows! 

5.       New Diets and Foods   

2019 is sure to bring new waves of eating paradigms, but there are three particular diets that are set to make big waves: Keto, Intermittent Fasting and FODMAP (fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols). Other trends to look out for are flexitarianism, the Whole30, cannabis infused treats, CBD infused beverages, alcohol-free beers, bone broth sipping soups, cleaner labels and lastly expect to see a resurgence of the Mediterranean diet.  

One thing is clear – the industry is constantly evolving with trends coming and going. As the food industry changes so do all of the sub-categories, including foods designed for weight loss. You can expect R-Kane Nutritionals to constantly deliver the flagship products you love, but also offer foods that are on trend and give our users the freedom to live their lives. Look out for the launch of our newest TinyMeal™ Meal Replacement bar flavor: Salted Caramel Chocolate. 

To learn about R-Kane Nutritionals ‘ meal replacement products, Contact Us today.