{"id":61534,"date":"2025-03-20T07:00:57","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T12:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/?p=61534"},"modified":"2025-07-14T10:59:07","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T15:59:07","slug":"statistics-on-what-americans-are-eating-for-better-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/world-food-drink\/statistics-on-what-americans-are-eating-for-better-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Health & Wellness Food Trends: Key Statistics on What Americans Are Eating for Better Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

The market for health and wellness foods is booming. Worth $858.8 billion globally in 2023<\/a>, it is expected to continue to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.4%, reaching a value of $1.6 trillion by 2030.<\/p>\n

In the United States specifically, the market is expected to nearly double\u2014from $250 billion in 2023 to $468.9 billion in 2030.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, what are some of the top trends poised to power that growth? We dug into the statistics in order to uncover the top health and wellness food trends for 2025.
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Table of Contents<\/div>\n
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General Statistics<\/h2>\n

If there\u2019s one thing most Americans can agree on, it\u2019s the desire to eat healthier. According to a study by Research! America in partnership with the American Heart Association, as many as 77% of people want to have a healthier diet<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, despite that desire for healthier eating, many Americans find it difficult to access healthy food on a regular basis.<\/p>\n

Nearly half of survey respondents (46%) said it was at least somewhat hard to obtain healthy food in the past 12 months.<\/p>\n

How hard was it to obtain healthy food in the last 12 months?<\/h4>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\n%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Very Hard<\/td>\n9%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hard<\/td>\n10%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Somewhat Hard<\/td>\n27%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Not Very Hard<\/td>\n27%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Not Hard at All<\/td>\n24%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Don\u2019t Know<\/td>\n3%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

(source<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Among the top barriers to eating a healthy diet, cost was by far the most common response.<\/p>\n

Top barriers to a healthy diet<\/h4>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\n%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost of healthy food<\/td>\n60%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stress eating<\/td>\n42%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lack of time<\/td>\n33%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lack of knowledge<\/td>\n32%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lack of access to stores with healthy food<\/td>\n18%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

(source<\/a>)<\/p>\n

The surging value of this market sector indicates that, although barriers exist for some, healthy eating is a top priority. Powered by that enthusiasm, here are five major trends to look out for in 2025.<\/p>\n

Finding Alternatives to Alcohol<\/h2>\n

The U.S. Surgeon General made headlines in early 2025 with an announcement highlighting the health risks of alcohol<\/a> and recommending cancer warnings on labels, similar to the current warnings against driving while intoxicated and drinking while pregnant.<\/p>\n

This push for increased awareness of the health risks of alcohol comes at a time when an all-time high number of Americans<\/a> already say moderate drinking is bad for one\u2019s health, and data shows that many of them are drinking less; in 2023, sales of beer, liquor, and wine declined<\/a> by 1%, 2%, and 4% respectively.<\/p>\n

These declines are largely driven by younger people drinking less. According to Gallup, only 59% of people aged 18-34 said they drank alcohol<\/a> between 2021 and 2024, down from 71% between 2001 and 2003\u2014a steep decline, and a significant departure from historical trends.<\/p>\n

Alcohol consumption, by age group<\/h4>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Age Group<\/th>\n2001-2004<\/th>\n2012-2015<\/th>\n2021-2024<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
18-34<\/td>\n72%<\/td>\n63%<\/td>\n59%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
35-54<\/td>\n67%<\/td>\n67%<\/td>\n69%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
55+<\/td>\n49%<\/td>\n58%<\/td>\n58%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

(source<\/a>)<\/p>\n

So, what are consumers\u2014and specifically young<\/em> consumers\u2014turning to instead?<\/p>\n

In many cases they\u2019re opting for non-alcoholic versions of traditional alcoholic beverages, like NA beer, wine, and liquor.<\/p>\n

The U.S. market for non-alcoholic beverages saw significant growth in 2023, with consumption rising by 20%<\/a> and projected to maintain a 17% CAGR through 2028. This surge is largely fueled by younger demographics<\/a>\u2014Millennials (45%) and Gen Z consumers of legal drinking age (17%) together account for nearly two-thirds of NA beverage consumption.<\/p>\n\t\n\t

\n\t\t
\nMore than 2 in 5 Americans aged 18-34 abstain from alcohol; increasingly, young consumers are turning to non-alcoholic alternatives, with Millennials and Gen Z accounting for nearly two-thirds of all NA beverage consumption.
\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\nOne of the fastest-growing niches within the non-alcoholic space is functional beverages, often referred to as \u201calcohol adjacents<\/a>.\u201d These drinks incorporate mood-enhancing or wellness-focused ingredients, such as CBD\/THC, nootropics, and adaptogens. Although still emerging, this category saw a 15% increase in 2023<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Despite its more measured growth compared to other NA segments, functional beverages are catching consumer attention. In fact, 31% of no- and low-alcohol consumers have purchased this type of beverage<\/a>, making it the most widely adopted NA subcategory. Between March 2020 and March 2024, sales in this space surged 54% to $9.2 billion<\/a>, outpacing the broader NA beverage market\u2019s 43% growth. Functional beverages now account for approximately 10% of the overall NA beverage market in the U.S.<\/p>\n

Given surging sales in non-alcoholic beverages powered by younger consumers’ growing preference for booze-free options, it appears that alcohol alternatives will remain a major wellness trend in 2025.<\/p>\n

Choosing Fermented Foods<\/h2>\n

As interest in food-based wellness continues to rise, gut health has become a top priority for many consumers. Nearly three in five U.S. consumers report actively seeking out foods that support their gut microbiome<\/a>\u2014and fermented foods are one of the most popular ways to do so.<\/p>\n

Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut undergo a natural fermentation process, where beneficial bacteria or yeast convert sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol. This process not only enhances flavor and shelf life but also promotes digestive health by fostering beneficial gut bacteria, improving nutrient absorption, and potentially strengthening the immune system.<\/p>\n

Reflecting this growing consumer focus, the fermented foods market is booming. Valued at $38.1 billion in 2024<\/a>, the fermented ingredients market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%, reaching $59.9 billion by 2029.<\/p>\n

One segment that highlights this rapid growth is plant-based fermented foods. In 2021, global product launches in this category surged to 611<\/a>\u2014an extraordinary jump from just nine in 2002. This exponential rise underscores the widespread enthusiasm for fermented foods, a trend that shows no signs of slowing as we move into 2025.<\/p>\n

Launches of fermented plant-based foods in the global market, 2002-2021<\/h4>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Year<\/th>\n# of Launches<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
2002<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2007<\/td>\n27<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2012<\/td>\n96<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2017<\/td>\n351<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2021<\/td>\n611<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

(source<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Embracing Personalized Nutrition<\/h2>\n

The growing popularity of fermentation reflects a broader consumer shift toward whole-body wellness. At the same time, more people are prioritizing care for their specific<\/em> bodies, embracing personalized nutrition as a way to tailor their diets to their unique needs.<\/p>\n

Personalized nutrition customizes dietary recommendations based on an individual\u2019s genetics, microbiome, and lifestyle. This approach moves beyond one-size-fits-all diets, instead optimizing health by addressing personal needs, managing chronic conditions, and enhancing overall well-being. By leveraging biomarkers, preferences, and health goals, personalized nutrition offers a truly individualized path to better health.<\/p>\n

The market for personalized nutrition is expanding rapidly. Valued at $14 billion in 2024<\/a>, the sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6%, reaching $31.7 billion by 2030. According to Escoffier\u2019s review, minerals and probiotics are expected to experience the fastest growth, with projected CAGRs of 15.8% and 15.7%, respectively.<\/p>\n

Valuation of Individual Segments of the Personalized Nutrition Sector, 2024-2030<\/h4>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Segment<\/th>\n2024 Value<\/th>\n2030 Value<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Minerals<\/td>\n$1.69 billion<\/td>\n$4.08 billion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Proteins & Amino Acids<\/td>\n$2.46 billion<\/td>\n$5.43 billion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Herbal\/Botanical<\/td>\n$2.62 billion<\/td>\n$6.04 billion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Probiotics<\/td>\n$2.77 billion<\/td>\n$6.64 billion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vitamins<\/td>\n$4.46 billion<\/td>\n$9.51 billion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

(source<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Key Personalized Nutrition Trends to Watch<\/h3>\n