Health and wellness is one of the fastest-evolving verticals in the consumer-packaged goods space. Those organizations that move and adjust with the changes will win consumer attention and stay ahead of the competition. Here at Softengine, we are passionate about the CPG industry, and we work to provide the most up to date innovations and trends in the sector. Health and wellness is a topic that is absolutely taking the CPG space by storm, as consumers are purchasing based on how the product lives up to their health and wellness criteria. Health and wellness CPG trends is an area manufacturers, distributors, and retailers should be paying close attention to as the industry is growing rapidly.

Keep reading today’s Softengine Blog in our Food and Beverage Insights Center to learn more about how the Health and Wellness vertical in the CPG space is becoming a larger decision-making factor when it comes to consumer buying trends.

1. Clean Label Movement

Transparency about the composition of the products remains one of the leading factors in consumers’ decisions to purchase. The trend of continuing to seek products with fewer, more recognizable ingredients is not slowing down in 2024. The clean label trend puts natural, organic, and unprocessed ingredients into the spotlight, and categories such as plant-based alternatives and organic foods gain more traction. The transparency about sourcing and processing are in demand by shoppers in the name of healthy and “green” products.

2. Functional Foods and Beverages

Health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking out more than mere nutrition. Functional foods containing probiotics, vitamins, and minerals, and beverages like kombucha, fortified water, and protein drinks are fast gaining their acceptance. CPG brands are paying more attention to innovative formulations associated with specific health benefits, including gut health, immune support, and stress relief​.

3. Mental Wellness Products

There has been a large shift in focus over the past few years to mental health, and today consumers link wellness to not only physical fitness but emotional and psychological wellbeing. Products intended to decrease stress, enhance sleep, and heightened cognitive function-such as adaptogenic supplements and mood-enhancing snacks-are fast becoming staples in the wellness CPG marketplace.

4. Plant-Based Eating

As concerns around the environment and eating are changing, plant-based products continue to see significant growth. This is no longer a trend for just vegans and vegetarians; a large number of consumers are following “flexitarian” diets, where plant-based meals are worked into routines throughout the week. Investment by CPG companies in meat alternatives, dairy substitutes, and plant-based snacking will continue to see growth​.

5. Low-Sugar and Sugar Alternatives

With increased awareness of the health effects of excessive sugar intake, the trend for low-sugar foods and natural sweeteners will keep consumers in focus. Products made with sugar alternatives like stevia, monk fruit, and agave will charge forward in everything from beverages to snacks​.

6. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

More and more, consumers seek brands that are actively using greener methods of production, sourcing their goods and materials from ethical sources in their supply chains. They want products that are healthy for them and also healthy for the environment. Packaging sustainability, low carbon footprints, and fair-trade sources are huge selling points in 2024​.

7. Immune-Boosting Products

The pandemic accelerated the focus on immune health, which is not going to be slowed down anytime soon. CPG brands are continuing to churn out a host of products fortified with ingredients such as zinc, elderberry, and vitamin C that help reinforce consumer immune systems. Probiotic and prebiotic foods also play a role in strengthening overall wellness.

8. Personalized Nutrition

More and more, consumers are asking for products with personalized health needs. Personalized nutrition refers to the act of creating personalized solutions based on one’s unique diet, genetic composition, or desired health goals. As AI and health technologies continue to evolve, it becomes increasingly possible to create personal supplement formulation, meal planning, and functional foods designed to target individual consumers’ preferences and dietary needs.

9. Gut Health Products

Gut health is one of the crucial factors for CPG manufacturers in 2024, with consumers increasingly learning about the role digestion plays in overall wellness. We can expect probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha to go mainstream. CPG companies are finding innovative ways of incorporating gut-friendly ingredients into everyday food products​ to keep up with this trend.

10. Energy-Boosting Foods and Beverages

People are now more conscious of their physical fitness and active lifestyles. The demand for pre-workout energy boosters is growing significantly. From caffeine-infused foods to energy drinks and supplements for sustained energy throughout the day, these products are in high demand. With energy-boosting items, consumers will be balancing busy lives with wellness goals​. 

Health and Wellness CPG Trends

For brands to get noticed in the marketplace and stake their claim in the industry, adapting to these trends and participating is a great way to grab consumer and retailer attention. From clean labels to personalized nutrition, 2024 health and wellness product trends are about holistic wellness-products for physical and mental well-being. In other words, CPG companies that can stay ahead of these trends will meet consumer expectations and help bring about a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. For companies trying to innovate in this space, a focus on transparency, sustainability, and functional benefit will be critical in ensuring long-term success.

Softengine is Here to Help!

Partnering with Softengine for your ERP implementation not only streamlines the data migration process but also ensures a seamless transition to your new ERP platform. Our team’s expertise, dedication, and commitment to customer success make us the ideal partner for organizations seeking to unlock the full potential of their ERP investment and scaling in the digital economy. Contact us to learn more about how our clients utilize ERP to enhance and scale their organizations, and see our solutions in action for yourself!

Why CPG Software is Essential for Modern Brands

Why CPG Software is Essential for Modern Brands

FAQs

What is the clean label trend in 2024? 

The clean label trend in 2024 focuses on the incorporation of natural ingredients with as little processing as possible within food and beverage products to ensure consumer transparency.

Why are plant-based products still hot? 

Interest in environmental issues, along with consumer desires for healthier, meat-free alternatives, has led to a rapid growth of plant-based foods.

How are CPG companies innovating around mental wellness? 

Companies are launching products that take away stress, improve sleep, even sharpen brain cognition, such as adaptogenic supplements and mood-enhancing snacks.

What would be a functional food? 

Food products that have health benefits due to their nutritional effects above basic nutrition, like enhancing the immune system or gut health.

Why is sustainability important in CPG? 

Consumers are looking for products that finally align with their environmental values. Now, there is a want for eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing practices.

What is personalized nutrition? 

Personalized nutrition makes dietary recommendations and products tailored to the health needs of a person based on his or her genetic data, lifestyle data, or health condition data.