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Category Archives: Lucia Weiler

Top 10 Nutrition Trends to Watch in 2025

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The food and nutrition landscape is evolving rapidly, with new trends shaping consumer choices, health priorities, and business strategies. As a dietitian, I stay on top of the latest evidence by attending continuing education webinars, analyzing research, and reviewing insights from nutrition and business sources. My goal is to help you cut through the noise—identifying trends that are not only popular but also backed by science.

In this article, I break down the top 10 nutrition trends for 2025, highlighting what matters most for individuals, businesses, and the broader food industry. Whether you’re looking to adapt your product offerings, refine your wellness programs, or simply stay informed, these insights will help you make informed decisions.

Curious about how these trends could impact your business or nutrition strategy? Let’s connect and discuss the opportunities ahead!

  1. Personalized Nutrition & Tech Integration

    Precision nutrition is taking center stage, with advancements in AI, wearable tech, and genetic testing making it easier than ever to tailor diets to individual needs. Consumers are increasingly seeking meal plans, supplement recommendations, and dietary insights based on their unique metabolism, DNA, and health conditions. Expect to see more at-home test kits, AI-powered meal planning apps, and continuous glucose monitors influencing dietary choices.

  2. Weight Wellness & the GLP-1 Revolution

    The rise of GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic is transforming the health industry. With a growing emphasis on metabolic health, food manufacturers are innovating nutrient-dense, high-protein, and gut-friendly products to support individuals using these medications. The shift away from weight stigma and toward managing obesity as a chronic condition is driving a major rethink in nutrition strategies.

  3. Naturally Functional Foods

    Consumers want food to do more than just satisfy hunger. Functional foods packed with probiotics, prebiotics, adaptogens, and antioxidants are on the rise, targeting gut health, immune support, stress management, and brain function. From fortified yogurts to stress-reducing teas, expect this trend to dominate supermarket shelves in 2025.

  4. Longevity-Focused Eating

    Eating to extend health span is becoming a priority. The latest research shows that a diet rich in whole, plant-based foods, omega-3s, and fiber can add years to life while reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Older adult consumers are shifting toward Mediterranean and Blue Zone-inspired diets, with an increased focus on anti-inflammatory and brain-boosting nutrients.

  5. Snackification: The Rise of Mini-Meals

    Snacks are no longer just between-meal indulgences—they’re replacing meals altogether. High-protein, on-the-go options are booming as people look for convenient, nutrient-dense choices. Expect to see more protein bars, portable dairy-free yogurts, and energy-packed bites that cater to busy lifestyles.

  6. Digestive Wellness & the Fiber Boom

    Gut health remains a key focus, with fiber gaining momentum. Consumers are recognizing the link between fiber intake and overall well-being, from digestion to immunity and mental health. With 64% of people actively trying to eat more fiber, food brands are responding with fiber-enriched snacks, grains, and fermented foods.

  7. Menopause Nutrition Goes Mainstream

    The conversation around menopause is shifting, and so is the approach to nutrition. As awareness grows, demand is increasing for products tailored to hormone health, including phytoestrogen-rich foods, bone-supporting nutrients, and brain-boosting supplements. Expect to see more menopause-friendly functional foods and beverages in the coming year.

  8. Sustainable Eating & Food Waste Reduction

    Consumers are becoming more mindful of their environmental footprint, seeking brands that prioritize sustainability, ethical sourcing, and waste reduction. The shift toward regenerative agriculture, upcycled ingredients, and plant-forward eating is gaining momentum, driven by eco-conscious shoppers looking to make a positive difference.

  9. Food Safety & Transparency

    With increasing concerns about foodborne illnesses and misinformation, food safety is more important than ever. The push for clearer labeling, safer food preparation guidelines, and traceability in supply chains is driving change. Recipe creators and food brands are incorporating food safety education into their messaging to build consumer trust.

  10. Flavor Innovation & Culinary Adventures

    Flavors are getting bolder and more inventive. From smoky, charred ingredients to tropical-inspired dishes, food lovers are craving new and exciting taste experiences. The fusion of unexpected flavors—think spicy and cooling combinations or modern twists on classic favorites—is redefining the culinary landscape.

BONUS TREND: Buy Canadian!

Consumers’ commitment to buying Canadian has never been stronger. With U.S. tariff threats, the push to support homegrown products remains a powerful force. Food businesses, retailers, and restaurants are proudly highlighting their locally made selections—proving that “Made in Canada” isn’t just a label, it’s a movement.

Final Thoughts

As we navigate 2025, nutrition trends will continue to be shaped by science, technology, and consumer values. Whether it’s personalized meal planning, gut-friendly foods, or weight wellness solutions, one thing is clear—nutrition is no longer one-size-fits-all. By staying informed and adaptable, we can make choices that support both personal well-being and a healthier planet.

Did you know personalized nutrition counseling from dietitians has been linked with better dietary adherence and accountability, resulting in more significant improvements in health markers in chronic diseases like diabetes. Connect with us – registered dietitians for your personalized nutrition plan today!

Editorial Resources & Fact-Checking

To ensure accuracy and credibility in our content, we rely on trusted industry reports, expert analyses, and leading research publications. Below is a curated list of editorial resources and fact-checking references that shape our insights on food, nutrition, and health trends:

  • Bell Institute, *2025 Key Trends in Food, Nutrition & Health*
  • PepsiCo Lab & Lear, *Examining Emerging 2025 Food and Beverage Trends: Insights & Application*
  • McCormick’s, *Flavor Forecast 2025*
  • Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST), *Top 20 Topics from 2024*
  • Today’s Dietitian, *2025 Trends Survey*
  • Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), *Top Ten Food Trends for 2025*
  • International Food Information Council (IFIC)
  • Sparks Nutrition, *Food & Nutrition Trends 2025*
  • Euromonitor, *2025 Wellness Trends*
  • Nourish Food Marketing, *2025 Trend Report – Why 2025 is the Year of Wanting More*
  • Dietitians of Canada, *Top 20 Topics from 2024*
  • Innova Market Insights, *Top Ten Food & Drink Trends 2025*
  • American Council on Exercise, *10 Fitness Trends to Look Forward to in 2025*
  • Whole Foods Market, *The Next Big Things: Our Top 10 Food Trends in 2025*
  • Food Business News, *Snack Trends: Protein Reigns Supreme*

We continuously monitor emerging research and industry developments to bring you the most up-to-date and actionable information. Contact us for more information.

Navigating the Changing Landscape: Labelling Regulations in the Supplement Industry

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As the world becomes more and more health-conscious, the interest and use of dietary supplements has increased. From vitamins and minerals to herbal remedies, these products promise to enhance well-being and fill nutritional gaps, but they are not without risks. As a result, the supplement industry faces scrutiny over its labelling practices, and recent changes aim to address these concerns. In this blog post, we’ll highlight the changing landscape of supplement labelling regulations and discuss their impact.

The Natural Health Products Dilemma

What Are Natural Health Products (NHPs)?

Natural Health Products (NHPs) encompass a wide range of products, including herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals, and other natural remedies. Unlike prescription drugs, NHPs are available without a prescription and are often self-administered by consumers.

The Regulatory Framework

In Canada, NHPs fall under the Natural Health Products Regulations. These regulations recognize the lower-risk nature of NHPs compared to prescription drugs. Companies that manufacture, package, label, or import NHPs must adhere to specific guidelines, including holding valid product and site licenses and following good manufacturing practices (GMP).

The Need for Improved Oversight

While NHPs are generally considered safe, they are not without risks. Health Canada continually strives to create a safer marketplace for Canadians. Here are some key initiatives aimed at enhancing NHP oversight:

  1. Improved NHP Labelling: Clear and accurate labelling is crucial. Consumers need to know what they’re ingesting, potential interactions, and proper usage. Recent changes focus on ensuring that NHP labels provide comprehensive information.
  2. Extending Vanessa’s Law to NHPs: The Protecting Canadians from Unsafe Drugs Act (Vanessa’s Law) has been effective in enhancing drug safety. Extending its provisions to NHPs would strengthen reporting requirements, adverse reaction monitoring, and recall procedures.
  3. NHP Inspection Program: Regular inspections of NHP manufacturers and distributors help maintain quality standards. Rigorous inspections ensure compliance with GMP and identify potential risks.
  4. NHP Cost Recovery: Funding NHP oversight requires resources. Implementing a cost recovery mechanism ensures sustainable regulatory efforts.

Balancing Safety and Accessibility

Critics argue that stricter regulations may lead to price increases and reduced availability of certain NHP brands. However, the trade-off between safety and accessibility is a delicate one. As healthcare professionals, we must weigh the risks and benefits. While some products may become scarcer, essential supplements like vitamins and minerals will likely remain accessible.

Bottom Line

As the supplement industry evolves, so must our regulatory approach. Striking the right balance ensures that Canadians have access to safe and effective NHPs. Let’s continue the dialogue, advocate for evidence-based practices, and work towards a healthier future.

Feel free to share your thoughts! If you have any questions or need further information, please reach out.

Written by: Lucia Weiler, BSc, RD, PHEc – Award-winning dietitian and Owner, n4nn

Nourishing Smoothie Recipes with 3 Key Ingredients

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Unlock Optimal Nutrition with our dietitian recommended smoothie recipes. Whether you’re a busy professional, fitness enthusiasts or health connoisseur, this recipe is for you! Let’s dive into the world of vibrant colors, flavors, and nourishing choices!

Makes 500 mL (2 servings of 250 mL each)

Ingredients

  1. 1 Cup Liquid:
    • Choose from options like milk (dairy or fortified soy milk) or 100% fruit juice. These provide a hydrating base for your smoothie.
  2. 1 Cup Fruit or Veggie:
    • Fresh or frozen fruits work wonders. For an extra boost, try adding leafy greens like spinach or kale. They’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
  3. Protein Boost:
    • Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall well-being. Opt for ONE of these choices:
      • Whey powder or skim milk powder (1/4 cup)
      • Soy: 3/4 cup of silken tofu or edamame
      • Nuts: 1/4 cup (choose from Brazil nuts, walnuts, cashews, almonds, pecans, or peanuts)
      • Nut or Seed Butter: 2 tablespoons (peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower, or pumpkin)

Optional Flavour Enhancers

  • Get creative! Add flavors, herbs, and spices to elevate your smoothie experience. Here are some ideas:
    • Vanilla: A classic flavor that pairs well with many ingredients.
    • Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a touch of sweetness.
    • Fresh mint leaves: Refreshing and invigorating.

Instructions

  1. Cleanliness Matters:
    • Wash your hands thoroughly before handling any food.
    • Clean all surfaces, including the blender, cutting board, and utensils, to prevent cross-contamination.
  2. Gather Your Ingredients:
    • Assemble your liquid, fruits/veggies, and protein boost.
  3. Blend It Up:
    • Pop everything into a blender.
    • Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Enjoy! 🥤
  5. Refrigerate promptly any leftover smoothie and perishable ingredients for up to 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Remember, safe food handling ensures that your meals are not only delicious but also safe to eat! For more detailed food safety guidelines, check out these resources:

Safe Food Handling Tips – Canada.ca

Food safety and you – Canada.ca

Written by: Lucia Weiler, BSc, RD, PHEc – Award-winning dietitian and Owner, n4nn

 

Health Canada Policy Update – Restricting Food Advertising to Children

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Health Canada is seeking your feedback on their policy update on restricting food advertising primarily directed at children before June 12, 2023. The policy update was published on April 25, 2023. For food makers, it’s time to start thinking about whether their ongoing and upcoming advertising campaigns meet the proposed regulations.

Regulators at Health Canada want to hear from everyone including the public, health professionals, researchers, academics, organizations, governments, industry stakeholders, First Nations and other interested parties. The key questions for feedback include:

  • Defining advertising that is primarily directed at children
  • Targeting restrictions to advertising on television and digital media
  • Restricting advertisements for foods that contribute to excess intakes of sodium, sugars or saturated fat

We are joining the webinar discussion with Health Canada on May 11, 2023  and complied the following background information for your business and advertising insights. Let us know  if you have any questions. Here is more information on  how you can participate and where you can register for the  English Webinar

Purpose of Health Canada’s Policy Update

Health Canada intends to amend the Food and Drug Regulations to restrict advertising primarily directed at children for foods and beverages that contribute to excess intakes of sodium, sugars and saturated fat.

Health Canada’s latest scientific evidence review found convincing relationships between the increased intakes of these nutrients of public health concern and health issues such as increased blood pressure (sodium), overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes (sugars and saturated fat), dental decay (sugars) and cardiovascular disease (saturated fat).

Children see and hear food advertising throughout their day, across a range of media platforms (such as television, social media and gaming) and settings (such as retail food stores, theaters, and recreation centers). The focus of this policy proposal is about exposure to food advertising on television and digital media however, Health Canada acknowledges that Canadian children are also exposed to food advertising in other types of media, settings, and techniques such as brand advertising, food packaging and labelling and sports sponsorships. Health Canada will continue to monitor food advertising in these areas to inform any future restrictions.

Details of the policy update are available at this link: Policy update on restricting food advertising primarily directed at children: Overview

Position Statements from Associations

Many organizations and associations have released policy or position statements on the issue of restricting food advertising directed at children. The position papers from associations provide valuable insights and references. Here are some examples:

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada published: “Protecting our Children: Restricting Food and Beverage Marketing to Kids.”  in December 2021.

Stop Marketing to Kids Coalition advocates for restricting food and beverage marketing to kids. They provide an Inventory of Position Statements.

Advertising Standards Canada has made attempts to inform the industry and self regulate by creating a “Food and Beverage Advertising Code” in August 2022. However, the Code is not a replacement for regulation. The Code is aimed at prepackaged products as well as restaurant and food service meals. The criteria are generally focused on saturated fat, sodium and sugar content. More information is available at this link:  Food and Beverage Advertising Code

Stay Informed with Us!

In our work as health professionals and consulting dietitians, we examine current credible evidence and translate the science into meaningful expert advice for Canadians. Connect with us to stay informed and shape your nutrition strategy. If you have questions about nutrition related to food and beverage marketing please reach out to us! (info@n4nn.ca )  ‎

Catch up on our most popular n4nn blogs about nutrition for kids and teens:

Healthy eating at school – insights for menu planning and nutrition programs
How to raise kids to have a positive relationship with food
Kids are Back to School…and Eating Better

Written by Lucia Weiler, BSc, RD, PHEc – Award-winning dietitian and Co-Founder, n4nn

Healthy eating at school – insights for menu planning and nutrition programs

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student eating a healthy lunchImage Health Canada

Back-to-school is in full swing, including educational opportunities for dietitians and food professionals! We attended an international seminar on back-to-school success with USDA’s Team Nutrition.[1] As you may know the US funds school lunch programs and has a robust support system – both financial and practical – for feeding kids in schools. We discovered some amazing new content, lots of tips and highlights that you can use to nourish students whether you’re a parent, educator, or foodservice professional.

Scientists and health professionals agree on the importance of healthy eating at school to optimize health, development, and academic performance. Since children and youth spend a large portion of their day in school, they consume a significant proportion of their daily energy intake while in school.[2],[3] This means it’s key to provide food for students that gives them enough energy and nutrients they need throughout the day.

Here are some tips for your school’s food and nutrition program to help kids grow up healthy:

Food Focus

  • Align school nutrition policies with recommendations in Canada’s Food Guide and promote nutrient-rich foods and beverages that are lower in saturated fat, sugars, and sodium.
  • Involve students in the menu development to find the right balance of nutritious foods that are ‘fan favorites’ that kids are going to eat. [4]
  • Encourage student taste-testing and get their feedback on food items created by chefs.
  • Monitor food waste. Are you watching what foods kids throw away? Finding the reason why kids are not eating their lunch provides insights for creating lunches they will enjoy eating.
  • Reach out to a dietitian for support with healthy delicious recipes and meal plans for kids, analyzing recipes and menus to meet school food nutrient standards.

Make an impact beyond the food

  • Provide a safe space to enjoy all foods without fear of food judgement.
  • Advocate for sufficient time for eating lunch. Experts recommend students have at least 20 minutes of seated time to enjoy their meal and socialize. [5]
  • Find out if there is a health committee you can join or start one for your school.
  • Invest in educating your school community about how to build healthy relationships with food. A dietitian can help. Ask them about resources to teach nutrition in the classroom, parent resources on packing lunches, school presentations, and referrals for student nutrition programs.[6]

As Dietitians we look beyond fads to deliver reliable, life-changing advice. Do you want to unlock the potential of food? Connect with us with your comments or questions.

 Written by Lucia Weiler, BSc, RD, PHEc – Award-winning dietitian and Co-Founder, n4nn

 

Tags; Foodservice management, back to school, school nutrition policy, student nutrition, dietitian, Lucia Weiler, n4nn

[1] United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food & Nutrition Service (2022) https://www.fns.usda.gov/team-nutrition

[2] Health Canada (2021) Healthy eating at school – Canada’s Food Guide

[3] Canadian Paediatric Society (2020) School nutrition: Support for providing healthy food and beverage choices in schools

[4] ABC News (2022) Chicago Public Schools lunch menu https://abc7chicago.com/cps-school-lunch-menu-chicago-public-schools/12213616/

[5] CDC (2019) Making Time for School Lunch  https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/nutrition/school_lunch.htm

[6] Dietitians of Canada (2019) Eating Right at School. https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/School-Health/Articles/Eating-Right-at-School.aspx