Rethink Your Pantry: The Rise of Healthy Alternatives

Trends in Healthy Alternatives

Plant-Based Everything
The plant-based market has continued to grow, with an estimated value projected to reach $162 billion by 2030, up from $29.4 billion in 2020. The variety of options goes far beyond just meat substitutes; now, there are plant-based seafood, cheese, and even eggs available. Brands like Impossible Foods and JUST Egg are paving the way, focusing on taste and texture improvements to attract even the staunchest meat lovers.

Functional Beverages
Drinks are evolving from simple thirst-quenchers to health enhancers. In 2024, functional beverages are leading the market with ingredients like adaptogens, nootropics, and probiotics. Brands such as OLIPOP (a gut-friendly soda) and HOP WTR (an adaptogen-infused non-alcoholic beer) are seeing significant growth. The functional beverage market is expected to grow at a rate of 8.5% annually, driven by consumer interest in both hydration and health benefits.

Low-Sugar, High-Flavor
As the dangers of excessive sugar consumption continue to be spotlighted, consumers are flocking to alternatives with little to no added sugar. In 2024, 61% of U.S. consumers reported actively trying to reduce their sugar intake. Brands like SmartSweets, with their low-sugar candy options, and ChocZero, offering keto-friendly chocolate treats, have become staples for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without the sugar crash.

Zero-Waste, Upcycled Foods
With sustainability being a priority, zero-waste and upcycled food brands have entered the spotlight. Companies like RIND Snacks, which uses the rinds of fruits that would otherwise go to waste, and Upcycled Food Association, promoting certified products, are part of a movement estimated to reduce 20 billion tons of food waste by 2030. Expect to see more brands emphasizing their eco-friendly practices on product labels.

Brands to Watch

• LMNT Hydration: Known for its sugar-free, electrolyte-rich hydration packets, LMNT caters to athletes and health enthusiasts who need to replenish without the sugar. It’s a prime example of brands providing function-forward solutions.

• Miyoko's Creamery: A frontrunner in the dairy-free cheese space, Miyoko’s aims to bring gourmet plant-based options to every kitchen, making it a must-try for cheese lovers looking for an alternative.

• Poppi: This prebiotic soda has been gaining traction for its gut-health benefits, appealing to those who want the experience of a soda but with added health perks.

Sustainable Gains:

🏋️‍♂️ Nike launched its new Grind Dumbbells last week, and is pushing sustainability in the fitness industry with its Nike Grind initiative, which repurposes manufacturing scrap, recycled shoes, and used sportswear into new gym equipment and surfaces. The recycled materials are used in everything from turf fields and playgrounds to flooring for training facilities, reducing waste and giving old products a second life.

This is part of a larger trend where more brands in health and fitness are embracing sustainable practices, using recycled materials in products, and innovating to reduce their environmental impact. As eco-consciousness continues to grow, sustainability is becoming a core focus for industry leaders, reshaping how we think about fitness gear and facility design.

📰 Other News

The wellness industry is buzzing with new innovations, featuring both tech giants and niche partnerships. Here are some noteworthy updates:

• Strava Introduces Athlete Intelligence
  The popular fitness app has launched a new AI-powered feature that delivers personalized feedback using activity data. It provides insights into data trends, activity summaries, and athlete milestones. Currently, it’s in beta testing and available for subscribers.

• Aviron Debuts Gamified Treadmill
  Aviron has unveiled a treadmill that turns workouts into a gaming experience, offering engaging games, group challenges, and interactive environments on its display. With this addition, Aviron now boasts a line-up of gamified rowers, bikes, and treadmills.

• Jack Taylor Hosts Fall Wellness Showcase
  In its third edition, this wellness event highlights the integration of a high-performance, health-focused lifestyle into the home. It offers an immersive experience that explores various aspects of at-home wellness.

💸 Money Moves

Human Performance:

⚽ The Arnault family is taking a majority stake in Paris FC, a second-tier football club, partnering with Red Bull as they expand their investments into sports.

💸 Toca Football, Inc., a company from California known for its soccer experiences, just secured around $100 million in Series F funding.

💼 Roy, a sports tech startup revolutionizing the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) market, has closed a $2 million seed funding round, led by the Idea Fund of La Crosse and Groove Capital.

🏓 Chaifetz Group made a new strategic investment, with an undisclosed amount, in The Picklr, North America’s fastest-expanding indoor pickleball franchise.

📈 Sporttrade Inc., a sports betting operator based in Philadelphia, welcomed SIG Sports Investments Corp as a strategic investor.

Wellness:

🥂 Moët Hennessy, a division of luxury goods giant LVMH, acquired a minority stake in French Bloom, a non-alcoholic sparkling wine producer.

🌱 The Jackfruit Company, which offers jackfruit-based meat alternatives, raised $5 million in a Series B extension. Backers include InvestEco, Creadev, and Grosvenor Food & AgTech. Founded by Annie Ryu in 2011, the company continues to grow.

💪 Fitnessmith expanded its equipment sales business with the acquisition of Gym Source USA.

🍩 SnackFutures Ventures, Mondelēz International’s investment arm, took a minority stake in Urban Legend, a UK-based company making healthier doughnuts.

🧠 Dementia care platform Rippl secured $23 million in a Series A funding round.