We all know trends will inevitably shape the way we eat each year, but it's a bit of a mystery exactly how trends take shape. From health fads to pop culture, shifting lifestyles, and social media, we end up with meal trends that shape the way we eat. Some are worth keeping on your roster as a new foundation for your meal prep regimen, while others rank up with the white elephant gifts we get out during the holidays.
Here are some of the meal prep trends to look for in 2024 that are worth trying for your next dish.
Back to Basic Plant Proteins
We've seen plant-based proteins grow over the years, but the category will expand and embrace options that weren't necessarily at the forefront before. Mushrooms, walnuts, buckwheat, and tempeh will add new flavor to plant proteins, keep this diet staple healthier, and add a unique flavor profile to your meal prep in 2024.
Protein and its ability to power your body with more fuel will never go out of style. Regardless of where you're getting your protein (meat, nuts, faux options, or otherwise), you can infuse it with our Whey Protein powder in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, fruity cereal, vanilla ice cream, cookie dough, or strawberry cheesecake. We also offer on-the-go protein packets so you can take them to your next dinner out.
Mix and Match Meal Prep
Meal prep has long been about convenience, but big companies are finally catching up with more mix-and-match meal prep. For example, Kraft offers recipes with hundreds of meal combinations to "reimagine family dinner." But you embrace the trend with your own approach by prepping favorite side dishes, desserts, breakfasts, and snacks and mixing and matching throughout the day for a more convenient and satisfying way to eat.
Nostalgic Flavors
The concept of nostalgia frequently revises culinary trends, but the flavor profiles differ. For 2024, we'll see more pickle-flavored foods and throwbacks to the 1990s with espresso-themed drinks, like martinis. For meal prep enthusiasts, try pickled beets or cabbage with your side dish and add some spice for a kick.
Spicy and Sweet Meal Infusions
The world has long embraced spicy and sweet flavor profiles, but combining the two will take center stage in 2024. We'll see more spicy desserts that combine chocolate with chili paste. Instead of baked salmon, try it with a honey-Siracha glaze.
Don't be surprised if you see pepper-infused smoothies and juices that combine all the favorite berry flavors you love with unique spices to give your go-to health drink a twist.
Luxury Indulgences
Just because meal prep is convenient for busy professionals and families doesn't mean it needs to be cheap or tasteless. In 2024, we'll see more luxury indulgences and ingredients. Whether you keep a Mediterranean diet or want to focus on more exotic flavors, you can experiment with gourmet options in 2024.
Clean Caffeine Drinks
Caffeine is never going to go out of style, but how we consume it will. Instead of a traditional morning cup of coffee, superfood-packed mushroom coffee is on the rise. There's also more room for ethically sourced, clean caffeine options to enhance sustainability in the industry. If you're looking for more energy for your next work-out, try our Pre-Workout to increase blood flow and make the most of your performance at the gym.
AI-Fueled Convenience
It's probably no surprise that AI makes the list of 2024 trends to look for in meal prep. It's easier than ever to use AI tools, feed in your ailments, goals, favorite ingredients, and health concerns, and come up with recipe ideas and information to shape the way you eat in the new year. Of course, AI can't do all the work for you, so make sure you enjoy the process of meal prep or align with a like-minded company to help you meet your health and nutrition goals.
Wellness-Inspired Meals
Meal pep is toted for its convenience and ability to shape your health. In 2024, we'll see more wellness-inspired meal prep with ingredients targeted at what you need most. Think of meal preps for diabetics that might focus on the right balance of proteins, carbs, and sugars. You can take a similar approach, whether you need more energy or want to address an auto-immune issue.
High-quality supplements are also a good way to stay on top of your health and wellness initiatives. Collagen is a good choice to help rebuild your body's natural collagen, which depletes as we age. Collagen is essential for building our bones, skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, corneas, and teeth. If you deal with sore joints or skin issues like eczema, collagen may be able to help. Get more of it into your diet with our collagen supplement. Mix a scoop into 8 ounces of cold water.
Next Steps
Ready to get a handle on your health with meal prep trends for 2024? Start shopping for our supplements or comprehensive health programs to pick up organic greens, multivitamins, probiotics, and more.