If you were at the 2024 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) in Minneapolis, we hope you stopped by the Soy Connection booth to say hello! On the show floor, we had the pleasure of connecting with over 6,500 of you to observe the latest health and wellness trends, hear what your clients are talking about and answer concerns they might have about soy.

As we reflect on the show and 2024 overall – and head soon into 2025 – we wanted to share the top 5 nutrition-based trends we’ve observed that are shaping the future of nutrition.



1. Gut Health is Here to Stay
Gut health remains a hot topic, with a strong focus on high-fiber products, prebiotics, probiotics and gut-friendly supplements and beverages. New research is continually uncovering the connections between gut health and overall well-being which underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.

At FNCE, this session on the important role the gut microbiome plays in the development and treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer was particularly interesting.

Expect to see continued interest in this topic among your patients and clients moving into the new year, and learn how soy can support gut health.



2. Prioritizing Convenient Protein Sources
Protein continues to be a nutrient of interest, with convenience being the key word. Patients and clients are looking for quick and easy ways to incorporate protein into their diets, including easy-to-consume products like powders, shakes, meat sticks, pastas, plant-based milk blends, and more.

At FNCE, we saw protein positioned as important for various groups, including kids, adults, and those taking weight loss medications.

Soy protein is a versatile, accessible and affordable option that can be easily added to a variety of snacks and meals, offering a plant-based protein source that is both nutritious and delicious.

3. Continued Momentum in the Food Is Medicine Movement
The "Food Is Medicine" (FIM) movement is gaining momentum, with Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) at the forefront of advancing FIM and improving health equity. RDNs are making significant contributions by developing nutritionally balanced, culturally-tailored meals for individuals with various health conditions. RDNs are also leading research on optimizing the distribution of medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions.

The five key interventions of FIM, including medically tailored meals, food packages, referrals, and culinary medicine programs, are demonstrating promising results in improving patient health outcomes. As the FIM movement continues to grow, RDNs will be instrumental in shaping a future where food is recognized as a powerful tool for healing and prevention.

4. GLP-1s and NuSH Therapies Aren’t Going Anywhere
The recent surge in interest in GLP-1s and NuSH therapies has opened up new opportunities for RDNs. RDNs are uniquely positioned to support individuals on these medications, providing guidance before, during and after treatment. While these therapies hold promise for weight loss, there's a growing need to understand the optimal dietary strategies to maximize their benefits.

Current research is exploring the role of protein in maintaining muscle mass during weight loss with NuSH therapies. While protein is undoubtedly important, the precise requirements and recommendations are still being investigated. RDNs can help bridge this knowledge gap by providing evidence-based advice and tailoring dietary plans to individual needs.

As the field continues to evolve, RDNs can collaborate with healthcare providers and industry partners to promote the importance of a balanced diet, including adequate protein intake, for individuals on GLP-1s and NuSH therapies. By staying informed and advocating for evidence-based practices, RDNs can play a vital role in optimizing patient outcomes and improving overall health.

5. AI in Healthcare is Growing
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize healthcare, offering a wealth of opportunities for RDNs and health systems alike. From streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing patient care, AI will significantly improve operational efficiency.

However, it's crucial to approach AI with a critical eye, ensuring its responsible and ethical use. By leveraging AI's potential while maintaining human expertise, RDNs and health systems can harness the power of technology to deliver better patient outcomes and optimize workflows.

As AI continues to advance, it's essential to stay informed about its latest applications and potential benefits.

Whether it's harnessing AI's potential or redefining the role of food in medicine, we’re excited to see what’s next in the nutrition space.

Interested in learning how soy may fit into these trends? Check out more on soy nutrition and research, dive deeper into the health benefits of soy protein and soybean oil, or sign up for our quarterly newsletter.