Nutrition and food trends are fascinating to many of us. New food options and research may influence how we eat and what we eat. Today, we will look at a few trends and emerging food options that influence our health and eating choices from the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in Nashville, Tennessee from October 10-14, 2025. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics sponsors this premier annual event to bring together thousands of registered dietitians/nutritionists, researchers, policymakers, educators, and experts.
Protein popularity
Many people currently have a passion for protein. A driving force may be that health improvement and weight management goals are often associated with extra protein intake. Due to consumer fondness for this nutrient, protein is popping up in some unexpected places. Yet not all foods and drinks enhanced with protein are seen as nutrient-dense or health-supportive by nutrition experts, such as registered dietitians (RD). A few food items that I’ve seen lately with protein boosts are coffeehouse drinks, new types of ramen noodles, chips, pastries, and condiments like ketchup and mustard. If a food is not a significant source of other key nutrients for health (for example, vitamins, minerals, and fiber), adding a few grams of dietary protein doesn’t make it a game-changer for most people. Check out information about protein. Protein: How Much Is Enough? for information about protein.
Fiber findings
A new phrase I heard at the conference is “Fiber is the new protein.” This phrase points to the trend of dietary fiber becoming the new popular nutrient. Emphasis on choosing more dietary fiber choices is a good one as 95% of adults and children don’t consume adequate fiber for health.[1] Fiber feeds our gut microbiome to improve its quality and quantity, which supports overall immune health. Fiber helps reduce cancer risk and regulate blood glucose, cholesterol, hunger, and some digestive conditions, just to name a few benefits. Sources of fiber are plants (fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains). Read Guidelines for Increasing Dietary Fiber for more information.
Technology touches
New products and medications are helping us improve our eating habits and health. For example, inhaled insulin is making a comeback as an option for people who require fast-acting insulin to manage their diabetes. The new insulin Afrezza® inhaler is much smaller and more convenient than earlier versions of inhaled insulin in 2006. Afreeza insulin devices are convenient and provide a needle-free option for the delivery of insulin.
High-tech spoons are available that weigh bites, recognize foods, log calories and nutrients, and connect to smartphone apps by Bluetooth. These smart spoons are intended to track nutrition, mindful eating, and calories. It could also be used for a loved one for whom you want to better monitor their food intake.
Finally, GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) injections continue to be prescribed for the management of diabetes, weight loss, and heart health. Research shows that ongoing guidance from a registered dietitian improves the management of side effects and success from the use of GLP-1.[2] Consumers prescribed GLP-1 medications would be wise to have a registered dietitian on their healthcare team to achieve the best outcomes.
Culinary connections
Food is more than nutrients, calories, and fuel. Chef Carla Hall from Top Chef, The Chew, and the Food Network was the FNCE 2025 Opening Keynote Speaker. She shared her message that food connects us and is an expression of love, identity, and emotion. Cooking with others makes valuable connections with those around you. Chef Hall argued that shared meals are some of the most meaningful times with friends. Preparing food together can also help preserve our food history, culture, and recipes. Recipes can be simple, using local ingredients and adapted to what resources you have available.
Trends from FNCE 2025 can help us find reliable information, tools to improve our health, and enjoy the essence of real food. Ignite your passion for food!
Through Blood Cancer United’s Nutrition Education Services Center, patients and caregivers of all cancer types can receive a free nutrition consultation with a registered dietitian who has expertise in oncology nutrition.
Resources
[1] Precker, M. (2022, January 27). Sound the fiber alarm? Most of us need more of it in our diet. American Heart Association. Retrieved January 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/01/27/sound-the-fiber-alarm-most-of-us-need-more-of-it-in-our-diet
[2] Despain, D., and Hoffman, B. L. (2024). Optimizing nutrition, diet, and lifestyle communication in GLP-1 medication therapy for weight management: A qualitative research study with registered dietitians. Obesity Pillars, 12, 100143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obpill.2024.100143
