5 Nutrition Trends Spotted at FNCE

The Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo , or FNCE, is an annual event hosted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year, thousands of registered dietitians gathered to network and learn the latest research, product offerings, and trends in the nutrition space.

Here are five trends that emerged from education sessions, the product show floor, and speaking with dietitians in attendance.

1. GLP-1 Use Is Driving Product Offerings

One of the most noticeable trends is the number of products that contain protein, fiber, or electrolytes, all things important to help GLP-1 users get important nutrients and stay hydrated.

While a majority of the products at the conference weren't specifically labeled for GLP-1 users and could be used by anyone, experts highlighted that patients taking these medications should be proactive in filling nutritional gaps.

Why Companies Are Focusing on Functional Nutrition

According to Karen E. Todd, RD , a certified strength and nutrition specialist and member of Everyday Health's Expert Network, GLP-1 users need enough protein to support muscle retention and fiber for the reduced amount of food and slower digestion. She also says electrolytes are helpful for hydration if common symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea cause fluid loss. Be sure to also contact your doctor if you're experiencing severe symptoms.

Jen Bruning, RDN, LDN , a national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, adds, "If you're on a GLP-1 and not feeling as hungry, you need to make sure you're getting enough of all of those different nutrients."

She also says companies are aware of the nutrition gap some consumers face and are considering how best to support those who may be on a GLP-1.

Many of the brands that attended the conference showcased protein-forward products , including powders, bars, drinks, and snack foods like pretzels and crackers. Fiber also came in bars, powders, and liquid forms. Electrolytes came in powder form or as additives to mix with water, or as ready-made drinks . Many of these products are already available for retail sale at major grocery stores across the country, and aren't limited to GLP-1 users.

Are Wellness Powders and Snacks Safe?

While most of the brands' promoted products are marketed as suitable for anyone to use, Monique Richard, RDN, LDN, an integrative and functional dietitian nutritionist and member of Everyday Health's Expert Network, says she saw one supplement company promoting a line designed specifically for those on GLP-1s.

While she sees value in some of the innovative ways nutrients are being added to products, Richard says that nutrition should still come from whole-food sources, not just snacks and supplements. "A quality product with specific components may be key to optimizing what an individual is consuming, as necessary, but is not a permanent solution, or substitution, to a high-quality, varied, and balanced dietary pattern."

2. Edible Alternatives to Pills

With pill fatigue on the rise, some supplement brands are leaning heavily into drinkable and chewable alternatives, showcasing everything from adult shakes and gummies to mochi balls and other chews.

While these products may be a turnoff for some because of the high sugar content, Todd says whether you decide to take them is a very personal decision. She recommends getting clear on why you want to take a supplement and on whether the product's goal meets your needs. For those concerned about product quality, Todd says to look for third-party certification labeling to check manufacturing, label contents, and contaminants.

3. Lifestyle for Longevity

Longevity, diet, and lifestyle choices were popular themes at FNCE. According to Bruning, the conversation around healthy aging is no longer confined to older adults. "We can talk about healthy aging starting at any age," she says. "So I think that that's coming more to the forefront as younger generations are focusing more on their long-term health than maybe previous generations did."

Instead of looking for a single "magic bullet" to improve cognitive health or prevent chronic diseases, Todd says longevity is a lifestyle approach, and you can't start too early. Seminar presenters spoke about how eating, exercise, stress reduction, and a healthy social life all contribute to better long-term health and are essential for preserving the mind and body as we age.

Experts pointed out several healthy behaviors to help boost healthspan - the period of life when you're in good health. To help protect cognitive function and prevent brain fog, experts recommend including enough omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants in your diet while keeping tabs on your vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron levels. To help tackle physical inactivity, "exercise snacks," or small exercise breaks between periods of sitting or inactivity, were heavily recommended.

4. Snacking With Intention

Many of the snacks on the expo floor were designed around "functional snacking," a trend that Sylvia Klinger, RD , a nutrition expert and member of the Everyday Health Expert Network, defines as eating foods with targeted nutritional benefits beyond basic taste. Companies showcased products that featured natural or added sources of protein, fiber, or probiotics in easy-to-eat, palatable forms such as dehydrated chicken crackers.

As mentioned above, these types of nutrient-dense snacks are particularly relevant for GLP-1 users. For anyone eating smaller portions of food regularly, it's important that the snacks you reach for should include as many key nutrients as possible.

5. Optimizing Over Maxxing

One shared wish amongst the dietitians who attended FNCE is that the viral "maxxing" trend would end. While overloading may be harmless in other spaces, experts agreed that nutrition is about balance.

Bruning says we want to be cautious about the idea of maxing out any one nutrient. "If we're fiber maxxing, we may be underconsuming other things." Richard agrees and encourages people to stop maxxing and instead maximize the right nutrient levels for your body, which may include working with a registered dietitian for help.

Personalizing nutrition to individual needs rather than following fad trends was a broad theme throughout the conference. Experts recommended creating tailored plans designed around your specific goals.

The Takeaway

• The Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo revealed several key trends in nutrition, including a focus on protein, fiber, and electrolytes to support GLP-1 users and anyone looking to fill nutritional gaps.

• Experts emphasized that longevity is a lifestyle approach that includes eating well, exercising regularly, managing stress, and maintaining social connections, and it's never too early to start these healthy habits.

• Rather than following "maxxing" trends that overload on single nutrients, personalized nutrition tailored to your individual needs and goals is the healthier approach.

EDITORIAL SOURCES

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy . We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

Resources

1. Mozaffarian D et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition . July 2025.

2. Fekete M et al. Improving Cognitive Function with Nutritional Supplements in Aging: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Clinical Studies Investigating the Effects of Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants, and Other Dietary Supplements. Nutrients . December 15, 2023.

3. Alexe DI et al. Exercise Snacks as a Strategy to Interrupt Sedentary Behavior: A Systematic Review of Health Outcomes and Feasibility. Healthcare . December 9, 2025.

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