RICHMOND— Ringing in the New Year signals a fresh start. And for many consumers that includes a commitment to healthy eating by adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to their diets.
According to a Google Trends analysis published in The Packer, consumer searches related to healthy eating spiked throughout December and January, underscoring how wellness remains top of mind during resolutions season. The analysis shows consumers are increasingly searching for simple ways to improve their health and incorporate more fresh produce into their everyday meals, with a growing focus on gut health and fiber.
Among the most popular search terms during this year’s resolutions season was: “high-fiber foods.” Other frequently searched topics included “plant-based recipes,” “gut health diet,” and questions like, “How much fiber do I need a day?” and “Are potatoes high in fiber?”
The report also points to a significant shift in consumer behavior. In the past, New Year-related diet queries centered on limiting or restricting food intake. But recent search patterns revealed consumers are more interested in finding ways to make simple shifts and add more naturally fiber-rich, nourishing foods to their plates.
Rather than cutting back, consumers are looking to build meals that support healthy eating and overall wellness with trends like “fibermaxxing” and the “30 Plants a Week” challenge.
Many retailers are catering to this trend by labeling high-fiber foods and offering convenient pre-cut, pre-washed and ready-to-cook produce options. Prepared high-fiber produce and meal kits make it easier for consumers to incorporate healthier choices into meals and snacks without adding prep time.
“As consumers are seeking healthier meals, including those high in fiber, Virginia farmers produce a host of local fruits and vegetables that fit their goals,” said Tony Banks, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation senior assistant director of agriculture, development and innovation. “Local options vary by season but can range from broccoli, winter squash, cole crops, asparagus and apples in cooler months to eggplant, string beans, blueberries, blackberries and zucchini in warmer months.”
In addition, some farmers markets remain open during winter with vendors offering hardy greens like kale and spinach, along with Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and other fiber-rich root vegetables.
“Increasingly in Virginia, fresh local greens and bell peppers are available year-round thanks to controlled environment agriculture,” Banks added. Many producers use techniques like greenhouses, hoop houses and indoor hydroponics to extend growing seasons and provide fresh produce during off-peak months.
-Virginia Farm Bureau