Every year, it seems something new dominates the wellness industry. With a continued focus on healthy, eco-friendly options, there is no shortage of ideas. Consumers today are increasingly aware of their health and actively seek out products and services that fit their values.
The wellness industry caters to value-driven consumers who prioritize being aware and making positive choices that improve their wellbeing. Whether that be through something like mindfulness or by consuming food that’s organic and clean, the wellness industry is evolving and ready to cater to these value-driven consumers.
We’ve identified several wellness trends that we feel will not only dominate 2019, but for many years to come.
1. Meet the CBD Wave
Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you’ve already heard of cannabidiol (CBD). Not to be confused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is a cannabinoid found in cannabis that has many health benefits. Cannabis regulations are changing, and many states have already legalized the drug for recreational use.
Add to that the fact that the hemp-based CBD market is estimated to reach $22 billion by 2022 and you have the perfect catalyst for a new wave of innovative products.
CBD products are easy to market, they are trendy, most millennials support cannabis legislation, and while the research is in its early stages, the results are looking good. And this is something that the wellness industry has taken notice of.
CBD doesn’t have the same psychoactive high as THC. Instead, it’s the health benefits it offers that have made this cannabinoid the golden child of the wellness industry. You see, CBD can be used to reduce inflammation and pain, reduce anxiety and stress, promote sleep, and some research shows it may even help protect against cancer.
Large companies like Coca Cola are already working towards creating CBD-infused beverages, pharmaceutical companies are looking at using CBD to replace traditional painkillers, and an entire cannaspa industryhas already taken off.
When it comes to CBD, the biggest unknown is how the government will handle regulation should cannabis become federally legal.
2. Keto Diet + MCT Oil = Healthy Body and Brain
Whenever you feel unhealthy, your first instinct is to start a diet. But the hardest part is choosing which one you want to follow. Dieting is one of those things that many people struggle with. Every diet promises to help you lose weight, but very few of them do a good job explaining why.
It wasn’t that long ago that the keto diet burst onto the scene. You know, that diet where you drop all carbs and focus on eating healthy fats. And so far, many people have successfully lost weight. The keto diet is by no means easy. It requires a lot of dedication and focus, but the rise of MCT products have certainly made it easier.
MCT oil is one of the most (if not) popular keto products. It contains medium-length chains of fats (triglycerides) that are better than coconut oil and other healthy fats. These fats are essential for your brain and can improve your focus and mental ability.
And the numbers don’t lie. The MCT market could reach $2.46 billion by 2025.
Wellness brands have taken notice of this trend, and this has led to some pretty interesting MCT products. Seriously – you can get MCT lattes, smoothies, gels, powders, and more. If you’re like us, you already know the secret to a successful diet is convenience and accessibility, and MCT oil offers both of these.
3. Financial Wellness
We’ve all been told money doesn’t buy happiness. While true, it does apparently prevent stress. It’s no secret that costs are on the rise. Things like food costs, education, and housing are out of control.
Queue the rise of financial wellness – a new offshoot of the wellness industry that’s focused on exactly what its name suggests: finances.
Financial wellness is all about developing a healthy relationship with your money. And no, that doesn’t mean rolling around in a bed full of $1 bills, but rather understanding how your finances impact your life. For some, that means mastering their day-to-day expenses and for others funding a 401k.
The goal of the financial wellness movement is to make it okay to talk about money and to reduce your financial anxiety. This acceptance has led to the creation of new podcasts, wealth building communities, and a slew of apps that focus on simplifying your access to essential financial services.
4. A Focus on Sustainability and Waste Reduction
Climate change is affecting us in more ways than we know. The wellness movement has always been driven by the need to find eco-friendly alternatives to mainstream products.
Many wellness brands are working hard to reduce their carbon footprint. And for some companies, this has led to the creation of some interesting products and services.
Here are a few examples:
- Rise Kombucha is a company that takes ugly fruits and vegetables and turns them into juices
- Brush Naked toothbrushes are package-free and compostable
- Recover Brands manufactures clothing made from 100% recycled material
- Green Home makes eco-friendly umbrellas that use recycled plastic and reclaimed wood that will decompose in weeks after being buried.
Sustainability and eco-friendliness will continue to be the focus for wellness brands that want to stay true to their values. While the average consumer may not notice this yet, this trend is changing fast as climate change becomes a hot topic issue.
5. Total Wellness Companies
Wellness brands usually focus on one core area of the industry. A yoga professional may preach mental clarity and mindfulness while a fitness brand focuses on supplements and diet products.
But the most successful companies are going to be the ones that can sell the total wellness package. This concept has already started popping up with brands that offer a variety of health services – but the real success will come for those that can offer more than one specific niche.
New wellness stores like New York’s The Well have popped up, offering services like mindfulness, health coaching, alternative medicine, positive health workshops, and more. To cap it off, they even offer a membership that provides members with full access to their facilities and other benefits.
Wellness centers like The Well will help promote reputable wellness brands and advance the industry by bringing it to the mainstream.
One Thing’s for Sure – Wellness Isn’t Going Anywhere
The wellness industry has already established itself as a haven for individuals who are interested in focusing on their physical and mental wellbeing. The trends we’ve mentioned are only a few of the exciting things that will continue to drive growth in this industry. And with so many wellness brands championing the movement, there’s still a lot of good to come.
Social Styles is a value-driven wellness marketing agency. We love working with exciting companies in this industry that match our values. Whether you need help promoting your products and services, reaching relevant influencers, or building valuable relationships, we have the connections to make it happen.