What are the most popular diet foods in the US in 2024?

Foods are natural medicines. Some can help treat diseases, strengthen the immune system and support weight loss. If you're on a journey to shed some pounds, manage a health condition or moderate your risk for diseases, here are the four most popular diet foods in the US to include in your plate.

Plant-Based Alternatives

The market for this has expanded as more companies have produced and promoted plant-based burgers and meat and dairy alternatives — such as tofu, tempeh, eggplant, lentils, jackfruits, button mushrooms and quinoa. These foods are rich in protein, healthful and as tasty as meat in a good recipe.

One reason driving the popularity of these plant-based alternatives is the negative environmental impact of raising livestock. Almost one-third of Americans are changing their diet to eat less meat and lose weight. Opting for plants drives down the demand for animal products and reduces the emissions the agriculture industry is contributing to the planet.

Fermented Foods

Fermented plant-based options are among the most popular diet foods in the US since they boast several health benefits. They contain nutrients and microorganisms — such as probiotics considered good bacteria — that, once consumed, may survive to interact with other bacteria in the gut microbiome, exerting short- and long-term health benefits. A healthy body weight is an after-effect of a digestive system that’s working smoothly.

Here are some examples of these foods:

• Kefir
• Kimchi
• Sauerkraut
• Tempeh
• Miso
• Probiotic yogurt
• Natto
• Kombucha

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Options

Another set of the most popular diet foods in the US is the low-carb and keto-friendly options that include seafood, meat, eggs, vegetables, cheese and yogurt. 
The keto diet is an eating style, featuring low carbs and high protein and fat. This food pattern forces the body to enter a state of ketosis where — instead of processing glucose for energy — it burns stored fat, initiating weight loss.

Keto foods are making a buzz due to the rising overweight and obesity problems slowly turning into an epidemic. Nineteen states now have obesity rates at 35% or higher. Keto foods offer a safer solution to remedy the situation.

Superfoods and Functional Foods

Also known as nutraceuticals, these foods consist of highly nutritious fruits and vegetables, flaunting several powerful health benefits. They can prevent nutritional gaps, reduce the risk of diseases and promote optimal well-being. They have high medicinal properties. Here are some superfoods you should try.

Apples

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is why these red and green-colored fruits are a top superfood. But they're often overlooked since they're abundant and can be found in groceries, regardless of the season.

Apples are incredibly nutritious due to their fiber, vitamin and antioxidant content, benefitting the body in several ways. It may help you lose some pounds since its fiber makes you feel full. It may also lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes and cancer — while elevating brain and gut health.

Fitness experts at PTPioneer.com did a study to determine the most popular diet foods in the US, and apples topped the list, with over 54 million searches, with many asking, "Are apples good for weight loss?" "It's great to see something as simple as an apple getting so much love, especially for weight loss," says Tyler Read, the founder of PTPioneer.com. If you're serious about losing weight, you won't have to look far — apples are your best bet.

Berries

The American Diabetes Association recommends berries to manage diabetes, promoting them as one of the most popular diet foods in the US. They stop sugar cravings and provide the body with adequate nutrition through compounds with strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

It’s especially beneficial for people with diabetes prescribed with opioids to manage neuropathy that causes tingling, sharp and burning pain and numbness in the hands, feet and legs. Opioids are excellent painkillers — but they have adverse effects. They increase the preference for sweet flavors, leading to weight gain and have a high potential for misuse since they cause an exaggerated sense of well-being that can turn into toxicity. In Canada, 21,174 cases of opioid toxicity deaths have occurred within just five years.

Berries may help counter these disadvantages as they help suppress sweet cravings, even if you’re taking opioids. Consuming can help you manage weight.

Turmeric

Turmeric has applications in both cooking and medicine. It has recently gained the title of a superfood as accumulating evidence of its benefits has come to light.

Turmeric contains a potent antioxidant called curcumin, which research found to possess anti-inflammatory components. It helps minimize exercise-induced muscle damage, boosts brain health, mitigates the risk of heart conditions, fights Alzheimer's disease and delays aging.

Turmeric is often processed into powder and sold as tea. Fresh ones are used as spice. Many supplements also are boosted by adding this yellow spice to the ingredients. If you have access to fresh turmeric, add it to your diet this 2024.

Chia Seeds

Never underestimate these tiny seeds as they pack impressive nutritional value, giving them a spot in the lineup of superfoods. They're the ninth most popular diet foods in the US with 802,000 searches — owing to their high fiber count supporting weight loss. Besides, they contain antioxidants and vitamins, including B1, B2 and B3.

Chia seeds can improve digestive health and sidestep chronic disease — thanks to their abundant polyphenols with antioxidant properties. The simplest way to consume chia seeds is to add them to water. Try a chia pudding recipe or guacamole if you want to switch things up.

Matcha

If you're a coffee fanatic, this may be your sign to switch to green tea. Matcha lattes, desserts and shots are a staple in many coffee shops — all for good reasons.

Matcha is a type of green tea, stone ground using special leaves. It's rich in catechins, which are natural antioxidants. Its most admirable benefits are that it may improve your heart health, lower cancer risk, manage weight and boost cognitive function.

Matcha is often prepared as tea or latte, but you can make a dessert. Add it to your healthy plate and reap the benefits without the jitters.

Try these Most Popular Diet Foods in the US

Whatever your goal is in 2024, prioritize healthy eating. A wholesome plate can give you the energy to do your tasks and nourish your body with nutrients to function optimally. 
Try these foods to manage or lose weight, minimize your risk of severe conditions and support your overall health. If you find it challenging to stick to your diet, plan and prepare your meals for the week with the foods above, so you have healthful ready-to-eat dishes in your fridge.