Organic Food Trends: What’s New and What’s Here to Stay

The organic food industry is experiencing a remarkable transformation, driven by changing consumer preferences and environmental consciousness. Whether you're running a restaurant, managing a grocery chain, or developing new food products, understanding current organic trends is crucial for success.

Let's explore how the organic food industry is evolving and what it means for your business in 2024.

Organic vs. non-toxic: what’s the difference?

Before we explore the trends, it’s essential to clarify what makes organic and non-toxic foods distinct from one another.

• Organic: Organic foods are grown and processed according to strict federal guidelines, which prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, GMOs, and ionizing radiation. Organic farming promotes biodiversity, soil health, and eco-friendly pest control, ensuring that the food is grown sustainably and without harmful chemicals. Organic certification also extends to animal products, ensuring livestock are raised without antibiotics or synthetic hormones.

• Non-Toxic: Non-toxic foods refer to those that are free from harmful additives, preservatives, and chemicals that may pose a risk to human health. While non-toxic foods aren’t necessarily organic, they emphasize the absence of artificial ingredients and toxic substances in the final product. The focus here is on ensuring food safety and purity, even if the farming methods used do not fully comply with organic certification.

Top 10 organic food trends

1. Local sourcing of organic ingredients

Local sourcing of organic ingredients has become a defining feature of modern food businesses. Consumers increasingly seek products that combine organic certification with local sourcing, creating a powerful market differentiator for businesses that can successfully implement both.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Direct partnerships with local organic farms

• Reduced transportation environmental impact

• Enhanced supply chain transparency

• Seasonal menu adaptations

• Community economic support

Blue Hill in New York is a prime example of this trend. The restaurant partners directly with local organic farms to source all ingredients, drastically reducing food miles and providing diners with farm-fresh meals. This practice not only ensures the highest level of freshness but also strengthens relationships with local agricultural communities, fostering a more sustainable food system.

2. Plant-based organic proteins

The convergence of plant-based and organic trends has created a robust market segment that addresses both environmental and health concerns. With the global organic protein market expected to reach $19.2 billion by 2028, this sector shows significant growth potential.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Sustainable protein sourcing

• Organic certification compliance

• Plant-based innovation

• Clean label formulation

• Environmental impact reduction

Beyond Meat has been at the forefront of the plant-based revolution, and many of its ingredients are sourced organically. Restaurants like Veggie Grill have fully embraced plant-based organic options, offering customers healthier, environmentally friendly meals without sacrificing taste or texture.

3. Organic functional foods

Organic functional foods represent a growing market segment that combines certified organic ingredients with specific health benefits. This trend responds to increasing consumer interest in preventative health and wellness.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Bioactive compound integration

• Organic certification maintenance

• Clean label requirements

• Premium positioning strategies

KOR Shots is a company specializing in organic juice shots packed with functional ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and probiotics. Their products are designed to offer quick, concentrated health benefits, tapping into the growing market for organic, functional wellness products.

4. Organic dairy alternatives

The organic dairy alternatives sector continues to expand as consumers seek sustainable, plant-based options that maintain organic certification standards. This trend represents a significant shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Sustainable ingredient sourcing

• Organic certification compliance

• Nutritional optimization

• Environmental impact reduction

• Product innovation focus

Oatly demonstrates successful market implementation through its organic oat milk products, now featured in major coffee chains like Blue Bottle Coffee. Their commitment to organic sourcing and sustainability has established them as a leader in the plant-based dairy sector.

5. Organic regenerative farming practices

Regenerative organic farming represents a significant evolution in sustainable agriculture, focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and environmental restoration. This approach goes beyond traditional organic practices to actively improve ecosystem health.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Soil health enhancement

• Carbon sequestration practices

• Water conservation methods

• Biodiversity promotion

• Ecosystem restoration

Patagonia Provisions is a pioneer in promoting regenerative organic agriculture. The brand sources ingredients from farms that focus on rebuilding soil health and sequestering carbon, positioning themselves as leaders in the sustainable food movement. Restaurants that partner with regenerative farms, such as Noma in Denmark, are also contributing to this growing trend.

6. Organic grain-free and gluten-free products

The intersection of organic certification with grain-free and gluten-free products addresses growing consumer dietary preferences and health concerns. This market segment continues to expand as consumers seek cleaner, certified options.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Alternative flour development

• Cross-contamination prevention

• Texture optimization

• Nutritional enhancement

• Clean label compliance

Siete Foods is a standout in the grain-free sector, producing organic, grain-free tortillas and chips made with almond and cassava flour. Their products cater to consumers who want gluten-free, grain-free options without sacrificing flavor or quality.

7. Organic fermented foods

The organic fermented foods category combines traditional fermentation practices with organic certification, meeting growing consumer interest in gut health and natural preservation methods.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Traditional fermentation techniques

• Probiotic cultivation

• Organic ingredient sourcing

• Quality control processes

• Shelf-life optimization

Farmhouse Culture is an industry leader in organic fermented foods, offering a range of products like organic sauerkraut and gut shots. Their commitment to using high-quality organic ingredients has made them a favorite among health-conscious consumers.

8. Organic low-sugar and sugar-free products

The organic low-sugar category addresses growing health consciousness while maintaining strict organic certification standards. This segment continues to innovate with natural sweetening alternatives.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Natural sweetener development

• Glycemic impact reduction

• Taste profile optimization

• Clean label compliance

• Nutritional balance

Lakanto produces organic, monk fruit-sweetened products that cater to consumers looking for low-sugar, organic alternatives to traditional sweeteners. Their products are widely used in health-conscious restaurants and home kitchens.

9. Organic baby food

The organic baby food sector represents a premium market segment driven by parental concern for infant health and safety. This category continues to innovate in both ingredients and delivery formats.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Ingredient purity standards

• Developmental nutrition focus

• Clean processing methods

• Storage innovation

• Transparency practices

Once Upon a Farm offers cold-pressed, organic baby food that delivers both convenience and peace of mind for parents. Their commitment to organic farming practices has made them a trusted brand in the baby food space.

10. Organic meal kits

Organic meal kit services combine convenience with certified organic ingredients, meeting growing consumer demand for healthy, easy-to-prepare meals that maintain organic standards.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Recipe development expertise

• Portion control optimization

• Packaging sustainability

• Supply chain management

• Waste reduction strategies

Green Chef is a leading provider of organic meal kits, offering a wide range of options that cater to different dietary preferences, including keto, paleo, and vegan. Their commitment to organic ingredients and sustainability has helped them carve out a niche in the competitive meal kit industry.

Looking forward

The food industry is evolving rapidly. Organic and non-toxic trends are leading the charge toward cleaner, safer, and more sustainable products. As consumers become more aware of the impact that synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and artificial ingredients have on their health and the environment, the demand for organic and non-toxic foods will continue to grow.

For businesses, staying ahead of these trends is essential. Offering organic options not only meets the growing expectations of consumers but also positions brands and restaurants as leaders in the health and wellness space. Whether you're a restaurateur looking to revamp your menu or a shopper aiming to make healthier choices, understanding these trends will help you navigate the future of food.