The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred discussions about mental health concerns. Being physically and socially distanced brought significant impacts on people’s well-being. The long months of lockdown caused people to experience isolation, stress, anxiety, and depression. As a result, people turn to different resources to keep themselves entertained and occupied. Some started their own business while others satisfied their food cravings by ordering online or making home-cooked meals.
With the renewed focus on mental well-being, business owners are taking steps to support people, delight them, and provide products and experiences to boost their moods. One example is a restaurant franchise that delivers dietary options and a fresh, healthy menu.
In the midst of economic turbulence and a global health crisis, many startups emerged that cater to the functional food and beverage market—the good mood food movement. These refer to good groups that offer a potentially positive impact on health and well-being beyond basic nutrition. This article will talk about the concept behind the good food movement and some business ideas.
Mindful eating
Food plays a critical role in self-care. In fact, there’s a link between the food we consume and the state of our mood. From this idea, food companies are using programming tools on mindful eating, cooking, and shopping. Meanwhile, health and wellness brands focus on certain healthy ingredients, such as chamomile, turmeric, green tea, and other types of food that promote joyful, focused, relaxed, and energized moods.
Since the pandemic, a growing number of customers have been eager to eat food with mindfulness in mind. After more than a year of dramatic shifts in priorities and routines, consumers want to reprioritize their well-being. Some of them have resolved their complex relationship with food and are now trying holistic nutrition.
According to dietitians, the start of spring is the perfect time to renew meals and reset your perspective on food. Some meal delivery brands are offering rotating menus of plant-rich, chef-crafted meals delivered to customers directly. They sell pantry staples, powders, and supplements that offer various practical benefits, such as digestive health, beauty, detox, and energy.
To succeed in the health and wellness market, companies should develop products that support people at every stage of the health journey. They focus on unique recipes that come from natural extracts (e.g., green tea). These healthful ingredients support mental clarity, cognitive function, and sustained energy.
Herbal healing
The rising popularity of herbal extracts in food and beverage has replaced cannabidiol for promoting stress reduction and mind relaxation. Wellness brands are developing superfood powders that promote calmness and clarity. Others offer a lineup of tonic beverages loaded with various benefits, such as immunity, detox, and digestion.
The key is to think of products that customers can consume every day. They can cater to the largest group of consumers—the millennials—who have a particular preference for food and drinks that contribute to physical and mental health. This signals an opportunity among product developers to introduce functional ingredients on everyday food items.
Companies can try herbal ingredients that help tame stress. You can transform them into powders since they make a versatile choice for lattes, smoothies, and baking recipes. Even tonics work well with a cocktail mixer.
Supplemental tool for self-care
Businesses these days are also taking part in mental health matters by becoming more open to these conversations. People suffering from anxiety and depressive disorder are increasing, and there’s also a sudden increase among patients taking prescription medication or attending mental health counseling. Stress and anxiety are very sensitive topics, while some are even embarrassed to talk about them.
Wellness companies are now focusing on food that supports memory, anti-aging, and cognitive function. But some market tests are also redirecting founders to develop products with mood-boosting features since more consumers are asking for it.
Food companies have no intention of replacing therapy, medication, and other forms of self-care mechanisms, but they serve as supplemental tools that help in eliminating daily stress. Good mood food is a safe and effective alternative to other extreme types of self-care medication that deal with anxiety and stress.
The type of food we eat affects our physical and mental state. Those who are unhealthy are susceptible to feelings of self-loathing and low self-esteem. For this reason, businesses can help consumers embark on a healthier journey by offering a range of dietary options. People have high expectations from the food they consume, and entrepreneurs should use this opportunity to explore meaningful food trends.
