There are very few negatives in this year’s outlook for the U.S. weight loss market. The largest competitors are back in high-growth mode, unemployment is down, obesity rates are still high, and more DIY dieters seem to be joining structured programs.

The industry appears to be hitting on all cylinders, propelled by a strong overall economy and continued high demand for weight loss programs by a largely overweight population.

More and more people want to go dairy free — at least some of the time. Consumption of non-dairy plant-based milks has increased by triple digits, according to a report by Packaged Facts titled Dairy and Dairy Alternative Beverage Trends in the U.S., 4th Edition. 

The food industry is the latest targeted for “disruption.” With the rise of meal kit delivery services, venture capital firms have been in a frenzy the past three years to find a success story, and profits. However, when the economy turns south, who will be left to pay $10-12 per person per meal for gourmet food?

Walmart is famous for its ability to deliver “products that are so darn cheap you can’t believe it.” But there’s more to Walmart’s business strategy than low prices.

In a four-part series, the market research firm Packaged Facts examines critical aspects of Walmart’s business model and the factors that motivate consumers to shop there. This article shares key findings from these reports to help explain how Walmart has built and maintained such a strong competitive advantage in multiple industry categories.

For many of today's consumers, food is considered an essential component of overall health & wellness. Grocery shoppers are not only looking for clean-label, "free-from" foods, they're also seeking products with added health benefits such as disease prevention and weight loss. 

Obesity levels in American are a significant concern, as 70% of adults are overweight or obese, with no improvement in sight. Medical conditions such as diabetes, pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea are directly related to this obesity.

The global bottled water market did not end 2017 without surprises. After years of strong growth in the USA, bottled water sales surpassed carbonated soft drinks to become the largest beverage category by volume in 2016. 

More consumers are trying out plant-based dairy alternatives. This trend is connected to concerns about health and wellness, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare.

Some consumers seek dairy alternatives because of food intolerances, allergies, or vegan diets. Others choose dairy alternatives as part of the “clean eating” regimes often touted by social media stars and food bloggers.

The U.S. weight loss market is estimated to be worth $68.2 billion in 2017—a 2.7% gain, and growth should continue into 2018, when the market is expected to post a better gain of 3.2% to $70 billion.

Continued high rates of obesity and overweight, coupled with low unemployment and higher disposable income, are boosting the market. However, performance will vary significantly by individual market segment.

Grocery retail has never been more cutthroat. With razor thin profit margins and new pricing pressure from Amazon, Lidl, and ALDI, U.S. food retailers must adapt quickly in order to remain competitive and appeal to shifting consumer preferences. 

Based on the latest studies by the market research firm Packaged Facts, here are four disruptive food industry trends to keep on an eye on in the coming months and years.