Connected to and helping to drive this interest in the digestive tract is the expanding consumer awareness that having a healthy gut means more than just being regular. The science uncovering the connections between digestive health and both immunity and mental health/well-being has created a generation of tuned-in consumers as well. According to the aforementioned Google analytics, interest in “anxiety and gut health” rose 200%, suggesting that individuals have a growing curiosity about how gut health affects the brain.

Two compounds stood out from the crowd --  the resveratrol found in red grapes and a compound called pterostilbene from blueberries.

Beverages may have borne some of the recent brunt of obesity concerns, but alternative sweeteners allow consumers to manage their weight while enjoying something similar to their favorite drinks. Some emerging drinks are taking a proactive approach to health and wellness.