I’ve been long awaiting the advent of the wellness industry here in the UK, while destinations such as LA and Australia have led the field and embraced a truly holistic approach for several years already. It’s only taken a global pandemic to redefine the way us Brits approach our health problems and strive for a balance of a healthy body with a healthy mind! Today, buzzwords and phrases such as ‘meditation’ and ‘digital detox’ are now common in our daily conversation. We go to gym classes with our friends on a Saturday morning rather than waking up with a drumming hangover (that’s not to say we are partial to a few – or more – drinks on the weekend). What is it we are striving for? Balance.

2020 was a year where we were forced to slow down and left to digest information (or mis-information) fed to us through our screens while we were so far from direct human contact. We were left with space and time to explore new ways for taking care of ourselves and our communities, while external pressures such as work and our daily commute were no longer causing strain (though that’s not to say our mental health was uncompromised). After a year of such turmoil, the importance of mental wellbeing was equally brought to light, with many realigning with themselves through the practice of mindfulness, or for some even exploring themselves more spiritually. This all revealed a heightened concern for our health and some may say that we have [or are] experiencing –

The Great Reset. 

With this came an increased demand for both products and services that could elevate our wellbeing in some way or another, whether that be to the benefit of either our physical or mental health. More people than ever are seeking personalised nutrition solutions that work for their individual circumstances and promote overall longevity. We are wanting to truly understand our biology so we can feel empowered to make choices independent of the drool fed to us through old-school marketing. Not only that, but our concern for the environment is also affecting the foods which we choose to put on our plate, with plant-based meat alternatives skyrocketing in Google searches and equally, trends within the carnivorous market shifting while many of us are exclusively opting for organic or locally sourced meat. The transition here is one from haphazard consumption habits, to a holistic lifestyle that is mindful of the foods we eat both for health and sustainability reasons. 

As the health & wellbeing market is booming, it’s becoming ever more clear that leading a healthy, sustainable lifestyle doesn’t have to be at the cost of taste or fun. Here are our observations and reviews of the best products on offer at the moment!

DRINKS

The trend: Functional Hydration

Vieve; performance hydration for the gym bunny

Goodbye to that dairy bloat and say hello to protein water – yes, it’s very much a ‘thing’. Forget messy powders with added artificial flavour and fuel your workout with a lactose, fat and carb-free protein drink to support the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Not to mention that this hydrating alternative is the first sports nutrition product to be certified as sugar-free by regulatory standards! We personally loved the Peach & Raspberry flavour – Think Glaceau Vitamin Water without the sugars and supercharged with protein instead.

Website:drink-vieve.co.uk

Crave; the no bull alternative to Red Bull

Lets face it, we’re all guilty of having a coffee beyond recommended hours to soothe the 3pm work slump. The real energy famished among us (yes I’m referring to the delicate wallflower on that morning after a heavy evening out) might even reach for a Red Bull to recharge. But now you can sip on something far less sinful and equally nutritious to regain strength – ‘Crave’ drinks give you the kick without the comedown and even include some of your vital vitamins and amino-acids (which are vital for our body’s growth and repair). Think sugar and gluten-free, only natural ingredients to give these little delights their cocktail-inspired flavours. 

Website: cravedrinks.com

Whisp: Sparkling superfood seltzers

Expect to be treating yourself to a superfood seltzer on a Friday evening after work. Packed with detoxifying Milk Thistle – a herbal remedy ironically used to treat liver problems and lower blood cholesterol – and only fermented sugars deriving from gluten-free grains, these low-calorie drinks pack a punch and have even already obtained the 2021 Taste Master Award (despite only hitting the shelves on 1st June!). With no fruit wines or distilled alcohol added, we couldn’t believe we got so much joy from trying this hydrating alternative to a G&T.

Website: whispdrinks.co.uk

Long Shot; sustainable seltzers which shrink your footprint

Can you tell we’re really embracing the incoming seltzer craze? These colourfully branded cans of only natural ingredients are suitable for vegans, gluten-free, super low in sugar and light on calories. To make things better, Long Shot are pioneering the sustainable alcohol trend by sourcing almost all of their ingredients from within 20 miles of their manufacturer and using 100% aluminium cans (meaning they are infinitely recyclable and much lighter to transport, also meaning less transport emissions). These fruit-infused goodies come in three flavours: Raspberry & Blackcurrant, Grapefruit, and our favourite – the award-winning Strawberry & Rhubarb with its gentle sweetness and a nice, tart sourness.

Website: longshotdrinks.co.uk

FOOD

The trend: pantry staples have had a glow up

B-Protein wraps: a first in the free-from food sector

Cutting out gluten has never been so easy (and delicious!). Made from just chickpea flour, rice and pea proteins, B-Free wraps have the highest level of protein than any gluten-free wrap on the market, as well as being high in fibre and suitable for Vegans. Get creative by cutting wraps into triangles and toasting on a dry pan to make healthy tortilla chips – perfect for dipping into homemade guacamole or salsa. Found in Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Ocado.

Website: bfreefoods.com

Munchy Seeds; seeds are getting the gourmet treatment

We are constantly told that seeds are the powerhouses of goodness full of fibre, healthy fats and antioxidants to name but a few, but using ingredients we might be unfamiliar with can be daunting to the novice home cook . Munchy Seeds provide a solution to this with their tasty seeds for you to sprinkle on almost any meal. Claiming to be the ‘third condiment’ you need in the middle of your dining table, Munchy Seeds offer flavours suited to almost any cuisine from Warm Cumin & Fennel – the perfect accompaniment to Mediterranean salads, soups and savoury dishes, to Superberry Breakfast Booster – a topping to really elevate your morning oats. Explore their website for an abundance of recipes for inspiration. 

Website: munchyseeds.co.uk

Propercorn; better for you and better for the planet

Snacking gets a bad name, but only because the market has previously been dominated by unhealthy options like crisps and chocolate, potent in artificial ingredients to give them their flavour. The health-conscious among us might have previously opted for a dry crisp bread lacking in flavour, but Propercorn have hit the sweet spot in providing genuinely delicious chips and popcorn using only natural ingredients, no palm oil, and exclusively vegan. Available in both sweet and savoury flavours such as Sweet & Salty as well as Salted Caramel. Don’t underestimate the moorish Sea Salt & Vinegar lentil chips – perfect for picking!

Website: proper.co.uk

The trend: revitalising the breakfast market

The Great British Porridge Co; for those that are always late to their first meeting of the day

Goodbye to sugary cereal bars for when you’re on the go, or a squished brown banana from the bottom of your bag. Available in pots, sachets and re-sealable multi-serving bags, these only need a stir with hot water for one minute – making these a tasty, quick and portable breakfast. But the real USP of The Great British Porridge Co is that all of their 5 flavour offerings are dairy-free, gluten-free, and exclusively made from natural ingredients, with the creaminess from coconut milk and sweetness from dates (also making these high in fibre). Whatsmore, the porridge is superbly versatile. You can add an array of fruits or superfood toppings, or even prepare these the night before for luxurious overnight oats – best enjoyed cold.

Website: thegreatbritishporridgeco.co.uk

Final thoughts

From this research and trialling some of the vast health food products on the market, it occurred to me that the demand for such products has fiercely risen in this past year. Evidently, the industry isn’t slowing down and the pursuit of wellness is becoming more accessible by the day for us all. Want to add some detoxifying matcha to your diet, looking for alternatives to sugar, seeking more protein? There’s a product for everyone.