ActiveIntel™ Attitude & Usage Study: Active Nutrition Report

Insights Report

ActiveIntel™ Attitude & Usage Study

Taking Active Nutrition beyond “one size fits all”

It seems everyone’s into active nutrition these days, from gym regulars to pickleball-playing seniors. But their needs couldn’t be more different. New research from Cargill can help brands better target these diverse consumers.

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Active Nutrition Insights Report

Navigating the New Era of Active Nutrition

Online Event

Understanding the active nutrition consumer

Calendar November 13, 2025  |  2:00-3:00pm EST (1:00-2:00pm CST)

From insights to innovation: Join this free webinar where Cargill experts will guide you through new ActiveIntel™ insights, including:

  • The five consumer segments shaping the active nutrition market
  • Discover the factors each prioritizes when making product decisions.
  • Practical formulation strategies tailored for these consumers

Register for webinar

An actively growing market

Optimize your strategy and turn Active Nutrition insights into action — with Cargill

Purchase Motives

64% seek health

64% of those asked say they purchase products to improve general health, compared to the 39% who do so for sports performance or active lifestyle goals.1

Weekly Ritual

A majority of consumers enjoy active nutrition products weekly, or more.

Source: Cargill Proprietary Research 2025

Percentage who consume active nutrition foods and beverages at least once per week:

Looking Ahead


 

Taking Active Nutrition Beyond “One Size Fits All”

Find your space for active nutrition innovation

Cargill's proprietary study, ActiveIntel™ Attitude & Usage Study, sheds light on the growing size and diversity of the active nutrition market. It reveals distinct attitudinal segments, how they differ and strategies for meeting their unique needs, including:

Checkmark Icon Top 3 product performance needs by user segment

Checkmark Icon 5 unique segments defined by mindsets, habits & priorities

Checkmark Icon Key drivers of product choice

Checkmark Icon Desired features & benefits

Checkmark Icon Opportunities for differentiation

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Innovations from Cargill

Functional Powder Concept

Watermelon-flavored
Drink Mix

Elevated hydration drink features Pink Himalayan salt and no added sugars, or artificial sweeteners.

Nutritional Bar Concept

S'mores-flavored Stroopwafel Wafer

S’mores-flavored bar reminiscent of stroopwafels, featuring 20g of plant-protein between a crunchy cookie and chewy espresso marshmallow.

Functional Beverage Concept

Oat-based Raspberry Mocha

Raspberry mocha beverage that sips with less sugar and is an excellent source of both protein and fiber.

Enjoy some bite-sized insights

Active Nutrition Bars

Bar none: Making a fan favorite fuel even better

It's hard to beat a good nutrition bar when it comes to portable, purposeful nutrition. Learn which ingredients are more likely to win consumers' favor.

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Active Nutrition Beverages

Thirsting for function

From hydration to protein and beyond, the benefits consumers seek from nutrition beverages are multiplying. Learn what matters – and how to deliver.

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Active Nutrition Powders

Anticipate. Innovate. Outperform.

From protein content to the type of sweetener, learn how to deliver on your goals for functionality, flavor and smoother blending.

View infographic

Power up your strategy

Power up your strategy

Download the complimentary report, ActiveIntel™ Attitude & Usage Study—filled with in-depth insights into what driving the active nutrition market. Our proprietary research can help you target consumer needs more effectively – and become the brand they reach for first.

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SOURCES:
1 SupplySide Journal. "Active Nutrition is the New Sports Nutrition." July 2023.