After returning from the Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) in Nashville, I’m feeling both energized and inspired by the direction our profession is heading. This year’s event showcased how registered dietitians are not only keeping up with change—but leading it. From GLP-1 medications to AI and authentic communication, here are the key themes that stood out most to me.
GLP-1 Medications: The RDN’s Expanding Role
There were 4 sessions related to GLP-1 receptor agonists. They were all standing-room-only—and for good reason. The conversations made it clear that RDNs play a critical role in guiding patients on these medications safely and effectively. From helping manage side effects to preserving muscle and teaching sustainable eating habits, it’s evident that nutrition remains central to long-term success in obesity care. Some of the key themes and challenges across the board include medication cost, lack of insurance coverage, weight regain once the medication is discontinued, and gaps in care and referral networks between providers and RDs.
Rockstar speakers included Summer Kessel, RD, CSOWM, LDN, Spencer Nadolsky, DO Ashley Koff RD, Colleen Rauchut Tewksbury, Kellene A. Isom, PhD, MS, RD, CAGS Liz Weiss, MS, RDN, Gillian Craggs-Dino, PhD, LDN
AI and SEO in Practice and Research
AI was everywhere this year—whether in SEO strategy, content creation, or data analysis. The message was clear: AI isn’t replacing us; it’s enhancing what we do. As dietitians, our ability to interpret, personalize, and communicate evidence will always set us apart. Using AI tools strategically can help us reach more people with credible, science-backed information.
Rockstar speakers included Chrissy Carroll, MPH, RD, Brian McHale, Nadine Braunstein, Stephanie Antonelli
Communicating with Creativity and Authenticity
I loved hearing discussions about the art of communication—how being credible doesn’t mean being boring. We were encouraged to infuse personality, creativity, and even humor into how we share nutrition information. Authenticity connects, and that’s what helps us stand out from the noise of uncredentialed “experts” online.
Rockstar speakers included our opening speaker, Carla Hall closing speaker, Andy Cohen, Ellie Krieger, Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, and Kellie Lunday MS, RD, LD
Women’s Health in Focus
From PCOS to postpartum nutrition, women’s health took center stage this year. It was refreshing to see so much discussion on hormones, inflammation, and metabolic health through a female-focused lens. The takeaway: nutrition counseling for women must be individualized, acknowledging the unique challenges women face throughout different life stages.
Rockstar speakers included Basma Faris, MD, CCMS, FACOG, Heather Nace, RD, LDN Katie Brown, EdD, RDN, FAND, FASN, and Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG
Food as Medicine: From Concept to Care
The “food as medicine” theme was everywhere, and it’s clear that this movement is gaining momentum. Dietitians are proving that nutrition belongs at the table—literally and figuratively—when it comes to disease prevention and management. We’re the bridge between medical care and the everyday meals that sustain it.
Thus, we need to continue spreading the word on this and collaborating with medical students, providers, and others to teach professionals and consumers basic cooking skills that will bridge the gap between our recommendations and patients’ actions.
Rockstar speakers included Amy Myrdal Miller, MS, RDN, FAND, Charlie Arnot, Katie R. Ettman, Nikki Kmicinski, Zoë Womack, MPH, RDN, Erika Hanson, and Ana Maria Gutierrez Diaz
Malnutrition and the RDN’s Clinical Impact
Another important theme was returning to our clinical roots—identifying malnutrition early and advocating for the nutrition interventions that can truly change patient outcomes and result in significant cost savings to the healthcare system. It was a great reminder that RDNs are essential members of the healthcare team, not just in theory, but in practice.
Rockstar speakers included Jeanette Hasse, PhD, RD, LD, CNSC, CCTD, FASPEN, FADA Lena Beal, MS. RDN. LD., Ellis Amy, Valaree Williams, MS, RD, CSO, LDN, CNSC, FAND Kunal K., Mary Litchford PHD, RDN, LDN, Amanda Bode, MC, RDN, CSO, LDN, Christian Bury, RD, and Lisa Martin RDN
The Seed Oil Debate and Processed Foods
Yes, the seed oil conversation made its mark this year in the FNCE Learning Lounge—and I appreciated the balanced, evidence-based take. The message was one we all know but need to keep reinforcing: diet quality and overall patterns matter more than demonizing individual ingredients and the myth that fewer ingredients are always better.
Personalized Nutrition and the MAHA Movement
Personalized nutrition is evolving rapidly, driven by advances in genetics, gut health, and wearable tech. The conversation also touched on the “maha movement,” emphasizing holistic, mindful living. I was also fortunate to attend Ketchum’s sponsored event, which provided consumer insights on MAHA, including information on the “MAHA mom movement,” a large group of moms pushing MAHA initiatives.
As RDNs, our challenge—and opportunity—is to merge science with humanity in a way that feels both grounded and inspiring.
Rockstar speakers included Deepa Handu, Elizabeth Campbell, and Caroline Susie RDN, LD
🌟 Top Food and Nutrition Trends from the Expo Hall
While I didn’t have time to visit every expo booth, I visited many, connected with brands and asked questions, and of course, took the opportunity to taste test fun snacks. Hear are a few key trends I found from exploring the expo floor:
Protein Everywhere Protein continues to dominate — from cereals, pretzels, and chips to powders and even protein water, expected to be next year’s big fad. One interesting find I tried was high-protein Wilde Protein Chips that were made with chicken and egg protein, not protein powder. They tasted really good! Kindling Protein Pretzels were also yummy—I loved their Churro flavor for a higher-protein sweet-and-salty treat to get me through a busy afternoon.
Traditional protein powders still abound, but my favorite was registered dietitian Abbey Sharp‘s Neue Theory plant-based protein powder. It tasted incredible, no chalky aftertaste and was deliciously creamy when mixed with oat milk. I absolutely love that we have RDs creating their own food products and supplement lines, and always am here to support their brands.
Dairy’s Comeback Dairy made a strong return with high-protein yogurts, drinkable options, cheeses, and more. Its nutrient profile keeps it relevant, even in protein and calcium-rich GLP-1 eating plans. Brands like Danone and Lifeway led the charge in this arena.
Fiber & Gut Health Focus Fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, and even postbiotics are being added to snacks and supplements alike, emphasizing gut support. Postbiotics and the gut-brain connection were hot topics, reflecting growing consumer awareness of their importance. Resbiotic, Supergut, Bio-K+ USA, and VSL#3 were among the top brands in this space.
Women’s Health Takes Center Stage Supplement brands such as Resbiotic shone the spotlight on perimenopause and menopause support — a long-overdue focus gaining traction across the expo floor.
GLP-1 Influence Expands The rise of GLP-1s is reshaping the food industry, driving innovation in high-protein, high-fiber foods and new “GLP-1 activator” supplements. Innovators in this area include NOW Foods, Supergut, and Tonum Health, an emerging company with some research that I need to dive deeper into.
AI-Powered Nutrition Tools From meal planning to coaching, AI-driven apps are revolutionizing nutrition personalization — making precision nutrition more accessible than ever. One standout app is MyFitnessPal’s Passio AI tool, which enables voice logging and MealScan features to track and analyze the nutrition content of meals in less time.
The Bottom Line
FNCE 2025 left me feeling proud to be a dietitian, but knowing we still have work to do to be louder than the influencers and to increase public trust in both the food industry and in us as the go-to experts for all things nutrition. The future of nutrition is more innovative, collaborative, and human-centered than ever before. Whether through GLP-1 counseling, creative communication, or tech-enhanced practice, we have endless opportunities to lead with evidence, empathy, and authenticity.
