As diet fads multiply, a recent study by recipe box company Gousto reveals that while 60% of people have tried a viral diet trend, most see little to no benefit. From mushroom-infused drinks to green powdered supplements, 71% find dietary advice confusing and contradictory.
Registered dietitian Clare Thornton-Wood explains, “Much viral nutrition content aims to attract attention rather than provide evidence-based guidance. Phrases like ‘miracle’, ‘detox’, or ‘superfood’ are often red flags indicating weak or oversimplified science.”
The top trend for 2025 was protein-maxxing—consuming protein shakes, bars, and ‘high-protein’ versions of everyday foods. Clare warns this can lead to overconsumption: “The body cannot store unlimited protein; excess is burned off or excreted. Most people meet their protein needs through regular foods such as eggs, meat, fish, beans, and lentils. Cooking at home offers balanced meals with appropriate protein and nutrient combinations often missing in supplements.”
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Alarmingly, 22% of participants gave up on their chosen diet within just three days. The shortest-lived fad, the Three Bite Rule, lasted an average of only 15 days, followed by functional mushroom drinks (16 days), chia seed water (18 days), and daily olive oil shots (19 days).
Cost and time constraints were the primary reasons for quitting, with Clare noting, “Quick-fix diets tend to be expensive, restrictive, and impractical for everyday life.” She advises, “Rather than splurging on costly shots, simple home-cooked meals like soups or curries featuring turmeric, ginger, and black pepper provide similar health benefits, greater satiety, and comfort.”
Nearly 39% of participants reported gaining no benefits from their diet attempts, and 41% failed to meet their health goals. Clare emphasizes, “Nutrition needs change with age—older adults require more protein per kilogram body weight to maintain muscle and metabolism, while younger people often seek appearance-based or short-term results. Online advice rarely addresses these differences, leading individuals to follow unsuitable trends.”
She adds, “Supporting digestion and immunity benefits everyone. The gut microbiome, weighing about 2kg—comparable to the brain—thrives on fiber-rich plants, whole grains, and herbs, aiding natural digestion and strengthening immunity. Achieving this through a varied diet is preferable to extreme trends or pricey supplements.”
Timo Boldt, Founder and CEO of Gousto, comments, “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by conflicting wellness trends online. This research shows that people don’t lack motivation—they need reliable, realistic guidance. Ultimately, most of us want meals that feel nourishing and fit into daily life. Regular home cooking, with fresh quality ingredients, remains one of the best ways to support long-term health.”