What FNCE 2025 Taught Me: 5 Big Takeaways for RDs

One of my favorite parts of being a dietitian is getting to attend FNCE—the world’s largest gathering of food and nutrition experts, hosted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Every year, thousands of RDs, researchers and innovators come together to share what’s new in the world of nutrition.

This year, I traveled to Nashville, Tennessee and let me tell you — the energy, the science, the people — it was electric! From evidence-based conversations to the latest product innovations and tech talks, FNCE 2025 had it all. 

Here are my top five takeaways straight from the conference floor.

1. “Evidence-based” doesn’t mean “one-size-fits-all”

If there’s one theme that kept popping up this year, it was personalization. The term “evidence-based” was redefined on almost every stage — not as a rigid rulebook, but as a framework to guide individual care.

Nutrition is deeply personal and the new generation of RDs is leading the way in adapting science to meet each client’s lifestyle, culture and preferences. The consensus was clear: data matters, but so does context.

The takeaway? There’s no single “right” way to eat healthy. Evidence-based practice works best when it’s flexible enough to meet people where they are.

2. Gut health is still queen — but the conversation is getting smarter.

Gut health has officially graduated from buzzword to baseline. This year’s discussions went beyond “take your probiotics” to focus on the why behind gut health.

Speakers dove deep into the gut-brain axis, fiber diversity and the role of plant-based polyphenols in supporting microbial balance. There was a strong shift toward food-first strategies — things like fermented foods, prebiotic-rich fibers and phytonutrient diversity — to support not just digestion, but hormones, immunity and mental well-being.

Bottom line: Gut health is still the queen of wellness, but the conversation has matured — it’s smarter, deeper, and way more holistic.

3. Blood sugar balance is the new baseline.

One of the biggest focuses this year? Blood sugar stability. And it’s not just a diabetes conversation anymore — it’s a wellness conversation.

The Almond Board of California presented new research highlighting how almonds can help improve post-meal blood sugar levels and support overall cardiometabolic health. Their findings showed that eating almonds alongside carbohydrate-rich foods can reduce glucose spikes, thanks to their combination of fiber, healthy fats and magnesium.

As someone who works closely with clients on metabolic and hormonal health, I loved seeing this data. Blood sugar balance truly underpins everything — from energy and mood to long-term heart and hormone health.

4. Women’s health is finally getting the attention it deserves.

This year’s FNCE felt like a turning point for women’s health. There were multiple sessions on menopause, PCOS, postpartum recovery and hormone nutrition, all emphasizing the need for tailored care across different life stages.

Instead of pathologizing women’s experiences, the focus was on empowerment through nutrition — using targeted nutrients, protein adequacy and gut-hormone connections to support transitions naturally.

As a practitioner, it was validating to see women’s health being treated as a central pillar of wellness — not a niche side topic. This shift is long overdue and it’s only just beginning.

5. AI in Nutrition: Friend, Foe, or Future Teammate?

One of the most forward-thinking lectures I attended was about how AI is reshaping visibility for healthcare professionals. The speaker’s message hit hard: dietitians need to understand and use AI — or risk being left behind.

But here’s the hopeful part — AI isn’t replacing dietitians, it’s amplifying us. From writing SEO-friendly content to analyzing data trends and creating educational tools, AI is helping RDs reach more people, faster and more effectively than ever before.

The new SEO isn’t just about keywords — it’s about how we use technology to share credible, human-centered nutrition information online. As dietitians, we’re the voice of truth in a noisy digital world and AI can help that voice travel farther.

Final Thoughts

Every year, I leave FNCE feeling re-energized and proud to be part of such a passionate profession. 2025’s themes were clear — personalization, women’s health, blood sugar balance, smarter gut conversations and the rise of AI are shaping the future of dietetics.

If you attended FNCE this year, I’d love to hear your favorite session or product in the comments below! And if you didn’t — hopefully this gave you a taste of what’s to come in the world of nutrition.

Until next year, keep learning, keep questioning and keep nourishing yourself and your clients with both evidence and empathy. 💛

Tag: FNCE 2025, dietitian, nutrition trends, gut health, women’s health, blood sugar balance, AI in nutrition, almond research, metabolic health, personalized nutrition, dietitian-approved tips