Influences on food trends can be attributed to the growing population of baby boomers, who have more time to cook, and are paying more attention to foods' health effects while demanding upscale foods.
Some of the popular food trends today include:
- Healthier foods. Look for more foods with reduced trans fat.
- Functional foods. Foods with added vitamins and minerals aim to help protect against disease and promote wellness.
- Organic and farm-friendly foods. Organic has gone mainstream, and many people swear by the benefits.
- Leisurely dining. This is all about eating slowly, savoring every bite, and enjoying both the food and the social environment.
- Supper clubs. Getting together people who enjoy great food and friendship.
- Eat more for less. Most everyone wants to lose weight, and this concept involves eating foods that are low in calories, yet high in volume.
- Quick fix. Ready-to-eat or easy-use food products to pull together a "halfway homemade" meal in a few minutes.
- Takeout. More people are ordering take-out food from full-service restaurants and healthier options at fast food chains.
- Fancy. The premium food market is expected to grow as demand for gourmet products rises.
- Exotic flavors. Bland is out, and highly flavored is in, including exotic fruit flavors, Asian influences, aged vinegars, and savory spicing.
- Grazing. Smaller, more frequent meals, as well as meal-replacement bars and drinks, may help people control calories.
- Heart health. Heart-healthy foods appeal to baby boomers and health-conscious shoppers.
These trends obviously have huge consumer benefits as they rear towards positive eating habits and improved food health. Everyone should jump on the trendy-food bandwagon and reap the benefits of this health-conscious movement - who knows what the future will bring!
