Food trends to expect in 2014

Alright guys, I have been SO excited to share this article that I received in my Daily News email from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The article is 10 hot food trends to expect in 2014 and it is outlining some of the things that are expected to be emerging in the food industry this year. There are a few things in this list that are really exciting to me, particularly the strides being made within the grocery store and how we shop and utilize our stores. So lets take a look at what experts are anticipating.

What to expect:

1. Socially responsible companies take the lead: the article states that According to a survey by ConAgra Foods, 62 percent of consumers “appreciate, and want to support, companies that donate to important social causes.” I personally hope that this statistic continues to grow. It is so refreshing to see a good cause being recognized and awarded. Hopefully this catches are other companies recognize that people appreciate community oriented values. Money well spent!
2. Responsible/edible food packaging: Turns out the "go green" movement is making some strides! This is something that is exciting and a little bit terrifying. I think it is really great that companies are putting forth an effort to minimize their footprint. As far as the edible packaging; that sounds a little scary to me. While everyone is concerned with over processed foods it seems a little counter productive to go as far as making wrappers a "food". If they can pull this off while making something that is safe and nutritious and not just added calories then I am in full support. 
3. Tech-savvy shoppers: This is one of the trends that excites me. With the exponential growth of smart phones and devices the number of apps out there for anything you could ever imagine is just crazy to wrap your mind around. That being said, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of apps out there relating to the food industry. The use of apps to help make grocery shopping easier and more efficient is booming right now. Not only will you find apps for helping navigate the grocery store but there are also meal planning apps, nutrition information apps, ingredient information apps, the list goes on and on. I SERIOUSLY encourage you to get into your play store or app center and just type in "grocery store" and you will find a PLETHORA of great apps to take with you on your next shopping trip.
4. Jet-setting around the world...at home: This is something that I think has already begun with the introduction of the world foods isle at big name grocery stores, but the thought of this trend growing is very exciting. 
5. Snack happy: Experts are saying that the awareness of people's snacking habits exists and that stores are making efforts to move people from snacks packed with trans fats to healthier options. They will be using product placement and advertisement efforts to help people make better choices. Just today as I was at Meijer I saw a mother and her young son snacking on a handful of green bean chips they got from a sample table. This little boy seemed just as happy with his snack as if he were munching on potato chips. Just goes to show that people do have the ability to be progressive in their eating habits, they just might need a little push. So way to go Meijer, keep up the good work!
6. Waste not, want not: This is referring to bad habit we all have....wasting food. Experts hope that trends will shift towards people being more conscious of their food waste. As far as I am concerned, I will believe it when I see it. People are very glutinous in their spending habits when it comes to food. Advise to make this trend a reality is to make a list and make a plan for what you will do with your groceries once you get home. Prioritize what foods must be used earlier in the week to avoid them going bad.
7. Tea-time: According to this article tea is the most globally friendly beverage. They predict that the tea trend will continue to grow this year (hopefully someone will introduce me to a tea I like, because right now I am not a fan!)
8. New superfoods: Superfoods have been popping up for years and years now. Last year we were all on the quinoa, kale, and chia kicks. This year experts say we will be seeing some new grains taking the stage such as freekah and teff and the veggie this year being cauliflower! As with all superfood trends; have fun experimenting but do not forget that no one food represents all of a food group so don't over do it.
9. "Free-from" foods: If you haven't heard of the new gluten free trend then I must ask; what rock have you been living under? Last year has left us with a BOOM in growth of food allergies. So naturally food products have followed the trend accordingly. This year it is predicted that companies will continue to make developments in these allergy friendly products. Consumers beware, just because something is labeled as "_____-free" does NOT mean that it is better for you in any nutritional way. As the article states "a gluten-free donut is still a donut with just as much fat, sugar and calories as it’s regular counterpart."
10. The new culinary school: DRUM ROLL PLEASE! This is the trend that I am MOST excited for. According to the article there are already many stores that participate in in-store cooking lessons, I have yet to experience one, but would LOVE to find one. I think that incorporating lessons in consumers' shopping experiences could be a real key to getting people involved and making them aware of what they are eating and feeding their families. The thing that is perfect about this idea is that you are catching the shopper IN the store. So you plant the seed, and then send them on their way to use their newly learned skills. This is going to increase the chances of them making better choices in their shopping exponentially. I really hope this catches, I would love to be part of this trend!

So go fourth and grow my friends! Embrace our technological advances and keep supporting your companies with good causes!

For full article visit http://www.trentonian.com/lifestyle/20131219/10-hot-food-trends-to-expect-in-2014

Does the truth match the hype?

Does the truth match the hype, that is the question. I received this article in my Daily News email from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics yesterday and thought it was the perfect explanation of how to dispute the hype from the truth when it comes to today's "super-foods". In this article some newly popular health foods are examined for their health benefits. This topic is SO important because as Dietetic professionals it is our responsibility to make sure people are getting the facts and aren't falling for the hype. Though there definitely are health benefits in many of the foods that this article addresses, there is a lot of garbage to wade through to get to them. Contrary to popular belief, there is no "miracle food", and even if there was production companies would probably do their best to process it until it didn't have one health benefit left to it's name. So there are a lot of things that are outlined here to look for that will help you make the right choices when you are shopping for your healthy foods.

The most important point in this article, I think, is that you should be using "sensible criteria to make the most healthful choices when food shopping..." Just reading a label that says good source of antioxidants or other buzzwords doesn't necessarily make it healthy. It is great if those types of advertisements steer you in the right direction but then it is your responsibility to do a little bit more investigating. Take a look at the ingredient list. Are there more than 5 ingredients? Is it a list of words you have never heard before? Is sugar one of the first ingredients? Just because a product contains an element of a food that may have health benefits in its raw form, does not mean that those benefits will be translated in an overly processed product.

My hopes are that this article makes you step back and take a closer look at what you are actually eating and don't be fooled by advertisements. This article does a great job of busting a few of the most commonly mistaken "hyped-up" foods on the market right now and explaining how you can find the right products that are actually doing what they say.

Here are some of the items from the list:

1. Acai berries- Though these berries do provide a great source for antioxidants they are almost never found as berries. In the U.S. they are typically in the form of a supplement pill or juice. If you found a 100% acai berry juice with no sugar added then I say more power to you, but the chances of that happening are slim to none. The major thing to address here is the fact that eating fresh blueberries or raspberries is going to give you THE SAME antioxidant power as a handful of acai berries. So rather than fall for the hype- grab a couple bucks and head to your farmers market for some fresh local berries.
2. Greek yogurt- Indisputably, greek yogurt is great. Good source of protein, really low fat. But the second you go for the heavily flavored ones you are getting a lot of added sugar (even if it is honey, that is still sugar). This one I am not so keen on disputing because unless you are on some no sugar crazy strict diet I say enjoy, its better than having a go-gurt or something.  It's like a teacher once said to me "why are you getting fat-free yogurt? Live a little, it's yogurt!" But I must bust the myth and tell you it is not all it is cracked up to be if it is full of sugar so just something to look out for.
3. Egg whites- I am pretty confident that this will become old news soon, but recent studies have shown that egg yolks contain more health benefits than the whites and the cholesterol content has been proven to be significantly lower (14% lower, 185 mg) than originally thought. It IS safe to eat an egg a day without worrying about topping out cholesterol intake for the day. Therefore, skipping the yolk and going for the whites only is hurting, not helping.
4. Veggie burgers- This one is simple. Just because it is vegetarian, doesn't mean it's healthy. The biggest thing to look out for is sodium content in these products because if they are being made to mimic meat, you can be pretty sure they are heavily processed. Also they are typically frozen. So again, heavily processed typically means a lot of sodium. I am not saying stay away from these I am just saying, check the sodium content (use a 2,300 mg/day scale).
5. Grains- Super simple. The terms "multigrain" or "made with whole grains" are deceiving. Check your ingredient list. Is whole grains on there (such as whole wheat)? If not, move on to the next product.

I hope this has helped debunk some of your most common health food myths and more importantly given you some tools for what to look for when you are doing your shopping. Remember, everything in moderation so if you want to put honey in your yogurt I'm sure not going to stop you. Life needs a little sweets sometimes.

Check out the full article for more details http://sub.gmnews.com/news/2013-12-12/Front_Page/Food_myths.html

Happy eating!