2011 Food Trends

I found an interesting article from Eating Well on The Huffington Post called "Food Fads: What's In and What's Out in 2011". I do not always follow these trends but think that it's neat to find out what is hot this year.


Trending down:

• Super fruits – Once the darlings of the nutrition world, Lisa says super fruits like pomegranates, acai and goji berries have become the victims of their own hyper-marketing.

• Cupcakes – We still love you, but it’s time for something new.  Now it’s all about pie, especially fruit pies in all their deconstructed formats (crisps, grunts, slumps and betties).

• Bacon – It may be the most lip-smacking, tastiest treat on the planet, but do we need it to be candied, covered in chocolate or added to just about everything from breakfast to dessert?

Trending up:

• Gluten-free diets – Giving up gluten has gone mainstream, and while it’s beneficial for the 3 million Americans with celiac, gluten-free processed foods are not healthier than their counterparts.

• Street food – First it was hot dogs, then tacos, now food trucks are dishing up everything from Korean barbecue to French crepes.

• Omega-3 – These fatty acids have some of the broadest and strongest impacts on our health, yet not omega-3s are created equal; EPA and DHA are most powerful.

• Probiotics – The jury is still out on some of the claims, but the good bacteria in fermented foods may offer some digestive health benefits.

• Growing your own – Last year saw an 28% increase in gardening for food among 28- to 34-year-olds.  Watch for even more young farmers in 2011.

• Meatless meals – Meatless is not just the new vegetarian, it’s bigger than that.  Meatless Monday has become a movement — for personal and planetary health.

• Simpler, more wholesome food – The growth of more “natural” foods with few simple, healthy ingredients.

Info also found on Nutrition Unplugged.