Note about the picture: At my local Whole Foods, they had a table of these small bunches of various organic greens for $1.99 a bunch. There was chard, kale, mustard, and dandelion. What is cool is that I can buy a small bunch for under $2 and know that I will eat the whole thing versus having to get a normally large bunch and end up not eating it all because it's too much.
Because I have fun playing the guessing game, based purely upon my observations shopping, cooking, eating, and reading blogs/sites , here are 5 food trends I see for 2010:
Addressing food allergies: There will be a rise in food products and dishes at restaurants that cater to those with food allergies and intolerances because more and more people are discovering they have reactions to certain foods like dairy, egg, wheat, nuts, and seafood. From the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, here are some quick facts about food allergies like, "Food allergy occurs in 6 to 8 percent of children 4 years of age or under, and in 3.7 percent of adults."
In the blogging community, there are growing numbers of blogs focused on food allergies and intolerances. One of the biggest niches is gluten-free blogs. Noshtopia is not one food allergy focused blog but the theme is a prevalent one because I have allergies to dairy, eggs, almonds, and certain beans.
Cooking for mixed eating households: Mom is vegan, kid has Celiac disease, and Dad eats meatloaf and potatoes. In the modern family, not everyone eats the same and people are busier than ever. Cooking for a scenario like this one can be a challenge. I see more recipes addressing how to start off with a basic dish and then adjusting or adding to appeal to all or as many family members as possible. For example for the family above, a gluten free pasta served with tomato basil sauce, will work for mom and kid. Adding meatballs on top will appeal to dad.
Food packaged in smaller portions: I have noticed in certain grocery stores particularly in areas where there are more singles and DINKs (double income, no kids), food packaged for a single to two person serving. Given that people are waiting longer to get married, divorce and single-parent families are on the rise, smaller portion packaged foods would also be appealing to these smaller households. And there are those who just want to eat smaller portions for example like those who are watching their weight, but still want to enjoy a smaller portion of a favorite food like a piece of cake versus a whole cake.
As a single person myself, I can attest to the fact that I won't buy things like a whole box of cookies, but if it's packaged in say a quantity of 2-3, I will buy it. The smaller packaging is great for stores too because like in deli foods, they can take end pieces cut them into smaller pieces and sell them. There is less waste.
Cheaper organic foods: Local farmer's markets and organic co-ops can offer cheaper deals for fresh organic produce. Bigger food store chains are importing organic produce from other countries where cost is cheaper. Yes, there's debate on organic standards because not all countries have the same guidelines, but let's say for argument's sake those standards can be better unified and monitored in time.
Whole Foods 365 brand also offers organic products at cheaper costs compared to some national brands mainly because Whole Foods can get better deals because they can buy in much bigger bulk thus extending the savings to their customer. For example, a bottle of organic ketchup at Whole Foods is around $1.99 where a bottle of Safeway's O organic ketchup can run around $2.69.
Goji Berry will go mainstream in the US: At most given times there is some power food that is trendy. Recently, there was Acai Berry. Goji Berry is appearing more and more in foods like cereal, food bars, and drinks in health stores or chains like Whole Foods whose shoppers tend to be more early adopters. Goji Berry is being touted for all its health benefits particularly its antioxidant beefiness, and I see it being the next popular super fruit in the mainstream in places like health-marketed cereal like Special K, waffles, cookies, bagels, and energy/health drinks like Gatorade or Fruit infused waters.
In fact, I have no doubt some manufacturer right now is working on or has out already a bottled Goji Berry infused water that will be marketed as, "Stay youthful and hydrated with the ant-aging properties of Goji Berry, a secret only previously known in the Himalayan mountains." Sounds like some magical elixir doesn't it?
So these are the food trends I see, what about you? What are your thoughts on food trends for 2010?
