The following is a question-and-answer from Canada AM nutrition expert Leslie Beck on the food trends she expects to see in 2009, from white bread to meat alternatives.
Question: Tell us about the most surprising food trend of 2009...
I think the most interesting trend is actually a trend reversal. Believe it or not, you can expect white bread to make a strong comeback this year after years on the "less healthy" food list. But I am not talking about plain white bread. What's hot right now, and will continue to be in 2009, are the so-called "enhanced" white breads. These are white breads enriched with nutrients to provide some of the nutrient benefits of whole grain bread - vitamins, minerals and more fibre.
When it comes to nutrition, breads like Wonder Plus Bread resemble whole grain bread but they have the taste and texture of white bread so kids will eat it. And that makes many moms feel good about buying white bread for their families. These trends come from the 11th Annual Eating Patterns in Canada Report from the NPD Group. This report was released in November 2008.
Question: What are some of the other trends we are likely to see this year?
With our aging population - and one that is becoming increasingly health conscious - we will see people opting for healthier protein alternatives to traditional meat, chicken and pork. In 2009, consumers will be eating more turkey, fish, seafood and lean game meats like venison.
We will also see a strong trend towards buying products that have reduced salt and sugar contents. This was certainly seen in 2008 and will continue to get stronger in 2009. For instance, among potato chips, the fastest growing flavour is "lightly salted". Also hot in 2009, will be "no-sugar added" fruit juices and natural juices. Consumers are aware that too much salt and sugar is unhealthy and are looking for more nutritional alternatives. They don't want to give up these foods. Rather, they want versions that are better for them.
Yogurt with "added value" will continue to be sought after in 2009, driven by consumers' desire for a healthy and portable breakfast food, snack or dessert. Yogurts with added probiotics and omega-3 fats will also be popular this year.
Question: Omega-3 fats were hot this year. Will that trend continue in 2009?
Absolutely. Omega-3 fats are here to stay and they're popularity will continue to grow. Consumers are well aware of the health benefits of omega-3 fats, particularly when it comes to heart health, and are looking these fats for it wherever they can - juice, yogurt. milk, eggs, cheese, bread, etc. In 2009, you can expect to see omega-3 fats from fish oil and flax oil added to an increasing variety of food products.
Question: What won't be hot in 2009?
This year, Canadians will be eating fewer meals in restaurants. Even before the economic downturn hit us in early September, Canadians had expressed their desire to dine out less often. According to the latest Eating Patterns In Canada report from The NPD Group, a full 88% of respondents revealed their intentions to decrease the amount of time spent dining out in restaurants, choosing the comforts of home instead.
A majority of Canadians (59%) are also more conscious about the nutritional value of what they are eating than they were three years ago, with 67% of respondents noting that nutrition is an important attribute in the preparation of their evening meal.
