Food Trends Coming to a Neighborhood Near You
Food is a necessity to sustain life. However, we place many different emphases on food other than keeping us hustling and bustling.
Today’s culture of foodies is more particular than ever about what they eat and why. As such, trends continue to emerge in the realm of food availability and preparation. Here are some trends you may see in your area.
Glammed-Up Grocery Stores
The institutional-like grocery store layouts and designs of the past are making way for newer shopping experiences. While the 1990s were about packing many conveniences into the grocery store, such as dry cleaning, banking and other services, new stores strive to make shopping a recreational experience. Traditional aisle layouts are giving way to an “open market” feel, and you’re more likely to find specialty food bars, soft lighting and upscale wood flooring to make the store a special retreat.
Emphasis on Local and Organic
People are taking notice of what they put in their shopping carts and on their dinner tables. As the world turns more eco-conscious, shoppers want to know more about the foods they eat. The growing popularity of organic foods has pushed supermarket chains to offer a greater variety of organic foods. To meet the needs of budget-conscious shoppers, some chains are even marketing their own brand of organic foods that are supposed to be more affordable than other pricey organics. Interest in locally grown products has also reached new heights. Shoppers are more conscious of how far foods have to be shipped to reach their supermarkets, and local produce is a “greener” option. The term “locavore,” for a person who seeks locally grown and produced foods, was actually designated as the New Oxford American Dictionary new word of 2007.
Nutraceuticals on the Rise
Food based health cures are also a trend that continues to grow in popularity. Foods are doing double duty in many instances, providing nutrition as well as added health benefits. For example, the active bacteria in yogurt has long been known to offer certain health advantages. Probiotics are being added to yogurts for other stomach-friendly effects. Other foods that claim to do everything from reducing cholesterol to revving up energy are making their way onto store shelves.
Say Bye-Bye to Bottled Water
Again, as people look to green alternatives for their lifestyles, they’re realizing that bottled water may not fit into that plan. The fact that so many discarded plastic water bottles end up in landfills rather than in recycling bins and that many “spring fresh” water brands are no better for you than water straight from the tap, is causing people to rethink bottled water. Expect to find a greater number of people turning to filter units that hook up to kitchen sinks, or simply taking a swig straight from the tap.
Whole Grains Hoopla
Shoppers are looking for whole grains in their foods and more products are becoming available. Whole grain cereals, pastas, rices, and breads are just as popular at stores as their white flour counterparts. Also expect to see exotic grains, such as amaranth, quinoa, teff, millet, and Kamut to go mainstream.
