Networking and MLM Success
Depends on Identifying Trends
Nutrition trends for 2008
This year, expect to see a flood of new food products boasting their ailment-specific benefits -- everything from fighting colds to cancer, from easing arthritis to wrinkles.
"Artificial" is out and "authentic" is in.
Here's a look at the top nutrition trends that we predict will shape how we eat in the coming year.
Junk-free foods
The Mintel Global New Products Database predicts companies will be more aggressive in removing additives, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors and "otherwise unknown ingredients" from products to have "clean labels" and to make junk-free claims. Expect to see more products with ingredient labels that read like "a home recipe rather than a chemist's shopping list."
Naturally nutrient-rich
Even though sales of pumped-up foods and beverages have been soaring, a backlash against heavy fortification may be brewing. Lynn Dornblaser, a new products analyst for Mintel, predicts that people will be seeking more natural sources of nutrients. This desire for authentic nutrition is what drove the popularity of "superfruits" this year.
Ethical eating
Growing concerns about the environment, animal welfare and fair trade are fueling companies to declare their commitment to these issues on food labels. Foods and beverages with an ethical positioning doubled this year, according to Mintel. With "eating green" predicted to be even bigger in the coming year
Phytonutrients and Antioxidents
These natural plant compounds with names that don't exactly roll off your tongue -- polyphenols, flavonoids, quercetin, lycopene, lutein and anthocyanins -- are about to go mainstream, Sloan predicts. Studies suggest phytonutrients have disease-fighting properties that are even mightier than vitamins and minerals.
Better-for-you kids' food
Worries over childhood obesity and the influence of marketing to kids have forced a new generation of children's foods. A positive nutritional profile will be required for getting into the kids' market, said Dornblaser. She predicts more fruit snacks that actually contain fruit, juice drinks with less sugar and more organic foods for kids.
Brain food
Certain food compounds -- from omega-3s in fish oils to flavonoids in cocoa -- may have the ability to improve memory, sharpen concentration and even reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. This year, brain claims nearly tripled, according to Datamonitor's Productscan Online.
Being good to your gut
It seems we've never been more interested in our intestines. Nearly 200 new products touting digestive health benefits were introduced this year, according to Datamonitor, an online research firm. Some are fortified with fiber that benefits our good intestinal bacteria.
Foods with fullness
With our collective girth getting worse, consumers will remain hungry for foods that can help them lose weight. Look for more foods to promote hunger control and showcase their rankings on the satiety index to help dieters stay on track.
Eating to ease inflammation
Aging baby boomers are driving the demand for "joint health" foods and beverages. Store shelves will likely be stocked with more products promising pain relief, either from arthritis or exercise.
