Top Food & Nutrition Trends 2013

Post by Paula Jahn, Co-owner and Dietitian at Nourish Northwest

It’s time again to take a look at the year in food. While some of 2012’s food and diet trends gained strength in 2013, some (thankfully) fell to the wayside. Our top picks from last year, Paleo and Gluten-Free, remain at the top of the list. As a dietitian, I am grateful to see the marginalization of the HCG diet and Atkins-type diets over the years. Below, I have listed some of 2013’s major food trends in three categories: Food Policy, Wackiest Diet and Old Becomes New.

FOOD POLICY

Will 2014 finally be the year of the nationwide ban on trans fat? Many companies have voluntarily phased out the harmful fats, cities have forbade them in restaurants, and now the Food and Drug Administration has proposed an outright ban. Commissioner of the FDA, Margaret Hamburg, said the ban could prevent 7,000 deaths per year.

Another food policy item that gained momentum in 2013 is the genetically modified organism (GMO) labeling lobby. Connecticut became the first state to pass a GMO labeling law. Like last year in California, voters in Washington state had a chance to vote for labeling of GMO foods. Both states were so close to passing the act that it is a matter of time before we see voters beat out large agriculture companies. Proponents are already collecting signatures for ballot measures in Oregon and Colorado for 2014. Stay tuned!

WACKIEST DIET

Every year, there is a new extreme, dangerous diet that gains popularity. Last year, it was the tube feeding diet popularized by brides-to-be. This year, it’s the Cotton Ball Diet. The idea of filling one’s stomach up with a non-caloric substance before eating is not new. Companies such as Skinny Body Care and FullBar claim to use undigestible fiber to give a sense of fullness so the eater consumes less food at meal time. Aside from being potentially dangerous in the case of cotton balls, there is no scientific evidence that the theory actually works. These trends will come and go every year as millions of dollars are spent to find a way to avoid having to work for weight loss.

OLD BECOMES NEW

These are the “good news” trends of 2013. People are tapping into traditional practices and food ways now more than ever. These are trends that aren’t really trends. I hope they stand test of time and are (re)incorporated into mainstream. The two that I’ll highlight here are: fermenting and ancient grains.

Fermented foods have always been a part of American food culture in the form of cheese, bread and alcohol. This year, there was a heightened awareness of healthy bacteria (i.e. probiotics) and gut health. people are seeking out healthy bacteria in many forms as evidence mounts on their health benefits. From fermented beverages such as kombucha and kefir to miso and kimchi, there is a resurgence of these traditional food in the mainstream markets.

In the midst of the grain-free Paleo craze, ancient grains have become a nutrition buzzword in 2013. More people have tried quinoa, amaranth or sorghum in the last few years as these grains are used in processed food products instead of common wheat and corn cereal grains. Part of their popularity stems from the fact that many are naturally gluten-free (see Top Food Topics and Trends 2012). Be prepared to see much more of these traditional grains in 2014!