7 Nutrition Trends for 2011 from the Nutrition Communications Experts at NutriTalk™

May 24, 2011 - PRLog -- Here are our current “Top 7 Nutrition Trends for 2011” that we shared with our clients. Now that we are in the second quarter of the year, we are amazed at how much our nutrition forecast has been shown to be true.  Our current nutrition forecast can be found below. If you desire, you can view our past predictions for 2010 and 2009.

At NutriTalk™, we believe by knowing where the marketplace is going in the immediate future you are better able to position your products and programs in the next year.  Here are the ‘Top 7 Nutrition Trends for 2011’ from our trusted nutrition communications experts.

NutriTalk™ Top 7 Nutrition Trends for 2011

Weight Management Simplified
Protein Power
Pint-Sized Nutrition
Global Departures
Natural And Healthy
Sodium Shakeout
Feel Good Foods

Trend #1 Weight Management Simplified

Weight Management Simplification – The nation continues to be overweight and various government-led nutrition programs, from the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans to the First Lady Michelle Obama’s unveiling of her "Childhood Obesity Action Plan.” These programs continue to focus on easy ways to reduce calories and increase energy expenditure.  We believe that unless the weight management solutions offered to consumers are very simple, such as substituting nonfat milk or yogurt for 2% milk dairy foods or adding a piece of fresh fruit to lunch every day, American consumers will not adopt new healthier habits, such as more fresh fruits and vegetables. An easy way to simplify the messages is to position nutrient-filled products as the ideal way to consume “quality calories.”  This year will be a more realistic view of healthy calorie controlled food choices and less telling people what to eat or not eat, but instead how to make healthier options.

After reflecting on the NutriTalk™ nutrition trends for 2011, we believe that quality calories will be a focus of many consumers as they age, become more health –conscious and raise their families. As this trend grows, we believe that consumers will begin to expect foods that are nutrient- rich. A cereal or entree will have to soon be tweaked to have more nutrients than its competitor by using natural foods and spices.  To do this we believe manufacturers will be reaching for culinary ideas from other nations where people consume produce-filled meat and entrees seasoned with spices.

Trend #2 Protein Power  

Protein Packed Perks - Nutrition experts have slowly encouraging consumers to eat protein at every meal. Studies have shown that protein is more filling than carbohydrates or fats. When we analyzed many of the new nutrition programs on the market, it was clear to our nutrition research experts that they are the new secret weapon in weight control. Although many people are overweight and desire to lose weight, we know they are not willing to suffer with gnawing hunger pains. An added benefit of protein is that it helps preserve lean muscle mass and is more better able to preserve bone mass during weight loss.

Our nutrition communications experts are helping our clients to emphasize weight management nutrition messages that encourage plenty of high-quality protein, together with 3 servings of low-fat dairy a day, to protect bones while consumers whittle away their middles. As an added benefit they also get Vitamin D, a vitamin that many researchers feel is inadequate in most diets. The reinvention of dairy foods, whether it is flavorings from chocolate to strawberry, we believe milk will make a comeback as an ultra-convenient portable source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D. We are already noticing more intense athletic programs promoting the benefits of low-fat chocolate milk.

Trend #3 Pint-Sized Nutrition

Petite Treats – Although many consumers are limiting their indulgences, not only as a result of the current economy and high food prices but because they are not willing to give up the treats that they use to have regularly, such as premium chocolates and coffee.  With fast-food chains taken customers away from the deluxe coffee houses, consumers are receiving their small indulgences are a fraction of the cost. Notice that candy manufacturers’ are also focusing on small indulgences, to help economy-sensitive weight conscious people have an occasional nutrition splurge. At NutriTalk™
We feel this is a trend that will be similar to private label brands in that consumers, once they have a cost-effective way to indulge their nutrition whimsy, they will continue to buy these items as long as they remain tasty and low cost.

Trend #4 Natural And Healthy

Fresh Foods With Natural Features – Although some consumers are starting to grow and can their own vegetables, most are purchasing them at the local supermarket or community farmer’s market. Colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables sell well and give the buyer a perception that they are eating more healthfully. ‘Good-For-You Foods’ continue to be a popular trend that consumers are willing to pay for, even in this economy.

Most produce departments are doing more business now that packaged salad mixes, and pre-cut fruits and vegetables, like apple slices and chopped broccoli to save time. While pre-packaged produce is often a more expensive option to fresh produce, many people will continue to value convenience instead choosing to spend a few more cents in order to have more time spent on other activities, like family time.

Trend #5 Global Departures

International Dining At Home – The world continues to get smaller as we easily communicate with those in other countries on the internet. Since many more people now travel to remote locations whether it is for pleasure or as part of business, we believe that the diversity of healthy international food choices will grow. We expect that cuisines of Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela as well as more regional Indian and Korean foods will expand, even in the smallest towns in the country.

Our nutrition communications experts believe that in the next few years there will be an array of entrees from other countries that are high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant-based foods that are flavored with herbs, spices, and less sodium. By adding more plant-filled foods with an ethnic flair, many consumers may be more willing to try exotic vegetables, such as Manzano, custard apples and using spices such as cardamom more often. Often by experiencing a potato rich dish, with for example chayote potato-like vegetable, consumers may be more willing to experiment with fruits and vegetables and thus meeting the recommendations to eat more fruits and vegetables for better health and weight control.

NutriTalk ™ believes that by adding more produce, herbs, and spices, consumers will be better able to adopt more nutritious health promoting habits.

If you want to see the rest of the nutrition forecast from the nutrition communications experts, please visit http://nutritioncommunicationexperts.com/Nutrition-Expert....

We did a great job of predicted where the foods and nutrition marketplace was headed in the next decade according to our nutrition communications clients. Now it is your turn to let us know if you think we have a pulse on the nutrition marketplace!

Nutrition Communications Experts Forecast Trends for 2011
Weight Management Simplified
Protein Power
Pint-Sized Nutrition
Global Departures
Natural And Healthy
Sodium Shakeout
Feel Good Foods

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We provide knowledge & strategic direction to help solve your business problems and implement creative nutrition communications solutions. When you need the services of nutrition professionals, consider NutriTalk™, the nutrition communications experts.