SANTA MONICA, Calif. Although devoid of any startling recommendations, the updated United States Department of Agriculture dietary guidelines in conjunction with technological advancements and First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” program positions 2011 as the year of the diet, according to an article in this month’s edition of Food Nutrition & Science.
According to Phil Lempert, founder of Food Nutrition & Science and CEO of The Lempert Report and SupermarketGuru.com, 2011 will mark the time when Americans make permanent, positive changes in their diets.
“People will stop demonizing single nutrients or ingredients and begin approaching food more holistically,” says Lempert. “Shoppers will circle the aisles seeking foods rich in substance, vitamins, minerals and, of course, taste.”
Lempert says in 2011 shoppers can expect easier-to-read labels, produce stickers that highlight the health benefits, products with Vitamin D to be touted everywhere and sodas with less carbonation, a blend of Stevia and sugar to keep calories low, and more fruit based flavors.
In addition, Lempert adds that “local” products will be huge and shoppers can expect major food companies to introduce regional flavors and items based on what’s local to their area.
“Also watch for Food Apps as technology not only allows for in-store information, but also will be used as the checkout,” says Lempert. ”
A scan of the bar code will tell you everything you need to know to decide what to buy, and then adds to your list automatically. Expect Instant Messages with specials that last for a maximum of a half-hour targeting your likes and dislikes and offering tremendous savings.”