Food trends to watch out for in 2009

Q. With the new year underway, I am wondering what new food trends you see emerging.

A. I do see some new trends unique to 2009, as well as a continuation of some of last year’s trends.

The biggest, newest trend I see is a result of a growing interest in watching our spending. With the recession upon us, many people are looking at their food bill and making cuts. Some of these changes are positive as far as nutrition is concerned, since one of the biggest trends I am seeing is people cooking and eating at home more often and eating out less. Often the meals we prepare at home are healthier, smaller and contain less fat, calories and salt than those prepared in restaurants.

We are purchasing fewer prepared foods and treats, focusing on staples instead. In addition, when we do eat out, we are eating smaller portions, as people are sharing more often, ordering one course rather than two. More of us are bringing lunch to work rather than eating restaurant food, which means we are cutting back on calories, fat, salt, sugar and portion size.

Another trend that is a continuation from last year but expanding in 2009 is the push toward buying local foods. Grocery stores are advertising meats, produce, dairy and baked goods that are locally grown and produced. This is in an effort to protect the environment by making our carbon footprint smaller as well as supporting our local economy. In many cases, when we purchase local foods, we are buying in season and getting fresher and healthier food.

The interest in organics is still expanding, and at a great rate, as organics are becoming increasingly affordable and appear in most grocery stores.

The trend to list and/or remove trans fat continues. Don’t be fooled by claims on the front of the box that say foods have no trans fat – read the ingredients.

Tea is a hot trend, with more varieties available, and foods with added nutrients such as calcium and omega 3 continue to be available, as does a push for more “natural” foods with fewer preservatives. More products that are lower in sodium and sugar are being introduced.

All in all, I think we’ll see some healthy trends in 2009 and we’ll find new products that may be a welcome addition to our diets.

Lisa Weinberg is a registered dietitian/nutritionist in Toronto, in private practice and at the Genesis Professional Group. If you have any nutrition questions, please send them to The CJN.