Trends

There are multiple signs mushrooms will be one of the top trending foods for the year ahead. The reason is simple: Fresh mushrooms’ multiple attributes align with the changing dynamics of both dining in and dining out. A nutrient powerhouse, mushrooms also bring a filling, comforting taste. 

My articles on food trends usually include exciting new products and some innovations in food manufacturing or packaging. But like everything else in 2020, this trend report is different because of the coronavirus pandemic. Companies are putting innovation on the back burner to focus on supply chain issues. Stocking shelves with innovative new products is less of a priority than stocking shelves, period.

Make every bite count with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) is the tagline of the 2020-2025 version as launched on December 29th. While much of the newly released version aligns with the previous DGAs, there are subtle nuances as showcased in the following four focus areas:

Our tensions are high, our nerves are frazzled and we are trying to stay calm and healthy.

We’re all aware that consumers’ food purchase, preparation and consumption habits have changed dramatically during the past nine months. One of the unintended consequences of these changes is trash. Residential trash volume spiked as much as 25% this spring, according to the trade group Solid Waste Association of North America. Everything from a reduced use of recyclable bags to a return to using single use plastics to an increase in deliveries has added to the problem. Empty pizza boxes, Amazon cartons, Styrofoam containers, and layers and layers of bags are causing household trash cans to overflow in this new stay-at-home era.

There is no doubt that being a farmer or farm worker this year has been treacherous. Not only have they had to deal with COVID-19, which has left many farmers with a substantially reduced labor force, but then, came the wildfires. The California governor’s office reports that farmers and rancher in the state report a 50% decrease in their production just due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most consumers are creatures of habit. They buy many of the same foods each week and prepare recipes that they are familiar with. However, many of your shoppers will be moving into the New Year thinking about ways they can eat healthier and manage the weight they may have gained during the pandemic. Help your customers reset their eating habits and keep them motivated by providing relevant tools and messages around taking small positive steps toward a healthier 2021. Here are some topics for educational activation:

IFIC research shows that improving and maintaining health are the top incentives for choosing nutrient-dense foods and beverages. But choosing the right foods isn’t as easy as people think. That’s where supermarket RDs come in. 

TikTok and Postmates have joined together to create TikTok Treats

While you may have missed the RDBA Virtual Experience, no worries, as we’re bringing the content to you. Three sessions during the virtual conference shared insights on consumer changes during COVID-19 as well as consumer behavior as related to food trends. Each recorded presentation is just 30 minutes, perfect to catch during your lunch hour, during a quick workout on your treadmill or as you wind down in the evening.