Predicted Nutrition Trends for 2016

Much like fashion, nutrition trends come and go
frivolously in hopes of being one that will stick with consumers. Published in Today’s Dietitian magazine, registered dietitians from across the nation weighed in on what products they think will be “trending” this coming year.

Here are a few things they foresee:

Souping – “Souping is the new juicing,” according to Rachel Beller, MS, RDN, CEO of Beller Nutritional Institute. Souping isn’t referring to bone broth diets that you drink before a meal to suppress your appetite, but rather to exclusive soup meal plans that even include desserts.

Sprouted Grains – Sprouted grains provides increased vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, increased digestibility, and nutrient absorption. Sprouting creates enzymes that make plant proteins, essential fatty acids, starches, and vitamins more available for absorption. You can expect to see sprouted grains in cereals, snack bars, rice, and risotto mixes.

More Products With Less Sugar – On average, we as Americans consume around 22 teaspoons of added sugar per day. This without question is leading to an industrial push of decreasing sugar in food products. As a result, companies will probably turn to more “natural sweeteners” like stevia, maple syrup, agave syrup, etc.

Probiotic Push – Probiotics are most often found in food products such as yogurt. With research proving a strong relation between a healthy gut and brain connection, probiotics will continue to be a hot topic. According to Sarah-Jane Bedwell, RD, LDN, a dietitian from Nashville, “looking into 2016, it won’t be uncommon to find probiotic-fortified foods and beverages, such as orange juice, cereals, and waters.”

International Year of Pulses – Pulses include lentils, dry beans, beans, and chickpeas. Pulses are a vital source of plant-based proteins and amino acids. They can be expected to be seen in snack bars, prepackaged salads with edamame and roasted soy nuts, and in soups. –SY

*This list was revised from Today’s Dietitian magazine. For a complete list follow this link http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/1215p26.shtml