Welcome to CB.com's 2012 food and dining predictions. I've always loved postulating about where food and food culture is headed. Sometimes I'm spot on, and other times I've failed miserably. We feel that we have a pretty good pulse on this industry and want to look into that crystal ball and lay out some educated guesses on what the food retail industry may look like like in 2012 without any of the Nicholas Cage Mayan calendar nonsense.
Let's continue with our educated guessing!
With so many past diet trends based on avoiding bread, it’s a wonder that baking and bread cookbooks are still selling off the shelves. America's eating populous always welcomes the newest trend or fad when it comes to quick and rapid weight loss. We've been duped for long enough when it comes to bread and grains, and we will see a resurgence in 2012 with our society gravitating towards a more traditional approach to these health friendly power punchers.
While people without medical restrictions continue to hop aboard the bread-free bandwagon as a wishful way to lose weight, education and insight about pound packing processed foods, will continue to grow and resonate with many people. Studies have continued to show that eating whole grains instead of refined grains lowers the risk of many chronic diseases. Sorry Cap'n Crunch - you've scraped and irritated the top of my mouth for long enough. While benefits are most pronounced for those consuming at least 3 servings daily, some studies show reduced risks from as little as one serving daily. Bam!
The message: every whole grain in your diet helps, significantly.
Restaurants in 2012 will continue their foray into this world of heart healthy grains. As technology and social media continue to crack the code on communicating healthy options to the masses, many restaurants will have to adapt their menus to the oncoming onslaught of inquires and requests for minimally process breads and confections.
2012 Food and Dining Predictions:
#5 - Cloud Eating and Cooking
