Biggest Health and Food Trends for 2017

A new year means new trends, even in the food world! While on the fashion runway you can expect to see more khakis and platforms. On dinner plates, you’ll lavish in rich avocados and wholesome chia seeds. This, according to the “What’s Trending in Nutrition” survey from Pollock Communications and Today’s Dietitian magazine, which predicted these will be the top 10 superfoods of the year:

1. Seeds (chia and hemp)
2. Avocado
3. Nuts (almonds and walnuts)
4. Fermented foods (yogurt)
5. Ancient grains
6. Kale
7. Green tea
8. Coconut products
9. Exotic fruits
10. Salmon

The superfood trends speak to a larger shift toward clean and mindful eating versus dieting, according to Mara Honicker, publisher of Today’s Dietitian. In other words, eating with “purpose and care,” Honicker says in a news release. “There has been a consistent focus on foods that are nutrient-rich—like seeds, avocados and nuts—along with those that have health-promoting qualities, like fermented foods and green tea.”

At Integrative Nutrition, we define mindful eating as slowing down and being aware of the food you’re eating in that moment. It means putting down your phone, turning off the TV and just being present.

The “What’s Trending in Nutrition” survey found that 59 percent of consumers plan to eat clean by choosing fewer processed foods and consuming more whole foods—including veggies, fruits, ancient grains, nuts and seeds.

Compared with last year, dieticians say consumers will be less concerned with foods that are sustainable, GMO- or gluten-free, which they say could be the result of better food label transparency. In 2017, consumers will be more concerned with seeking sugar-free and low-sodium foods, the survey predicts.

Also trending this year: Pre-portioned meal delivery services. According to the survey, 45 percent of consumers are now using healthy meal or weight-loss menu delivery programs in order to eat healthier.

In addition, technology is playing a big role in healthier habits. Eighty-four percent of registered dieticians believe that technology—such as fitness apps—is helping consumers make better food choices and/or eat healthier. And 67 percent of dieticians recommend an app to plan and track food consumption. (Check out our list of health app recommendations here.)

Whatever the year brings, remember that food trends may come and go, but great nutrition is for life! In 2017, make a point to load up on all sorts of superfoods—not just the trending ones—and implement healthy lifestyle changes.

What do you think of these predictions? Are there any foods missing you’d add to the list?  Share with us in the comments below!