Seeds, nuts and green tea have been highlighted in the fourth annual “What’s Trending in Nutrition” survey from Pollock Communications and Today’s Dietitian. The survey asked 1700 registered dieticians about their predicted top performing superfoods of 2017.
Dietitians are attributing the latest shift in consumer food perception to the growing trend of “mindful eating,” a slower and more thoughtful approach to eating. Based on the survey, 49 percent of RDs say that consumers will choose mindful eating over dieting. In addition, 59 percent say consumers will choose to “eat clean,” by looking to consume foods that are less processed and more whole foods such as veggies, fruits, ancient grains and green tea, as well as plant-based proteins like nuts and seeds.
Mara Honicker, publisher of Today’s Dietician, said: “Our connection with Registered Dieticians – the real authorities on all matters of food and nutrition – has enabled us to document the movement towards mindful eating. This annual increase in attention to eating with purpose and care is also reflected in the top 10 superfood trends. 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.”