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food trends: October 2011

This month we look at more uses for seaweed, packaging-free grocery stores, innovative chocolate printers and other trends.

by Denise Shoukas

Male Shoppers Break the Mold

New research shatters the stereotype of men wandering aimlessly around grocery stores. In the study "Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus…Or Maybe Not?," an internet-based, nationwide survey of more than 2,200 shoppers, researchers discovered that during the recent recession, overall, men adopted a wide range of money-saving rituals and shopping strategies. They did so in much greater numbers than the traditional stereotype would indicate, making them act more like female shoppers. In fact, 35 percent of men now shop at multiple stores to find the lowest prices, and 35 percent purchase only needed items so they keep within a budget. And they've got lists in their hands—nearly two-thirds are making them, with 56 percent listing categories to buy; 16 percent listing specific brands to buy; and 12 percent listing specific private label/store brands to buy.

Packaging-Free Store

The first zero-waste grocery store in the country is slated to open in late fall in Austin, Texas. With an estimated square footage of 1,100, in.gredients will be "much like a neighborhood corner grocer," says Brian Nunnery, who leads business development for the store, along with partners Christian, Patrick and Joseph Lane and Christopher Pepe. But the shop is poised to revolutionize grocery shopping by reducing waste and promoting health as it eliminates packaged and overly processed food from its selection.

Considered a micro-grocery, the products sold will be available in bulk. But, says Nunnery, "we've expanded it from a typical bulk section that sells spices and grains to include dairy, cheese, wine and household cleaners, to name a few," he adds. Customers will bring their own reusable containers to fill with the mainly locally produced and organically grown groceries. When packaging is required by law, such as with meat products, the containers will be compostable and/or recyclable. in.gredients also plans to offer cooking classes, gardening activities and community-oriented events geared toward promoting healthy living.

More Portion Control

Cutting back on portions may be the least talked about nutritional guideline, but a recent study by market researcher NPD suggests that this strategy will be an important one in the future. In the research, 43 percent of respondents indicated that they ate smaller portions always or most of the time in the past year, while 57 percent aspire to eat smaller portions in the coming year. Specialty food manufacturers have been helping the cause by providing items like Garden Fresh Gourmet Hummus 100 Calorie Packs, and Raw Rev 100 Calorie Organic Live Food Bars. NPD also reports that portion control and smaller portions rank third in importance for consumers looking for healthier options when
dining at restaurants.

Seaweed: A New Secret Ingredient

When looking for nutritional enrichment for meat, bakery and pasta products, you may want to consider seaweed. According to a new study published in Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, natural seaweed extracts could offer health benefits to consumers, and also improve the quality and safety of food products. Researchers at the Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland, show that microalgae and seaweed extracts are rich in polyphenolic compounds, and may also have antimicrobial activities against major food spoilage and food pathogenic micro-organisms. Also, the addition of seaweed or its extracts to food products will reduce the use of chemical preservatives, allowing for more healthful products, and holds promise for the development of food products with low-sodium content and high content of other minerals.

"Made in the U.S.A." Matters

Consumers are increasingly looking for products made in America, according to a new research study from Perception Research Services International. The survey found that 80 percent of shoppers have seen a "Made in the U.S.A" claim when shopping and 60 percent say the claim influences their purchase decisions. In a tough economy, every little bit helps. The study also pointed out that consumers feel that "Made in the U.S.A." labeling provides a reassurance of quality and safety. U.S.A. labeling matters when it comes to food products, but it was considered less important for alcoholic beverages, which can be impressive when imported.

Cocoa Coffee?

Your morning cup of Joe may be changing. Crio Bru is made from cocoa beans that are roasted and milled to produce flavorful cocoa grounds. The grounds are brewed in the same way as coffee but have the health properties of dark chocolate. "Just like coffee, cocoa beans from different regions from around the world have unique flavor profiles, and we have searched the world for some of the best, most complex flavors available," says Dr. Eric Durtschi, vice president of product development of Crio Inc.

Crio Bru has a stimulant effect similar to caffeinated coffee. "The main stimulant is Theobromine, a gentler, longer lasting and a more natural type of energy," notes Durtschi. As for taste, "You could compare it more to a fine Arabica as opposed to a Robusta. Some taste of cinnamon and coconut, others hint of blackberries and green banana while others have an aroma of fine tobacco and roasted cherries," he adds. Similar in cost to premium coffee, Crio Bru can be mixed with sugar and cream, but Durtschi suggests drinking it black to truly appreciate the flavors.

3D Chocolate Printing

New technology may change the face of chocolate making. 3D printing machines, which have been used to manufacture everything from plastic design mocks to high-tech industrial parts, are now being used for something much more tasty—chocolate products. The process works by adding successive layers of chocolate until the item is complete. What makes it special is that users will be able to design and make their own products, and help consumers custom-design their own products, from a child's face to a favorite cartoon character. Currently, the researchers are looking to develop a consumer interface so that people will be able to upload their own chocolate designs for 3D printing and have them delivered. Currently, the machine is capable of printing approximately 12 x 12 x 12 inches in size. "If it is needed, we can certainly develop a larger or smaller machine," says lead researcher Dr. Liang Hao of University of Exeter. "The machine is intended for retailing or industrial use, but should also be available for personal rent to host parties, such as a child's birthday party," he adds.

Rosé Wine Buying Guides

The growth of the dry rosé wine category has seen double-digit sales increases in each of the past six years, giving retailers good reason to stock a wide variety. Making it easier is the 2011 Côtes de Provence Buying Guide, a new, free guide for the New York, Boston and Los Angeles trade markets from the Provence Wine Council. Retailers and wine buyers will discover an easy, accurate way to order Côtes de Provence AOC rosé wines, as well as find technical and pricing information to support sales to on- and off-premise customers, and a map and overview of the region. To download the guide, go to winesofprovence.com. To receive a hard copy, email provence@awscorp.com.

Denise Shoukas is a contributing editor to Specialty Food Magazine.