The KosherEye View
Photo credit: Supermarket Guru
As we do each year, we try to use our crystal ball and see into the food future. With the help of several of our favorite online resources*, we, along with some prominent culinary experts, present some widely held predictions for 2013 culinary trends. We invite you to share your thoughts and predictions with us! We look forward to a year of exciting and innovative kosher introductions.
Food Prices
Due to inclement weather in parts of the country, once again some food prices are forecast to go up, up, up. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates the cost of both beef and chicken will increase by at least 5% because of the 2012 drought and a declining supply. However couponing, frequent shopper loyalty cards, online deals, the growing use of mobile apps, and the proliferation of budget friendly signature store products, many of them kosher, will offset some of these price increases. Additionally the budget conscious kosher shopper can continue to turn to Jdeal and other sites for kosher discounts.
The Protein Shift
A major shift is anticipated in the nation's protein consumption is predicted, away from meat-based protein to meatless proteins like eggs, nuts, tofu, beans and legumes. Baby boomers trying to avoid diabetes, high blood pressure and heart Disease lead this movement. Boomers will control more than 50% of the dollars spent on grocery foods by 2015. Look for more heart-healthy antioxidant-rich foods including oily fish such as salmon, as well as green tea, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, popcorn, berries and whole grains.
Food Traceability and Label Transparency
2013 will be a transitional year for label transparency. Package labeling claims are still confusing to most consumers. Look for supermarkets to take on the role of gatekeeper, requiring proof and transparency of claims before they will permit products to be sold on their shelves. (Kudos for this!) The Aware Shopper, who is more informed and knowledgeable about value and health, is increasingly influencing the market. More and more shoppers realize that there is always at least one more level of supervision on kosher products. Perhaps that is one explanation for the ever-increasing growth of the kosher niche.
The Year of the Vegetable
Veggies are set for stardom
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