4 Food Trends Driven More by Consumers' Fears Than Science
If I learned one thing at the 2016 American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo, it's that cruising the exhibit hall's many aisles of new and exciting products can be exhausting -- especially when wearing stilettos all day. OK, fine: I also learned a lot by attending lectures on current nutrition trends and breakthrough science, and by simply networking with my many amazing colleagues.
This year, several themes permeated both the lecture halls and the exhibits. Sustainability was in the forefront, with a message that keeps resonating with me: Sustainable food is good for you, good for the planet and actually tastes good. Other positive trends included gut health (probiotics and prebiotics), plant-based foods ( pulses are huge), 100-percent whole grains and convenient packaging. Can I hear an Amen?
But four trends bothered me because they're not supported by the majority of science -- at least for now. Exhibitors reasoned that they are partially answering to consumer demand, and I get that -- businesses need to make money. And, as long as the consumer is not being harmed in any way, why not provide them with what they want? Because sometimes, they're not as educated as they could be about their choices. So before you jump on board any of these bandwagons, get the facts:
[See: 8 Food Trends Expert Pray Will Never Return.]
1. Organic
If I have said it once, I have said it a zillion times: Buying organic is a food preference (and I definitely believe in preferences) and buying conventional products is not a poor reflection of you. Organic produce is grown without the use of pesticides (well actually, it uses organic pesticides), synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically-modified organisms or ionizing radiation. Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. As of today, science finds no clear nutritional advantage in consuming organic products. Therefore, my No. 1 priority is that people eat their fruits and veggies -- regardless of the farming practices.
2. Non-GMO
If you ask the majority of scientists, they will confirm that genetically-modified food is 100 percent safe for human consumption; however, the average consumer begs to differ. That's where I think fear mongering has taken off. The average consumer shouldn't purport to know more than scientists who have spent their lives studying something. Once again, I will consider this food trend a preference. If you are uncomfortable with GMOs, don't buy foods that contain them. (Congress passed a bill in July that will require food companies to disclose GMOs in some way, shape or form.) But don't be fooled into thinking that your food is nutritionally better for you. Also, be aware that some foods are now being labeled as non-GMO just to increase sales. Take non-GMO water, for example: There isn't even any genetically-modified water to begin with.
[See: 'Healthy' Foods You Shouldn't Be Eating.]
3. Gluten-Free
Much to my chagrin, this trend remains strong. Gluten-free products are definitely important for people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, but they are not necessarily a better choice for everyone else. And they're definitely not the key to weight loss, as many consumers think. As with my water example above, many companies are labeling their foods as gluten-free when the original version didn't include gluten either. Do they do this to attract the consumer who believes that gluten-free eating is synonymous with healthy eating? Maybe. Do they do it because they are listening to the demands from people who medically need to avoid gluten? I hope so.
[See: The 10 Best Diets for Healthy Eating.]
4. "Clean" Food
So many consumers are looking for foods that are "clean," and companies are touting foods that have "no artificial ingredients." I have always relied on science to make sure my food was safe to eat and accepted those foods that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration generally recognizes as safe -- and I don't consider myself naive. However, if someone doesn't feel comfortable with certain foods, it's his or her preference not to buy them. But do these foods without any artificial ingredients have more vitamins and minerals? Not necessarily. Whether you choose these products or not, let's stop referring to them as "clean." That only makes me thing I should be doing laundry.
Keri Gans, MS, RDN, CDN, is a registered dietitian/nutritionist, media personality, spokesperson, and author of The Small Change Diet. Gans's expert nutrition advice has been featured in Glamour, Fitness, Health, Self and Shape, and on national television and radio, including The Dr. Oz Show, Good Morning America, ABC News, Primetime, and Sirius/XM Dr. Radio.
