Food trends: smarter snacks, new proteins, better breakfasts

Two months into 2013, and the food trends predicted by Paul Lempert, The Supermarket Guru, are spot on. Three of his predictions, and SunButter recipes to keep you on trend:

TREND: Snacking & Mini-Meals Take the Spotlight and We Discover the Correct Portion Size

As Paul says, “Snacking has gotten a bad rap, and that is about to change. One recent study reported that ‘people who eat snacks have healthier diets.’ The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported research that followed 30 thousand men over a sixteen-year period and found that those who ate just two meals a day had a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Sales of SunButter on-the-go snack packs are robust, and we’re exited about how people are creating and enjoying nut-free snacks.

Here are the two most-viewed nut-free snack SunButter recipes from our online recipe box:

 Nut-free SunButter hummus - Favorite vehicles for this creamy smooth snack are fruits, crackers and veggies like these carrots and green onions on toothpicks:

Custom SunButter energy bars, where you add what you like (raisins, coconut, flax seeds, nut-free chocolate chips)–and leave out what you don’t. Make a big basic batch, then customize a few of each, so everyone snacks happy!

TREND: The New Proteins

“Proteins are part of every cell, tissue, and organ in our bodies; and are constantly being broken down and replaced,” Paul explains. “The desire for and interest in protein is hot and it is about body composition, sports, satiety and maintaining muscle mass as you get older.” He specifically mentions shifts to low cost/high protein options like peanut and other nut butters.

Check out SunButter’s nutrition facts to find varieties that can power up your protein intake.

TREND: Breakfast Becomes The Most Important Meal of the Day

“The benefits of breakfast are becoming hard to dispute,” Paul says. “From kids doing better in school and having less behavioral issues, to maintaining a more normal weight, more energy, better mood, and even improved memory.” Some of his suggestions:

- Yogurt with granola or cereal

- Veggie omelet with whole grain bread

- Yogurt-based fresh or frozen fruit smoothie alongside eggs

Nut and seed butters like almond, peanut, and sunflower are not only protein rich, but rich in essential minerals as well; slice banana or strawberries on top. Nut and seed butters are extremely versatile and can even be mixed in with oatmeal to increase the nutrition content of this already nutritious breakfast choice.

Thanks, Paul!

Two of the most-liked Breakfast Recipes from our Instagram Feed

SunButter banana muffins, topped here with a blend of cinnamon and honey:

 SunButter granola:

See all Paul’s 2013 Food Trends. And of course, please share what’s trending in your food world on our Facebook page or Instagram feed.