While Google has already revealed that this year's most-searched diets were the Paleo diet (also known as the Caveman Diet) as well as the juice cleanse diet, what's in store for next year? Nutritionists make their predictions.
Announced December 26, U.S. nutrition trade magazine Today's Dietitian released a survey of more than 500 dietitians on their predictions for rising nutrition trends, citing next year's biggest trend as gluten-free.
The gluten-free Paleo diet falls into this category, as does the "wheat belly" diet, created by cardiologist William R. Davis and based on his New York Times bestselling book. The principle: wheat is toxic, addictive, and makes you want to eat more junk foods.
"Despite the lack of evidence to support wheat- or gluten-elimination diets for weight loss or health -- not associated with a clinical disorder or disease -- consumers are still looking for ways to control their weight," says Dr. Jenna A. Bell, senior vice president and director of food and wellness at Pollock Communications, a New York City-based health and wellness public relations firm.
Other popular trends include serving up ancient grains, such as spelt, amaranth, quinoa, millet, and kamut. Also U.S. consumers will eat more kale (served hot or cold), coconut oil, and omega-3 ALA-rich chia seeds.
Those surveyed also said that consumers are grocery shopping with an eye on "healthy" foods, and 66 per cent of the respondents said that consumer interest in nutrition and weight loss will only grow in 2014. Also, according to the survey, consumers are looking for more eco-labels in 2014, with an eye toward locally grown products and sustainable goods.
Also more doctors, nutritionists, and health-focused chefs will be joining the ranks of famed U.S. cardiologist Dr. Oz with more televised programs promoting health and nutrition, according to the survey. Also, consumers are expected to turn to diet and health blogs for advice, with more bloggers -- whether they write about being a parent or lifestyle -- focusing on health issues.
Still, the survey found that most Americans haven't budged when it comes to their weight, with more Americans becoming complacent about their unhealthy body weight.
Food Trends 2014
So Long Chicken?(01 of15)
Open Image ModalPicky eaters beware, you may not see as many chicken options on menus anymore. Restaurants are honouring more adventurous eaters and diners' palates with a variety of meat options instead of relying on chicken dishes, which are often dubbed "safe." (credit:Shutterstock)
Move Over Boring Cobb Salad(02 of15)
Open Image ModalCobb salads will still be popular next year, but forget typical toppings like bacon and chicken breast, and think crispy avocados, jerk chicken and Scotch bonnet peppers. (credit:Shutterstock)
Haute Comfort Foods(03 of15)
Open Image ModalYou may start seeing highbrow peanut butter and jelly sandwiches taking over some joints. In 2014, chefs will be going back to childhood favourites and making high-end versions of classic comfort foods. Think truffle perogies or bacon-leek marmalade poached eggs. (credit:Shutterstock)
Hybrid Heaven(04 of15)
Open Image ModalChefs are suddenly turning into mad scientists and whipping up some not-so-scary kitchen hybrids. We've already seen the popularity of the cronut in 2013, but trends forecast more ramen burgers, souffle and brioche hybrids and even dessert pizzas with Nutella. (credit:Getty Images)
We All Scream For Ice Cream (Sandwiches)!(05 of15)
Open Image ModalCupcakes and doughnuts won't be as popular going into 2014. Trend seekers are expecting ice cream sandwiches to get all the attention, and hey, we're not complaining. (credit:Shutterstock)
Play Your Chips Right(06 of15)
Open Image ModalWe won't be seeing that many chips and dip dishes, but we can expect alternatives like fried potatoes, beef tender crisps or crostinis with dip. (credit:Shutterstock)
Oiling Up(07 of15)
Open Image ModalChefs are stepping away from basics like olive oil and getting their hands dirty with oil flavours like avocado, hazelnut and sesame seed. Even mixologists are getting into the groove with oil-enhanced cocktails. (credit:Shutterstock)
Old Is New Again(08 of15)
Open Image ModalEverything "old" is coming back in style. We're talking about the return of pickling, fermenting and homemade bread, so your grandparents should feel right at home. (credit:Shutterstock)
Ice Ice Baby(09 of15)
Open Image ModalIce isn't just for chilling anymore. Bars will be more likely to infuse their ice cubes with herbs and other ingredients for cocktails. (credit:Shutterstock)
Veg Out!(10 of15)
Open Image ModalNot Your Parents' BBQ(11 of15)
Open Image ModalThe next time you want some slow roasted barbecue ribs, you won't have to wait around until the summer. Chefs are taking back classic barbecuing techniques and adding them to restaurant menus. (credit:Shutterstock)
Frozen Booze(12 of15)
Open Image ModalYes. You read this right. In 2014, chefs will be experimenting with solid cocktails, or as we like to call them, heatwave healers. (credit:Shutterstock)
Go Nutty(13 of15)
Open Image ModalSo almond milk comes from ... almonds? Yes. Pasty chefs are going vegan and sticking to nuttier flavours of milk like almond and pecan to make their delectable dishes. (credit:Shutterstock)
Under The Sea(14 of15)
Open Image ModalSalmon and shrimp are so 2013 (as well as the decade previous). It looks like we're heading towards restaurant menus featuring everything under the sea, including sea beans and fish cheeks. (credit:Shutterstock)
Tea Time(15 of15)
Open Image ModalIf you're looking for ways to cut back on your booze intake next year, this is the perfect concoction for you. Tea, both hot and cold, will be just as popular as alcoholic beverages. (credit:Shutterstock)