Sodium in Single Restaurant Meal More Than Recommended Daily Intake
A single adult restaurant meal at full-service American chain restaurants—including an adult entree, side dish, and shared appetizer—contained an average of 3,512 milligrams of sodium, or 153% more than the highest daily recommended limit for Americans age 2 years and up, according to a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. Adding on a nonalcoholic drink and a shared dessert raised the sodium level to 3,760 milligrams. The researchers also found that so-called “healthy choice” entrees tended to have lower calories than other entree categories but still often exceeded the recommended values for sodium. – Huffington Post
Sodium and Health in Americans’ Snacking
Eighty-five percent of Americans find healthy snacking difficult, according to a national survey conducted by market research company Kelton. However, many respondents reported a desire to eat healthier snacks, with 42% saying that they could commit to adding one healthy snack to their diet each day. A separate survey conducted by market research company Packaged Facts found that 50 million Americans who regularly consume snacks prefer those that are salty, but about 28% of people who reported this preference also reported eating only healthy snacks and exercising often. Manufacturers need to be “agile and fast-moving” to keep up with the challenges of today’s salty snackers, according to Packaged Facts. – Bakery and Snacks
In 2014, Salt May Be the “New Pepper”
Flavored salts may be among 2014’s top food trends, according to Christine Couvelier, executive chef and global culinary trendologist. Looking at trends from food shows, restaurants, and grocery stores, Couvelier said that “the number of flavored salts continues to grow…overtaking the pepper category.” Salt also falls into another trend category—customization—that is particularly strong and involves “letting customers put their own twists on foods” in restaurants, grocery stores, or at home, Couvelier said. – Canadian Grocer
Children’s Menu Trends
Healthier menu items for children may be a key driver of food and beverage sales in 2014, according to recent market research. Nearly one third of restaurant visits during 2013 included children, according to the NPD Group. A Mintel International study found that children chose the restaurant venue 26% of the time in 2013. Schools also are adapting to changes brought about by changes in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s School Nutrition Program, including new nutrition standards for school meals that call for sharp reductions in sodium. For example, the JTM Food Group has introduced a beef patty for the K–12 school food service market that contains 70% beef and 30% mushrooms and is lower in sodium than regular hamburgers. – Food Business News