Bold predictions for grocery products in 2015

Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert, working closely with ConAgra Foods, predicted the most significant changes in 2015 in the food world will stem from a desire for bold-flavored foods that also offer health benefits.

"The top food trends for 2015 indicate people's palates are continuing to evolve and they are gravitating toward streamlined grocery shopping experiences that are convenient for their lifestyles," said Mr. Lempert. "In 2015, look for brands and merchants to advance their product offerings and shopping amenities to meet these demands."

Mr. Lempert's top food trends for 2015 include:

1. Grazing Golden-Agers: While snacking is on the rise among all ages and genders, new studies show that snacking among consumers over the age of 65 could contribute to additional years with a higher quality of life. When boomers snack, they'll focus on foods rich in nutrients like protein, fiber and Omega3s that can help promote bone health.
2. Same-Day Delivery Not Just for City Clickers: Peapod, Fresh Direct, Amazon Fresh and Instacart make it possible to have perishables like Healthy Choice Café Steamers delivered to your door in less than two hours. More brands will bundle multiple SKUs to create meal kits or offer pre-packaged sets of multiple products.
3. Everything Smoked: With smokers gaining in popularity in backyards across America, at-home cooks are also experimenting with smoking non-traditional foods.
4. The Rise of Fermented Foods: Increased knowledge about the impact foods have on our digestive health will lead to significant changes in the way consumers prepare food in 2015.
5. Gen Z Chefs Everyday: Exposed at a young age to more flavors and variety than previous generations, Gen Z's collective attitude toward food is simplicity and health.
6. Craft Foods Make Their Way into Kitchens Everywhere: Look for the craft beer trend to extend to other beverages and food, as Millennials in particular continue to seek unique tastes and foods with authentic origin stories.
7. Nutrition Labels - No Longer Just on Packaged Foods: As consumers want more information about their foods, innovative devices like Prep Pad will soon offer nutritional information instantaneously.
8. Supermarkets Convert into Socializing Spaces: Expect supermarkets to further specialize in order to present their customers with a unique experience that showcases their personality and philosophy toward foods - instead of presenting themselves solely as vendors of goods.

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