Our Changing Food Demographics.

Our food demographics are changing. It's evident in our supermarkets and shopping carts. Companies are taking how we eat as well as our passions into consideration. What is happening is  new food trends are emerging and it's heading towards more exotic fare becoming ordinary.

This was the subject of a very interesting article in today's New York Times Tuesday Business section, The piece, written by Stephanie Strom tracks what American consumers are buying for their meals and snacks. It turns out that sales of ethnic foods rose 4.5 percent and will increase in the upcoming years. We are moving away from traditional comfort foods and Yankee classics and buying more Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods. This could be because of our longing for healthier diets. Both consist of more grains and produce than the usual diet of burgers and fried or sugary foods.

Other emerging trends are Asian and Latino influenced. The more traditional Campbell's Soup is adding such exotic ingredients like lemongrass and coconut to its' tomato soup while noodles in some of  their soups are being replaced with the hipper and healthier quinoa. Younger consumers are also shying away form classic soda brands like Coke and Pepsi and embracing the brightly colored Jarritos soda. This is a more natural brand that features more fruitier taste in traditional glass bottles. Other trends include combining snacks and dinner to create a tastier and more fun meal.

How we eat influences who and what we are. We also influence what companies make and sell too. That translates to a varied and tasty American palate.