Pollock Communications, a New York-based public relations agency with long-standing relationships in the food and wellness industry, said it surveyed more than 200 registered dietitians (RDs) in the company’s network to identify the top 2012 nutrition trends for consumers and food companies. The survey revealed five nutrition trends that will make news and could potentially provide product development opportunities on both the national brand and store brand sides. The trends include:

1. Go Green and Add Some Spice!
Unprocessed natural foods will be the biggest consumer nutrition trend in 2012, Pollock said. Most RD respondents (72 percent) predicted that consumers will continue to demand more local, organic, sustainable, fresh, minimally processed foods.

With consumers returning to the table and cooking at home, they will become more aware of where their food is coming from and what it contains, the company added. Almost half of RDs (46 percent) also agreed that simplifying the ingredient list will play a key role in dietary modifications in the coming year, while 39 percent and 37 percent said the same for sodium reduction and the elimination of high-fructose corn syrup, respectively. In addition, consumers will look to spice things up with exotic and ethnically diverse flavors and cuisines.

2. Diet Trifecta: Vitamins, Minerals and Fiber!
Almost all RD respondents (96 percent) emphasized more antioxidants and phytonutrients in the diet, Pollock said, and many of them (59 percent) said consumers need more vitamins and minerals. While most respondents agreed that consumers are already consuming enough protein, carbohydrates and fats, they indicated Americans are lacking sufficient amounts of fiber from whole grains and fruits and vegetables.

3. 'Tis the Season!
Almost all RD respondents (94 percent) agreed there will be a bigger push for Americans to consume more fruits and vegetables in the coming year, the company said. Eating seasonal and local plant-based foods that are organically grown will be a big trend in the coming year as well.

4. How Low Can You Go?
The majority of RD respondents (78 percent) named trans fats as the most harmful nutrient in the diet, followed by added sugars (68 percent), saturated fat (58 percent) and sodium (52 percent). In 2012, they expect to see a greater emphasis on reducing these harmful dietary hazards, Pollock noted.

5. Make Your Plate Look Like MyPlate!
More than half of RD respondents (69 percent) are using USDA’s MyPlate to counsel patients, the company said, and said it will continue to play a role in diet recommendations through 2012. MyPlate recommends that half the plate consist of vegetables and fruit, with the other half made up mostly of whole grains and a small portion of lean protein.

"As RDs, we are at the forefront of nutrition issues, consumers' perceptions and diet and lifestyle behaviors," said Julie Upton, MS, RD. "It's our goal to help provide our expertise to debunk the common myths and misperceptions and provide our insights with consumers and food and beverage manufacturers."

Louise Pollock, founder and president of Pollock Communications, added: "As key influencers in food and nutrition, RDs shape consumer food shopping decisions, affect health policy, impact nutrition trends in the media and promote evidence-based recommendations. At Pollock, we always seek their expertise when advising our food clients."