Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert on Shopping Smart

The “New” Nutritional Guidelines:
While devoid of any startling recommendations, the guidelines in cooperation with the White House’s “Let’s Move” program – and technology – finally empower the population to make changes in their diets. We’re seeing a move away from highlighting or demonizing certain nutrients or ingredients and looking at foods more holistically.

• Look for simplified (in length and language) ingredient statements.
• Expect the produce department to change dramatically as supermarkets and farmers start adding stickers directly on pieces of produce that highlight the meaningful vitamins,   minerals, fiber and especially Omega-3’s.
• All-natural claims are out as shoppers seek more substance about their foods, nutritionally as well as on green issues.

The “New” Customer Service:
It’s all about Food Apps as technology not only allows for in-store information, but will also be used as the checkout. A scan of the bar code tells you everything you need to know to decide what to buy, and then adds to your list automatically. Expect Instant Messages with specials that last for a maximum of a half-hour targeting your likes and dislikes and offering huge savings. At the checkout, your mobile device “talks” to the self-checkout and downloads your coupons, frequent shopper bonuses and deducts the amount of the bill from your checking account. Also, look for the next generation of restaurant apps that will allow you to pre-order from the restaurant’s menu. As you walk thru the entrance your mobile device will send a message to the kitchen to ‘fire’ up your food and will take into account how long you would like to wait to be served.

The “New” Vitamin – Vitamin D:
Supported by medical research that shows Vitamin D deficiencies in Americans, look for naturally occurring Vitamin D to be touted everywhere. Also, milk will make a big comeback with kids and adults, and this time around it’s all about “white”, as flavored, colored and sweet milks make their way out.

The “New” Soda:
Look for new beverages to hit the shelves with less carbonation, a blend of Stevia and sugar to keep calories low, and fruit based flavors created using real fruit juices that go well beyond orange and mango into more South American crops like acai. Loaded with naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, expect this beverage to quickly become the favorite amongst aging boomers (who are looking for more natural and healthful ingredients and less carbonation). Also expect these beverages to be