With the New Year upon us, experts are rolling out their predictions for what the food industry is set to look like in 2008. US blog, Food Democracy, says the future is generally bright, with healthy eating trends featuring heavily on their list. Pressure on companies to un-muddy the waters of food labelling could see the removal of unknown or unpronounceable preservatives, additives or colours from their products. Fortified and functional foods are still on the scene, with the next big craze touted as phytonutrients. Brain food, such as omega 3 and foods with digestive aids, such as fibre and probiotics, are still making waves – as are superfoods like the acai berry and pomegranate. However, 2008 could be the year of the naturally nutrient-rich, with experts seeing a public backlash against artificially-fortified foods, and customers opting for natural sources of these health benefits. The child obesity epidemic has sparked a new wave of healthy kids’ foods, with products containing more fruit and organic ingredients and less sugar becoming more readily available. Adults, however, seem to be opting for more artificial ways to control weight gain – with products that claim ‘increased satiety’, keeping you full for longer. Baby boomers have increased demand for ‘joint health’ foods, products that promise relief from joint pain, either arthritis- or exercise-related. Beauty-related food products have also been cropping up – for example, collagen-injected marshmallow to give you fuller lips, skin-balancing water and even an upcoming beauty drink from Coca-Cola and L’Oreal. Ethical and environmental concerns have led to an increase in demand for fair trade foods and greater clarity on food labels. Expect a wider range of eco-labels, touting everything from low food miles to wild-caught and dolphin-safe products. The Star Telegram adds their own prediction of a backlash against bottled water, as consumers realise the devastating effects it has on the environment, not to mention the wallet. Fancy salts may also go mainstream, with low-sodium alternatives such as black, pink or purple salts from the Himalayas or Peru set to be the next big thing.