On trend with RDs and consumers: "Think Rice!"
Jan 13, 2015
ARLINGTON, VA -- A survey of more than 500 registered dietitians (RD) reveals the food trends that will dictate consumer choices in 2015, many of which are good news for rice. The "What's Trending in Nutrition" survey, conducted by Pollock Communications and Today's Dietitian, show top trends include: a continuing interest in gluten-free eating; a desire for non-GMO, locally sourced, eco-friendly foods; and an increased awareness of "clean eating" diets.
"U.S.-grown rice hits all of the points mentioned in this research - we're gluten-free, GMO-free, locally-grown, and can help people eat healthy diets," says Fred Zaunbrecher, a Louisiana rice farmer and chairman of the USA Rice Federation's Domestic Promotion Committee. "Additionally, we also have a great environmental story to tell, so I think rice will be well-positioned with this important audience."
According to the survey, RDs' top recommendation for Americans to achieve an overall healthy diet is to eat high quality, nutrient-rich foods. In addition, nearly 73 percent of respondents reported using MyPlate as a tool in nutrition education with patients.USA Rice is a USDA MyPlate National Strategic Partner and the Meeting Your MyPlate Goals on a Budget Toolkit, that heavily features rice, remains the most popular tool on the MyPlate website.
"It's important to be aware of the advice nutrition experts are giving to consumers since they have the ability to impact purchasing decisions," said Zaunbrecher. "We promote U.S.-grown rice as a nutrient-rich food that fits the MyPlate healthy eating guidelines, so it's good to know that our efforts are in the right place since RDs are stressing the same message."
Contact: Katie Maher (703) 236-1453