Back to basics in 2008 with ancient grains

Ancient grains such as quinoa, amaranth, teff, millet and kamut will become increasingly popular in the future as manufacturers try to tap into emerging health trends, according to market researcher Mintel.

"Companies will focus on the wholegrain nature of these grains and also on the fact that many are gluten-free," said Mintel. "Expect to see more everyday products appearing with these new, yet old, grains. They will move from niche markets to the mainstream, appearing in products from leading manufacturers."

Foods free from certain additives will also continue to grow in popularity as consumers seek to avoid ingredients they perceive as artificial, predicted Mintel: "While the food industry clearly understands why these ingredients are in our food, consumers do not. Increasingly, and especially in Europe, consumers are demanding that these ingredients be removed from all foods, especially those targeting kids." Manufacturers will also continue to try to find "ways to make their ingredient labels read more like home recipes than chemists' shopping lists", it said.