BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sterling-Rice Group (SRG) has identified the top ten food trends that will be served on restaurant menus and line the supermarket shelves across the U.S. in 2013. With a breadth and depth of culinary experience, the brand strategy, innovation, and creativity firm has counseled and created foods for several of the largest food companies in the world.

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With health and global realities top-of-mind concerns for consumers, look for these food trends to go big next year as they move from cutting-edge to mainstream:

1. Sour gets its day: Fermented cherry juice and sour beer? In 2013, yes, as food palates move beyond sweet, salty and fatty to tart, acidic, and bitter.
2. Chefs watch your weight: Chefs are changing their habits and exchanging their butter and bacon for broth and beets. The result, better-for-you food that actually tastes good.
3. Asian infiltrates American comfort food:  The spicy and fresh flavors of Thailand, Vietnam, and Korea will give consumers a new take on comfort food.
4. Veggies Take Over the Plate: No longer prepared as just a side or salad, vegetables will get their chance to star as the main dish.
5. Kids' menus grow up: Mac and Cheese and chicken nuggets take a backseat to kid-friendly versions of adult dining options.
6. American Artisans save you a trip to Europe: With the emergence of local artisans budding in cities across America, why fly to Paris when you can go to Philly? Foodies can think globally, but travel locally.
7. Small plates for me only: Small plates for sharing will be replaced with smaller, singular servings of meat, veggies, or starches – for a truly customized dining experience.
8. Savory Fruit: Look for fruit used with savory flavors, incorporated as a touch in appetizers, soups, and meat dishes.
9. No diner left behind: From gluten-free to vegan, more and more restaurants will offer all-inclusive menus and services to accommodate all eaters. 
10. Popcorn is THE snack of 2013: Sweet or savory, the all-time favorite (and healthy) snack will pop up everywhere - in ice cream, as croutons.

SRG's 2013 Top Ten Food Trends were compiled with the expertise of SRG's culinary council – a team of more than 100 famous chefs, restaurateurs, and foodies – and feature examples of cutting-edge restaurants and brands leading the way for each trend. An extension of Culinary Shifts™, SRG's proprietary research based on key societal shifts driving long-term food trends, the predictions provide insight for food industry companies to better develop, position, market, and sell food products. For a complete look at SRG's 2013 Top Ten Food Trends visit http://www.srg.com/permanent/2012/10/2013-culinary-predictions.

About Sterling-Rice Group
Headquartered in Boulder, Colo., Sterling-Rice Group (SRG) is a global leader in integrated brand strategy, innovation, and creativity.  With a deep bench of culinary expertise, Sterling-Rice Group has counseled and supported seven of the top twelve food manufacturers in the country. Visit www.srg.com for more information.

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Sterling-Rice Group 2013 Food Trends

SOURCE Sterling-Rice Group (SRG)