Jane Moser
CSMS Magazine
In recent years, the food industry has witnessed an explosion of various food trends that have captured public attention and dominated social media platforms. While not all food trends are inherently unhealthy, it is often the case that many popular trends tend to carry a reputation for being unhealthy. In this piece, I’m going to analyze the reasons behind the perception that today’s current food trends are deemed unhealthy.
Social Media Influence
Social media platforms have become influential sources of information and inspiration for food enthusiasts. They often prioritize visually appealing and indulgent dishes that generate high engagement. Consequently, food trends showcased on these platforms tend to focus on extravagant presentations, excessive portion sizes, or dishes that prioritize taste over nutrition. This inclination towards visually striking and indulgent foods perpetuates the perception that popular food trends are primarily unhealthy.
Processed and Convenience Foods
Many popular food trends rely heavily on processed and convenience foods. Ready-to-eat meals, fast food creations, and packaged snacks dominate the market, often incorporating high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. These foods are convenient and accessible, but they tend to lack essential nutrients and are associated with various health concerns, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The prevalence of processed and convenience foods in food trends contributes significantly to the perception that they are unhealthy.
Cultural Influence
Food trends are also influenced by cultural preferences, and some culinary traditions prioritize rich flavors, deep-frying, or the use of unhealthy ingredients. For instance, certain cuisines feature dishes that are high in sodium, unhealthy fats, or refined carbohydrates. As these cuisines gain popularity, their signature dishes become part of the food trend landscape. While cultural diversity is enriching, the incorporation of less healthy traditional dishes into food trends reinforces the perception that today’s food trends are associated with unhealthiness.
Perception Bias and Publicity
The media tends to focus more on controversial or sensationalized aspects of food trends. Reports and articles often highlight the negative impacts or potential health risks associated with certain trends, overshadowing the promotion of healthier alternatives. As a result, the public receives a skewed perception, leading to the belief that food trends are predominantly unhealthy. This perception bias can reinforce the notion that today’s current food trends are inherently detrimental to health.
Note: Jane Moser is our new contributor. She lives and works in suburban Jacksonville.
