Smaller Portions Major Trend

Mini, is the new major, in food portions. As consumers focus on health and wellness, the era of large portions that Americans are famous for, may be coming to an end. Increasingly, consumers are trending toward the consumption of smaller food portions.

A national dialogue on obesity and an ageing population, with the first group of Baby Boomers having crossed the 60 barrier in 2006, are obvious catalysts for this trend. Consumers, though are also influenced by a plethora of flavors to enjoy as ethnic foods continue to gain in popularity.

Today's consumer is willing to sacrifice quantity and filler , for an indulgent flavor experience that satisfies the palate and allows the consumer to walk away from the table without having over eaten.

Flavorful food, in fun mini forms are gaining shelf space at retailers and finding a home on more restaurant menus. The grazing phenomena, that began in the 1980's with the advent of casual theme restaurants and expanded appetizer menus has evolved to a host of mini delights and will no doubt contine to evolve as consumers continue to seek indulgence in smaller portions.