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A recent Mintel study found that 43% of Americans agree that living a modern lifestyle makes it very difficult to be healthy.

In addition to a 2016 Retail Trends overview, this issue also brings you Prepared Foods’ annual round-up of trending nutraceutical ingredients for foods and beverages. The timing couldn’t be better: Not only is March is National Nutrition Month but this year’s report also follows the 2016 release of the 2015 USDA Dietary Guidelines.

Rolled out in 2014, the national consumer education and promotion campaign was called, “Frozen. How Fresh Stays Fresh.” In part, it debunked belief that fresh is nutritionally superior to frozen.

Let’s get all the things we typically say this time of year out of the way. Resolutions, lose weight, exercise, eat better, stay in contact with the people we care about most, do that thing you always meant to do and read more.

Without a doubt, Mintel’s new product trends presentation (complete with global new product sample tasting) always is a highlight at Prepared Foods’ annual New Products Conference. On the heels of this year’s event, our Mintel friends already are looking at 2016’s top trends.

In my rebellious youth, one of the big symbols of the counterculture movement was Abbie Hoffman’s 1971 manifesto, “Steal This Book.” In many ways, the title was the best part. Inside, the guide for waging protest against the military-industrial complex was both heavy on the impractical and rapidly obsolete.

More than half of 2015 has transpired, which is at once baffling and comforting. Time keeps slipping away, but its passage allows us a glimpse at patterns that may influence the months and years ahead.

They say too many cooks spoil the broth. That may be true in an actual kitchen but I disagree when it comes to this foodservice feature.

“The envelope please. And the winner is…”

This is one of my favorite times of the year—when we learn about some of the top new products at retail and foodservice. Each spring, Information Resources unveils its annual look at supermarket “Pacesetters” ranked by first year sales. Shortly afterward, foodservice industry judges help the National Restaurant Association recognize Food and Beverage Innovation award honorees. Respectively, you can find these stories on pages 23 and 25.