The most popular food fad of the 21st century maybe a trip to South Beach. After all, Miami Beach is known for its extreme luxury and wealth, and a luxury vacation is often more impressive than a cheaper, less-experienced vacation. In fact, South Beach has become so popular that a lot of people who would never dream of visiting New York or Los Angeles now live in this upscale neighborhood.
One popular trend is a sort of "high-end" lodging known as luxury villas. These are generally resort-style residences, but there are plenty of beach-front villas and high-rise condos available if you're willing to pay the price. Most luxury villas will offer breathtaking views of the ocean, with access to swimming pools, tennis and golf courses, jogging trails, and parking for your car. There may be a poolside eatery and/or chef who will prepare your meals, and you may be able to reserve a private jet for trips to Miami's numerous attractions.
Another popular trend is organic foods and wellness. This may seem like an odd combination, but many consumers are growing tired of synthetic chemical ingredients in their products. People are opting instead for organic produce and other "natural" forms of protein. Even so, it can be hard to find a grocery store whose produce section touts green products (just to name a few).
Caffeine has become widely recognized as having a negative effect on health. Some experts even advise against drinking coffee at all, due to the high caffeine concentration. (There's some evidence that it increases your heart rate, though!) A lot of people, however, consume caffeine in the form of a supplement.
One big trend in this century is eating "clean cuisine". This trend is especially popular among urbanites who don't want to waste money or have to clean their plates every time they eat out. "Lifestyle clean cuisine" often means consuming unprocessed, organic, fresh food. It can also mean things like going vegetarian or adhering to a healthy alcohol consumption limit. Many diners expect their food to be made without any sugars or artificial flavorings.
This new trend, however, has run against the grain. People tend to trust things that they see as normal, even if they're not. And because of the rise in popularity of the fast-food giant McDonald's, many people now associate the idea of eating at a burger restaurant with a fast-food impulse. (That's also why the chain has been able to increase its profits so much during recent times.) (That and the fact that people don't like change.)
Many consumers are still willing to try new things, even if they feel like they're being forced to it. That's what keeps the market interesting. You never know what will become a trend. While trends are inevitable, you can control them by looking out for signs that the market is "trendy." There are always some trends that will continue to grow, even when there's plenty of evidence that they're heading downhill.
But for now, if you haven't noticed any of the more popular food fads, you may just want to give them some time. You never know, you might find them less popular in a few years. In the meantime, you can enjoy all the benefits that these fads are providing you. They've got a lot of health benefits, too, so you can combine them with a healthier diet. The fad will go away if it doesn't have an alternative providing the same benefit.
Some fads never go away. For example, everyone seems to love chocolate nowadays. It's impossible to argue with people who swear by it. However, at some point, the trend is going to slow down, unless there's an equally tasty alternative. Some fads are bound to keep coming back, though, so it's important to keep your eye on them.
When you do see a trend that looks interesting, take a look at how long it has been around for. A trend that's been around for more than a year is a good indicator that it's going to be a big deal. Even if it started out big, you can bet that it will eventually hit the big time. Check out how long popular foods have been around, as well. A trend that's been around for two or three years is also a good indicator that it has staying power.
Another indicator of a popular trend is whether it's being advertised by famous celebrities. Many stars will come out with a diet plan at some point in the near future. If they are involved with something, it tends to be a big deal. Check out what kind of publicity the celebrities are getting for the diet. That will let you know if something is likely to gain popularity in the near future.