U.S. food trends in 2012 include high-end salts and chocolates, pickles, seaweed and Korean kimchi, industry officials say; food trucks, butchers, gluten-free foods, healthy snacks increasingly popular in U.S.

Nevin Barich

LOS ANGELES , January 18, 2012 (Industry Intelligence) – Industry officials say that U.S. food trends in 2012 will include high-end salt and chocolates, USA Today reported on Jan. 17.

Pickles are increasingly popular in the south and the east, while food trucks will continue their popularity in New York, Los Angeles and other cities around the country, officials say. Seaweed and Korean kimchi, traditionally popular amongst Asian consumers, are becoming popular with non-Asian Americans.

Young people in their 20s are chosing careers as butchers. Ron Tanner of the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade said a career as a butcher is now perceived as "cool."

Gluten-free foods and healthy snacks are gaining in popularity, and drug stores such as Duane Reade and Walgreens are offering healthy food choices in their stores.

The primary source of this article is USA Today, McLean, Virginia, on Jan. 17, 2012.

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