CONSUMER TRENDS

The Low-Carb Diet Craze
Low-carb now ranks fifth among product attributes consumers say will definitely/probably get them to try a new food product, right behind ready-to eat, heat-and-eat, packaged for on-the-go consumption, and no utensils required, according to Information Resources, Inc. (IRI). Low-carb (42%) is fast approaching low-fat (49%) as the cuisine consumers plan to eat more of in 2004, way above high protein (25%), Chinese (23%), Italian (21%), and Mexican (20%), according to Superm…