As we usher in the new year, new trends come with it. Everything from fashion to technology will be scrutinized and the next big fad will eventually take over. When it comes to food, however, we expect things to stay on the same track we saw in 2011. In many ways this is something worth celebrating, but there are some downsides to these food trends.

Let’s start with the positive side of things, shall we? In the past year, nutritious food has taken over the previously processed and fast-food dominated market. This is something America desperately needs. Observe the vending machines around you this year. We predict that you will see a shift to healthy, packaged snacks instead of candy and chips.

Making an effort to eat more locally grown foods is a trend that will continue into 2012. People have realized the dangers in preservative infused fruits and vegetables. Those same people have realized that they want to know where their food comes from.

With the economy being an uncertainty, many people are not receiving the raises and bonuses they are used to. A lot of those same people feel that their jobs are precarious as is! The trend is frugality, and that means eating at home more. Until the economy really picks up and people feel that there is more security, this trend is bound to continue.

An unexpected trend that has grown exponentially in the past year, especially in cities like Austin and New York City, is the food truck. A fast, affordable and delicious option, most food trucks focus on healthy choices. For those of us that enjoy going out but can’t afford sit down restaurants, food trucks are the perfect alternative.