2008 predictions are flying through the air -- there are even educated guesses on the future direction of nutrition. Here are the top ten nutritional predictions for 2008. I hope the crystal ball touting more 'authentic' and less 'artificial' is the real deal.

• Junk-free foods: All those chemical-sounding names for preservatives, additives, artificial colors and flavors will be removed from many foods so products can make a "junk-free" claim. Now this would be a miracle. It'd be nice to see less than six ingredients on a label, wouldn't it?
• Naturally nutrient-rich: One product analyst from the Mintel Global New Products Database predicts consumers will desire natural nutrient-sources (e.g., pomegranates) versus fortified foods (e.g., Vitamin Water).
• Ethical eating: Expect to see more eco-labels clarifying food miles, carbon footprint, wild-caught and the like. The Chilean grapes I often buy would not be eligible for an eco-label.
• Phytonutrients: Studies are suggesting natural plant compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, quercetin, lycopene, lutein and anthocyanins have disease-fighting capabilities deeper than vitamins and minerals.
• Kid nutrition: No one can deny the childhood obesity problem -- fruit snacks with juice, juices with less sugar and organic kid foods will rise. I've already seen this in the stores for awhile, no big news here.
• Inner beauty: Called nutricosmetics or cosmeceuticals, beauty foods are trendy in Europe and heading to the U.S. Coca-Cola and L'Oreal are in the works on a beauty drink called Lumae for 2008. See Martha's earlier post on the product.

Check out other predicted trends for 2008 such as brain food, intestinal health, foods for fullness and nutrition for joint health. If I could wave a magic wand, I hope the 'junk-free' label is the biggest trend for 2008. We're killing ourselves on processed foods.