What's the next consumer trend? Look no further than low GI

If you’ve been in the food and drug industry as long as I have, you begin to distinguish a true trend from a fad. You develop a keen eye for recognizing new and emerging consumer trends while identifying which new consumer products are simply “one step ahead” of the rest.

So is the case for low glycemic nutrition.

A consensus has emerged amongst health professionals and industry experts that low glycemic nutrition offers a science-based solution to help address the interlinked epidemics of obesity, diabetes and the energy deficit.

The principle behind it is simple – people should consider the blood sugar impact, as well as the nutritional content, of the foods they eat.

I believe that the low glycemic movement is poised to become a consumer blockbuster trend based upon societal need and scientific integrity. Here’s why.

Unlike “hit and run” fads, the low glycemic trend has built slowly, based on hundreds of scientific studies.

Low glycemic foods are an integral part of the solution to address “diabesity” which threatens to crash our healthcare system due to the disease states associated with obesity and diabetes.

The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends “the substitution of high glycemic carbohydrates for low glycemic carbohydrates in mixed meals” as one of their key nutritional recommendations included in the latest Clinical Practice Guidelines, which were released in April 2013.

What most people don’t realize is that low GI (glycemic index) nutrition benefits people of all ages – not just people with diabetes.

Low GI nutrition also directly addresses a growing retailer focus on hot topics such as obesity and preventative health.

For those unfamiliar with low GI, the concept is simple.

The Glycemic Index ranks how fast and how high a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood sugar levels; the lower and slower the better.

Too many snacks today contain rapidly digested carbohydrates (high glycemic) that raise blood sugar and insulin levels quickly.

If left unchecked, the resulting “spike, crash and crave” cycle can lead to insulin resistance, loss of energy and increased cravings.

The Glycemic Index provides a scientific methodology to help people choose healthier options for every member in their family.

Often referred to as the low GI category leader is Kelowna, B.C.-based SoLo Gi Energy Bars.

Each of its five truly delicious SoLo Gi bar flavours are scientifically validated very low glycemic as tested by GI Laboratories, and certified gluten-free by the Canadian Celiac Association.

Compared to other bars that provide energy that soon fades, the lower glycemic response of SoLo Gi bar provides energy that sustains.

Not only does SoLo Gi win on taste, it wins on delivering long lasting energy. My daughters play competitive tennis and swear by them; quite the accolade, given today’s teens are some of the harshest critics.

Predictions of the positive sales impact from low GI products abound. The outlook is driven in part by increasing consumer awareness of the importance of blood sugar management.

Be a part of the solution – not the problem. Introduce your customers to low GI nutrition today.