Cleveland, OH — Expect to see more relaxation foods rather than comfort foods in 2010, according to food marketing expert and media personality Phil Lempert. This is a result of a new consumer reality that has arisen as a result of more meals being eaten by people at home, homemakers cooking food rather than assembling it, and brand switching based upon sale prices, he explains.

Lempert tells Candy & Snack TODAY that one trend he expects is more brands shifting toward relaxation foods from comfort foods. Look for items such as anti-energy bars, snacks and a resurgence of dark chocolate rich in anti-oxidants designed to actually relax or put you to sleep, he says.

The food industry, he suggests, has woken up and learned that products, including confectionery, that use real foods as ingredients, are increasingly popular, particularly among Baby Boomers.

As an example, Lempert points to a new candy item he recently reviewed that was labeled as containing 100 percent of the USRDA of calcium and vitamin C, was vegan, and had a very adult taste not too sweet. Such items, he claims, will become more trendy as the population continues to age. In 2010, 25 percent of the U.S. population will be aged 55 and older, Lempert notes.

Lempert also advises Candy & Snack TODAY that he expects to see a re-emergence of retail confectionery stores as more people want to know just where their food comes from.