Research publisher Mintel's Global New Products Database weighs in on food and beverage trends for 2008 by predicting a bottled water backlash.

* Research publisher Mintel's Global New Products Database weighs in on food and beverage trends for 2008 by predicting a bottled water backlash; more environmental initiatives by food manufacturers; an expansion of fairtrade products; an increase in the use of "ancient and sacred grains"; the use of "place-identified" and sea salts; more "junk-free" foods, that lack colorings and other additives; "clean labels" that are easier for the average consumer to understand; greater transparency about ingredient sources; more customization of healthy products that fit the consumers genome profile; and more "experiential shopping," with retailers enhancing the in-store experience in as many ways as they can.