Chicago consultancy Mintel says last year saw an increase in new-product introductions after a dismal 2009. The firm says about 40,820 new products were introduced in the U.S. last year, up from 38,738 in 2009. Here are some of the trends driving product development this year: simplification of consumers' lives; looking younger without spending big; quick food; thrifty gear for professional-style hair care; faux homemade products; and "flexitarian" or part-time vegetarian diets.