You know what they say; new year, new… food porn pics flooding your Insta feed?!
But seriously – while we’re all for chowing down on functional mushrooms and chugging back pea milk, the culinary world is about to serve up a bunch of other innovative health offerings. Courtesy of Whole Foods Market’s annual prediction report, here are 10 food crazes you can expect to see a lot of in the year to come.
1. Faux meat snacks
Jerkies and pork rinds are being substituted for plant-based alternatives. Think Pig Øut Pigless Bacon Chips and Snacklins Cracklins Without the Pork – the mushrooms provide that delish umami flavour, without compromising on texture.
2. Eco-conscious packaging
Fresh off the back of the success of the War on Waste, there’ll be a push for all grocers and supermarkets to make a commitment to minimise single-use plastics. And no, we’re not just talking reusable bags and keep cups, but 100 per cent recyclable packaging.
3. Trailblazing frozen treats
It’s time for all our fave treats (looking at you, hummus) to get a much cooler makeover. “Look down specialty frozen aisles and you might find plant-based frozen desserts like CocoWhip Soft Serve and ice creams with savoury swirls of artisanal cheese (and don’t think you’ll stop seeing those low calorie, high protein players in the frozen aisle anytime soon),” the report reads.
4. Marine munchies, beyond seaweed
While they are undoubtedly delicious, seaweed snacks are so 2018:
“Sea greens are showing up in dishes like seaweed butter and kelp noodles while consumers are exploring new depths of ocean flavours with superfood properties like unique varietals of algae and kelp.”
5. Snack time, upgraded
Gone are the days of carrot sticks and Jatz crackers, our go-to snacks just got fancy. The ingredients in standard snack packages will include the likes of prosciutto, aged mozzarella, mini baguettes and cheese boards for one.
6. Purchases that empower
Moving beyond environmental concerns and animal welfare, consumers will move towards goods made by businesses that put people first. We’re talking women-led farming co-ops and not-for-profits.
7. ‘Pacific Rim’ flavours
“Flavour inspiration from the Pacific Rim (think Asia, Oceania and the western coasts of North and South America) are popping up in grocery stores and restaurants as people continue to explore more of the world through their palates.” Shrimp paste and cuttlefish will be regulars on the menu, as will more tropical ingredients like jackfruit and guava.
8. Shelf-stable probiotics
Probiotics are here to stay, you guys – and not just in the refridgerator aisle. “Wellness-focused brands are making it easier to get more probiotics in your day by adding functional probiotic ingredients to your pantry staples through products like granola, oatmeal, nut butters, soups, and nutrition bars.”
9. Phat fats
In keeping with the rise in popularity of high-protein, low-carb diets like keto, there’s been a big shift towards including fats in just about everything. Keep your eyes open for popcorn drizzled with grass-fed ghee, nutrition bars made from MCT oil and coconut butter-filled choccies.
10. Next-level hemp
Under the law, CBD oil is still prohibited in food, body care and dietary supplements, but the cannibis craze continues to make headway in a different form – Hemp. Containing more protein per 100g than chia or flaxseeds, hemp seeds are packed with essential fatty acids and are commonly considered the new ‘superfood’ on the block.
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