With the arrival of the new year comes a wave of new food discoveries! In 2020, environmental consciousness took a front seat in our society, bringing about new trends for consumers.
Here's my forecast of the food trends you might witness this year:
1. Plant-Based Alternatives
With the rising popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets, there is a growing demand for plant-based foods. A diet rich in plant-based products offers numerous benefits for heart health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Consumers now have a variety of plant-based beverages to choose from, such as almond, soy, cashew, and oat milk. Soy also comes in various forms, including tofu, tempeh, and textured vegetable protein.
2. Intuitive Eating
In 2020, the diet mentality was rejected in favor of intuitive eating, which involves honoring hunger and listening to our body's signals. This approach also encourages savoring food in all its forms. In addition to providing greater satisfaction, mindful eating offers several beneficial effects on health.
3. Eco-Friendly Eating
Consumers are increasingly turning to eco-friendly eating to reduce their environmental footprint. Zero-waste and bulk grocery stores are a great way to minimize food packaging and waste production. Many people also opt for local products to support the regional economy.
Here's a seasonal calendar to help you track the availability of foods throughout the year and consume local foods all year round.
4. Seeds and Nuts
Seeds and nuts not only add variety to your meals, but they are also a source of fiber, protein, and beneficial fats for our system. You can incorporate chia seeds into your yogurt or homemade muffin preparations. Walnuts also make a great addition to salads!
5. Fermented Foods
Kombucha, a fermented tea that has gained popularity in recent years, is poised to make a splash in 2021. With a variety of flavors available, there's something for everyone! Another fermented food you may see in grocery stores is kefir. Fermented foods are rich in probiotics and offer several benefits for gut health. They are definitely worth discovering.
While food trends are fun and provide an opportunity to try new things, it's important to be cautious of products and diets that may harm your health. Don't hesitate to consult with a registered nutritionist regarding food trends. They will undoubtedly have various ideas to suggest!
References:
(1) American Heart Association: Plant Forward Eating Benefits. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrit…
(2) Government of Canada: Questions and Answers - Probiotics. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-lab…"
