This past year was full of healthy and delicious food trends like smoothie, poke, and grain bowls, and ingredients like cauliflower, matcha, turmeric, and coconut. What food trends will we see surging into 2018? Our dietitians make their predictions below!
Healthier flours: Thanks in part to the rise in gluten-free products, a wide assortment of alternative ‘flours’ (and products made with them) is emerging. For example, you can now find pastas made from quinoa, lentil, and edamame (among others). Many of these products are rich in whole grains and protein, which their traditional refined wheat counterparts lack.
Super coffee: Because many of us consume it daily (myself included!), coffee is an obvious place to try and add nutritional value. Watch for additions like coconut oil, ghee, collagen, and even mushrooms like Gandoderma lucidum to show up in your Joe. Purported health benefits of mushroom coffee include: a hefty dose of antioxidants, anti-cancer activity, and a boost to liver and digestive health. Proponents also claim that the addition of mushrooms produces a more balanced cup of coffee that’s less likely to make you jittery or keep you up at night without compromising the taste
Air frying: They have been around for a little while, but expect to hear a lot more about the airfryer in coming months. This kitchen gadget rapidly circulates hot air around food, leaving it cooked and pleasantly crispy. Requiring very little (or even no) added fats, the airfryer is a tasty option for those looking to shed a few pounds.
Healthier snack foods: Move over potato chips, healthier snacks are taking over the shelves of your local market, convenience stores and even at the airport. You’ll find a wider variety than ever of options like roasted chickpeas, toasted coconut or kale chips, brami beans and probiotic infused seaweed snacks. Even better, many food companies are now offering up single-serve packs to make it even easier to eat well on-the-go.
“Souping”: This trend looks to be taking over the juicing craze of years past. The good news is, pureed soups made from primarily vegetables contain all the nutritional value without the high sugar content of juice. Often referred to as a bisque, these soups may or may not contain the traditional seafood base of a bisque. They are also extremely simple to make!
One thing to keep in mind with these, and other new food trends emerge is to double check the actual nutrition facts. Some foods that sound healthy can contain ingredients that aren’t the smartest choices. As always, we are here to help! Bring us your new food finds, and we will help you decide if it’s right for you. Here’s to a happy, and healthy 2018.
