What do keto cookies, cauliflower crust pizzas, and Beyond Meat burgers have in common? They were all major food trends in 2019. A new year means getting ready to welcome a new wave of trends into our lives, including edible ones. While many of our favorite foods from 2019 are here to stay, retailers and chefs, like Chef Lynn Michelle, are turning their attention to 2020’s culinary forecast. Here are some of the items you can expect to see on your plate this year.
- Plant-based proteins: 2020 is about to be the year of the herbivore. While 2019 saw the rise of brands like Impossible, Beyond Meat, and Gardein, these companies and others are now coming out with even more plant-based “meats” and protein powders. This Whole Foods trend report says that mung bean, hempseed, pumpkin, avocado, watermelon seed, and golden chlorella will offer alternatives to traditional protein sources.
- Alternative milks: Just like the growing assortment of plant-based proteins, the milk selection is no longer limited to cow, soy, or almond. Rice, help, and oat milks are appearing more frequently at mainstream grocery stores and cafes.
- More mocktails: You don’t have to be buzzed to have a good time at the bar. More brands are introducing alcohol-free spirits, wine, and beer. Plus, more restaurants are introducing non-alcoholic beverages onto their regular drink menu.
- Seeds and spreads: Move over, peanut butter. Sunflower, cashews, and almond butters, as well as watermelon seed and macadamia nut butter, may find their way into your pantry in 2020. These spreads may also be vegan, paleo, or keto friendly.
- Fresh snacks: You might picture chips and pretzels when you hear the word “snack,” but processed foods will be much less popular in 2020. Plant-based protein bars, veggie dippers, hard boiled eggs, and other fresh foods will be what more people reach for in the new year.
- Revamped kids meals: Whole foods also predicts that many kids menus will be getting a makeover this year. The days of picky eaters may be over, which is why several brands have expanded their kids items beyond classic dishes to include better-for-you and organic ingredients.
- Great grains: Cauliflower made a major appearance in 2019 (cauliflower crust, we’re looking at you). Now, people will be baking with nutrient-dense flour alternatives like chickpea flour, almond flour and sorghum flour as well. There may also be more flour-alternative foods stocking the shelves soon, like tigernut flour or pastries made with seed flour blends.
Ready to bring the best of 2020 into your kitchen? Chef Lynn Michelle can help you incorporate trendy tastes and ingredients into gourmet meals. Contact her for a consultation today.