Most of us can’t wait to kiss 2020 good-bye. In addition to a new year, we’re ready to embrace some new food trends. While we welcomed sour dough and banana bread back into our lives in 2020, some tempting taste twists await us in 2021.
For starters, big breakfasts are back. Gone are the days of grabbing a granola bar and running out the door. While more people will continue to make their living from their living room, breakfast has gotten more focus. Egg white wraps and some made from cheese are popular items on the menu for the low carb folks while whole grain pancakes will also make the plate.
Deja brew. Coffee’s not just comfort in a cup. It’s moving into yogurt, granola bars, smoothie powders and alcoholic beverages. It seems we just can’t get enough java.
Make mine spicy. Pasta, sauces and soups will get a little kick from black pepper, basil pesto, and other big flavors including Sriracha, smoked hickory, mushroom and hearts of palm.
Speaking of mushrooms, they’ll remain as popular as cauliflower next year. Mushrooms are included frequently in take-out food because they add moisture to meals as well as texture and taste. In addition, they contain micronutrients that help support a strong immune system including selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6. Mushroom burger anyone?
Burgers aren’t going anywhere, though more will be plant-based OR even made from meat grown in a lab. Beef grown from cultured cells may appeal to those that love beef but want to spare the environment and cows. Pork, poultry and seafood may also make the shelves from companies like Mosa Meat, Memphis Meats, SuperMeat and Finless Foods.
Chick peas are the new avocados. These nuggets of health are not just for hummus. Expect to see them roasted as snacks, made into pasta, rice, crackers, pizza crusts and cereal. Chick peas are an affordable, sustainable source of fiber and protein. You can also “whip” the juice of canned chick peas and make aquafaba- a vegan egg substitute. Trust me on this one.
Vegan jerky will be added to the snack mix. As Americans strive to reduce animal intake and meet their fruit and veggie intake, this will be a welcome, non-perishable addition. Look for fun flavors made from wheat protein (gluten) or mushrooms like Thai peanut, hickory smoked, mesquite lime as well as banana, mango and pineapple jerky.
Alcohol-free or alcohol-infused? It appears both will be available next year. Big beer makers like Budweiser have added an alcohol-free option to their line up while alcohol infused seltzer and kombucha will remain available. Be sure to read the labels and keep out of reach of children if you’re stocking the latter.
Dairy-free milk. Mooove over cow’s milk. Almond, cashew, coconut, oat and hemp milk will remain popular in 2021 as the plant-based movement gains momentum. Pea protein is behind Ripple milk and provides 8 grams per serving without any fat. Soy milk is still available, though it’s taken a backseat.
Keto-friendly foods will still be the rage. Though most dietitians still advise moderation when it comes to protein and other nutrients, look for almond flour crackers, air-dried beef “chips”, parmesan cheese crisps and even salmon skin chips. Other keto crazed items include egg white or cheese wraps, nut and seed-based keto bars and chicken skin chips. Don’t forget about natural keto-friendly foods like eggs, nuts, avocados, and vegetables. The sky’s the limit!
No matter what your taste or dietary preference, there’s certainly something for everyone come 2021. And after the year we’ve had, we definitely deserve it.
References:
Food Trends for 2021 | Martha Stewart
Kroger reveals trend predictions for 2021 | 2020-12-18 | Food Business News
Healthy Living With Plant Based Milk | Ripple Foods
