The coronavirus pandemic brought unprecedented changes to our lives in 2020, making it a year like no other. With an effective vaccine being distributed right now, we can all take a collective deep breath and begin to move on. Some trends that began in 2020 as a result of our new reality will continue, and we will see new and exciting changes of their very own. Let’s take a look!
As the pandemic hit, people began seeking healthier foods to nourish both mind and body. People began getting very curious about the role specific ingredients play in overall health and well-being – especially those ingredients that help with immunity and gut health, and those that help with mental health. Prevention became our priority and focus. This will continue into the new year. We can expect food manufacturers to respond by increasing products that contain probiotics, vitamin C, and adaptogens. Adaptogens are substances like herbs and roots that can help the body adapt to all kinds of stress. They have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions, but are becoming very popular nowadays. If you find yourself interested in these prepackaged products, watch for unwanted ingredients like excess sugar, dyes, and preservatives.
Before the pandemic, consumers were trending towards buying local and sustainable food to help lower their environmental impact. In an effort to help save our very own communities from economic collapse during the pandemic, support for the “little guy” grew. This will continue. But, consumers will take it one step further. We will be looking for reasons to purchase products. A seller’s back story will become an important factor in our decision-making process.
As health is now our focus and priority, we will see people turning away from gimmicky and expensive fad diets. People are no longer tolerating unhealthy diet messages and instead will now demand transparency and health claims backed by science. This is music to my ears! Nothing, and I mean nothing, makes me happier! We can expect to see people include more real, whole, natural food in their diets. And, we can expect plant-based options to stay on trend and even thrive.
We have always been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Yet, prior to the pandemic, most of us either skipped it in an effort to get out the door faster, or grabbed something quick and convenient. With many of us now working from home, there has been a shift towards preparing full-on breakfasts that were generally reserved for Sunday brunches. Protein has become the star of the show. We can expect this to continue, at least until folks return their corporate offices.
What will our food look like?
PANTRY BASICS WILL GET RE-IMAGINED
As we continue to cook at home, we are looking for quick and easy ways to elevate our go-to choices or our left-overs. We will see an increase in hand-crafted sauces and spice blends that focus on specific cultures like Cantonese and Szechuan. Olive oil will take a back seat to avocado oil, pumpkin seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and walnut oil. And, our usual and customary flours will be replaced with oat flour, chick pea flour, quinoa flour, and almond flour.
EXPECT COFFEE FLAVOR EVERYWHERE
Just as pumpkin spice takes over every fall with almost every product getting “pumpkin-ized”, 2021 will be the year we can expect to see a lot of products getting flavored with coffee. Stores will be filled with coffee granola, protein bars, coffee flavored yogurt and cereals, coffee flavored smoothie enhancers, and even coffee flavored booze.
THE PASSION FOR OUR FAVORITES WILL GROW
Kombucha will launch into boozier versions to try to meet the growing demand of no-to-low “healthier” alcoholic concoctions. Our love of chickpeas and all that great plant protein they provide us will continue. We can expect to see them make their way into cereals, not-potato chips, chickpea tortillas, and pizza crusts. Hemp products will pop up everywhere as people discover more and more that hemp is a great soy alternative for keto, paleo, and vegan diets.
PRODUCE WILL GET SERVED UP JERKY STYLE
Jack fruit, mushrooms, mangoes, bananas, and every fruit or veggie that can be jerky-ed, will be. Expect to see flavors like chili, ginger, and cacao.
RESTAURANTS WILL TURN TO SOCIAL MEDIA
To stay on trend with consumers wanting transparency, back stories, and reasons for supporting one company over another, we can expect to see restaurants post videos showing us how they prepare their menu items and daily specials.
REFERENCES:
PHOTO: Chris Liverani on Unsplash.com
Gold, Betty, “21 (Delicious) Food and Dining Trends Coming Your Way in 2021, According to Food Experts,” December 28, 2020, https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/food-dining-trends-2021, https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/food-dining-trends-2021