Food business is a big business. Who can survive without food? Anyway, humans definitely can’t. People are constantly experimenting and exploring on food choices. Every now and then, we hear about different food innovations, however, not all of them would be a hit. Below are the food trends that are expected to dominate 2019:
CBD
We have been hearing a lot about CBD (cannabidiol) lately. From simple drinks to cupcakes, most new start-ups seem to be using it as an ingredient. According to the 2019 survey of the US National Restaurants Association, CBD-infused food will be one of the hottest trends in the food industry this year.
In fact, 77 percent of the survey’s 650 professional chefs respondents identified CBD-infused drinks as the No. 1 trend and CBD-infused food as the second most popular trend. For those who don’t know, CBD is a non-hallucinogenic product of the cannabis plant. It can be legally used in the US and is also a beneficial ingredient in other products like medicine and skin care.
Faux Meat and Plant-Based Food
Surely, you have heard of Impossible Burger, the vegan burger which swept away meat lovers across the world; or Chipotle’s Pigless Bacon Chips.
While plant-based foods aren’t really a new trend. People are reinventing Veggie food, to taste like our beloved meaty flavors. There are also a lot of plant-based foods from vegan jerkies to pizza vegetable-dough bases. Quite indicative that many people want to keep healthy by increasing vegetable-intake, without forgoing life’s indulgences.
Pacific Rim Flavors
Flavor inspired by countries in the Pacific like Asia, Oceania and coastal US area. Ingredients like dried shrimp, like longganisa, a Filipino pork sausage are making their ways in restaurant menus. Meanwhile, Tropical fruits like guava and dragon fruit are being used in various beverages.
Snacks Made of Sea Greens
People are exploring the new depths of ocean flavors with other sea greens than seaweed- for example kelp and algae.
Jerkies made of kelp, plant-based tuna alternatives with algae ingredients. There is also a weight-loss puffed snack made from made water lily seeds that has been increasingly popularity lately.
MCT Oil
The popularity of MCT oil exploded when it was introduced as weight-loss supplements in paleo and keto diets. MTC oil is made from distilled coconut and other natural ingredients. It is colorless, odorless and stays liquid at room temperature, making it the perfect fat to add to many food and drink choices. It is also considered to be a brain and energy booster.
Shelf-Stable Probiotics
Consumers are getting more aware of gut health. This year, there are expected to be more probiotics goods especially those with longer shelf life. Aside from the same old probiotic drinks, probiotic strains are getting integrated to snacks like granola, nutrition bars, and oatmeal.