Wondering what’s new in the world of food? Here’s a list of food trends to put to the test in 2019. It’s time to find out what will be stocking the “new in” aisle of your supermarket and explore some new taste adventures.
From misshapen vegetables to avocado ice cream, here’s a list of all the weird and wonderful flavour trends to expect this year.
Not So Sweet On Sugar
The sugar tax has already had an effect on many big corporations out there, by October it had levied £153.8 million (and it only began last April). Public Health England wants to take this a step further by setting out guidelines for all sectors of the food industry to achieve a 20% sugar reduction across the top 9 categories of food that contribute most to the intakes of children up to the age of 18 years by 2020.
This means you could be seeing some changes to some of the big food names, including chocolate brands and other sweet foods. There are some low-sugar alternatives that have already come out and we’ve got an option that’s already low in sugar and high in protein. Check out our Protein Chocolate for a delicious bar with 62% less sugar than standar supermarket alternatives.
Ugly Food Will Shine
Forget perfectly formed fruit and veg, people are becoming aware that a massive amount of waste is caused by us expecting a certain shape or colour. According to a study by the University of Edinburgh, more than 50 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables in Europe are thrown out as they’re 'too ugly' to sell.
This is a pretty shocking figure — amounting to a third of all the fruit and vegetables grown in Europe! Thankfully, supermarkets are starting to make allowances for less-than-perfect fruit and veg in their aisles — so it’s time you made some allowances for them in your shopping trolley too.
Seed Butter is Best
Maybe you forked out ages ago on that tahini still sat at the back of your cupboard to make your own hummus. Well, you better dig it out, as seed butters are set to be the next thing you’re spreading all over your toast.
Seed butters are a great alternative for those who love a thick spread, but have a nut allergy. They have a similar nutritional profile to nut butters in terms of healthy fats and come in a few different varieties. Look out for watermelon seed, pumpkin seed and sunflower seeds hitting your supermarket shelves.
More Plant-Based Meals
Ditching the meat and dairy, whether for ethical or health reasons, is becoming more and more popular in the UK, so to meet demand, you can expect to see a few more vegan options on the shelves.
Some supermarkets have increased their vegan and vegetarian range by 60% to supply the demand for plant-based power. Head to the freezer section and discover meat-free meals galore. We’ve even expanded our own Vegan Range this year.
Ever Tried Goat?
Goat’s milk has been a popular alternative to cow’s milk for many years, so why don’t we eat the meat? This is a question asked by farmers in the industry, as only the females are kept alive for their milk.
It’s already eaten all over the world, tastes just like lamb, and would mean that countless males kids that are otherwise euthanized wouldn’t be going to waste. Many worry that the meat is tough, but just like older sheep, that’s only true of the older goats.
So, next time you spot some in the butchers, why not give it a try?
Frozen Flavours Of A Different Kind
How about a delicious, creamy, cheesy ice cream? Not convinced?
While savoury ice cream has been a concept cherished by chefs such a Heston Blumenthal for years now, it’s not quite hit it off with the general public. Some supermarkets are already stocking avocado flavours, so why not spread some stilton ice cream onto your crackers instead of the same old vanilla in a cone?
Meaty Vegan Snacks
Meat alternatives have been on the market for a good while now, but thanks to the rise in popularity of ditching meat and dairy, you can expect to see a few more meaty vegan snacks on the shelves of your local supermarket.
How about some vegan jerky made from baked soy or “facon” (vegan bacon) for your morning sarnie? A report on plant-based snacks has shown that their popularity has increased ten-fold, even amongst non-vegans and vegetarians who are into their adventurous snacking.
Take Home Message
So, plant-based products are undoubtedly on the rise, alongside a general move for more health-conscious and sustainable food sources. It’s great news for wonky vegetables everywhere, but perhaps not so good for avocado supplies as we stock up on our new favourite savoury ice cream flavours…
Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.
Related Articles
