Last year, industry experts like Whole Foods and Yelp predicted the rise of food trends such as plant-based products and a need for health-conscious dining. This year, the experts predict an upward trek of this trend as people become more conscious of what they eat.
Consumers have become more health-conscious over the years, which is why last year saw an increase of fast-casual restaurants that offered healthy but budget-friendly alternatives to fast food. Among the businesses that experienced a boom because of this health trend are healthy food franchise restaurants.
Experts have forecasted a continuing trend in healthy eating and plant-based alternatives. This year, here are the other top food trends expected to dominate 2020.
- West African Cuisine
Whole Foods predict a surge in the popularity of West African cuisine. These include indigenous superfoods to traditional dishes. There will be an increase in superfoods like moringa and tamarind as well as ancient grains like fonio, teff, and millet.
This year dishes will feature the usual trio of West African cuisine which are chilli peppers, tomatoes, and onions, with common additions like ginger, lemongrass, and peanuts.
- Non-alcoholic Drinks go Mainstream
It seems like the habit to break the booze has stuck as experts expect the rise of tasty, nonalcoholic drinks. Known as zero-proof, mocktails, or spirit-free drinks, these nonalcoholic beverages are easily becoming a staple at happy hours and bars around the country.
Banking on the healthy lifestyle mindset, there will be an increase of zero-proof drinks as hops-infused sparkling waters and alternatives to liquors meant to be used with a mixer, such as botanical-infused faux gin.
- Meat-Plant Blends
Consumers will continue to seek out plant-based alternatives to meat. Menu options are slowly evolving to be inclusive, with more options for flexitarian diets. Companies have begun experimenting with creating burgers made of meat, but with less of it and more plant-parts.
In 2020, Whole Foods Market staff forecasts an upscale in burgers composed of a mix of beef and plant-based ingredients from brands like Applegate and Lika.
- Butters and Spreads
Food alternatives are a hit this 2020. This trend is apparent in almost every other food trend this year as consumers look for healthier alternatives to their favorite meals. Think of any nut, seed, or snack that can be made into butter – that product will likely hit the shelves sometime this year.
Not only are consumers becoming health-conscious, but they’re becoming socially conscious as well, boycotting products that harm the environment. As such, brands seek to eliminate the use of palm oil as it is the leading cause of deforestation.
- Alternative Flours
Butters and meat aren’t the only meals set to meet their healthier counterparts this 2020. Consumers are also looking for alternatives to flour, seeking products made out of fruits and vegetables. Sample products to hit the shelves this year are almond flour, coconut flour, and banana flour.
Venture into the food industry this 2020 with a healthier mindset in mind. Consumers value health and wellness, so provide healthy alternatives to their favorite dishes. Be more inclusive as restaurants have begun changing their menus to include vegan and flexitarian options.