8 Healthy Food Trends for 2018
January 03, 2018
The healthy food scene is always evolving. Some trends turn out to be passing fads, whilst others become part of our daily routines for years to come. Here are my healthy food trend predictions for 2018.
Bowl foods
From the Insta-favourite Acai and Hawaiian Poke through to Korean Bibimap – the trend for bowl foods is on the rise. Freshly prepared and easy to eat (typically only requiring just one utensil) popular bowl foods are perfect for those who want to stay healthy, despite our ever busier lives. Expect to be swapping plates for bowls in 2018.
Low alcohol, no alcohol and healthier alcoholic drinks
Stats show that Generation Z are drinking less than previous generations, but that’s not to say they’re any less sociable! Cue the demand for a greater choice of alcohol free and low alcohol drinks. Alcoholic drinks are being shaken up with a wider variety of healthier offerings. Californian drinks lists routinely offer organic wines, gluten free beers and low sugar cocktails based on healthy ingredients. Kale and apple mimosa, anyone?
Healthier / artisan gluten free alternatives
In the past, gluten free foods were typically highly processed and filled with a variety of undesirable ingredients. But the demand for gluten free alternatives is not declining. Move aside, dry sliced loaves, there’s set to be a rise in the availability of healthier and artisan gluten free alternatives. Many high street bakers have started selling freshly baked gluten free loaves and Italian restaurants chains are increasingly offering gluten free pastas and pizzas. In 2018 it’s going to be easier than ever to be ‘free from’ and not miss out.
Plant based diets are here to stay
Far from a passing fad, the move towards a plant based diet is becoming ever more popular. Whether it’s for health, environmental or ethical reasons, increasing numbers of us turning vegetarian and vegan in part due to influence from documentaries such as Cowspiracy and What The Health. And plenty of meat eaters are gravitating toward a ‘flexitarian’ diet - eating a primarily vegetarian diet with meat and fish featuring occasionally.
Shunning traditional breakfast
Our nation’s love of cereal has been challenged in recent years since the arrival of the NutriBullet. Toast is only acceptable if it’s topped with avocado and egg. We are shunning traditional favourites in favour of freshly made, healthier alternatives. High street chains already offer porridge pots and savoury scrambles – and this is just the beginning. Expect to see smoothie bowls, breakfast salads, green matcha pancakes and coconut yoghurt parfaits on the menu of your favourite brunch spot soon.