2021 Healthy Food Trends to Try
I used to work on a daytime talk show - so the word 'trend' actually makes me cringe.
However, as a lover of all things food, I still like to stay on top of what's new in the culinary world.
Going to the grocery store and finding new products is basically my idea of an eventful Saturday (anyone else obsessed with the Trader Joe's 'NEW' section?!).
Even if you're not as into this stuff as I am, trends can be a fun way to try a new snack or to make something new to change-up your weeknight dinners! Maybe you'll find yourself with a new favorite food, and at the very least you'll have a random topic of conversation to discuss when parties can happen again.
Here are a few 2021 food trends I think are worth trying:
Good for Your Gut Stuff - Good for your gut stuff is here to stay! I'm talking about fermented foods like new flavors of sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurts, kefir, and kombucha! In case you missed my blog post all about about probiotics vs. prebiotics -- check it out to learn more about the benefits! Fermented foods add tang to your plate. Most of palates are so used to sweet and salty, so spice things up with a little bit of fermentation!
Going Green - Not just eating green things, but think *up-cycled foods* to prevent food waste. So many companies are already on board like these, but there's going to be so much more to come! It feels pretty good to support businesses that are actively trying to save our planet, and all you need to do is eat... it feels, too easy?
Meet New Meat-less Proteins - Tofu is soooo early 2000s. In the 2020s the plant-based meat options are endless. Beyond Meat introduced plant-based meatballs, sausage patties, and sausages in addition to their already popular burgers, and other companies are following suit. Beyond (see what I did there?) those types of products, un-processed plant-based options are growing in popularity! Beans are back! And, lentils, and other legumes!
Snackin' on Plants - As long as we're still spending most of our time at home, snacking is not going away! Let's be honest, snacking will never go away. Luckily, there's some really delicious and dare I say, nutritious snack options these days. Like these fruit and veggie-based jerkies, sweet and spicy crispy beans, and grain-free crackers!
Impressive Im-pastas - I don't know if you've noticed but the pasta aisle is overflowing with options these days. Chickpea pasta is probably the least popular option now that there's lentil pasta, hearts of palm pasta, cassava pasta, and cauliflower pasta! If I had to guess, there's more things we haven't even thought of that will become pasta this year. I like alternative pastas, not because I think carbs or regular pasta are bad, but because I just feel really good when I have the alternatives, more full, less bloated, etc. Skeptical? I encourage you to try them, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Got 'Milk'? - Just like the pastas, the alternative milk section of the grocery store is exploding with new dairy-free 'milks'. I've tried a lot of different ones, but my favorite is still oat milk, specifically this brand and this one. It's kind of fun to try the new ones out, like pistachio or sesame, hazelnut, pea, or hemp beverages. I especially love them for homemade lattes and hot chocolate! Seriously, some of these milks are sooo creamy and nutty and delicious that you might actually start preferring them.
Coffee with Benefits - Yeah, yeah coffee has health benefits on it's own, but companies are now giving you a little more bang for your brew! Like this adaptogenic mushroom coffee that offer energy and brain-boosting, immune-enhancing, positive benefits! Why have a regular cup of Joe, if you can have a super-powered coffee - I think that's the mentality other companies will jump on board with this year anyway. Plus, if you're already a daily coffee drinker, it's an easy way to tack on all those positive benefits to your day.
*Please note -- I'm not sponsored by any of these brands or products. This is just my honest opinion about trendy food products.
What new trends are you excited to try? Share them with me @bewellwithmarissa on Instagram or Facebook!