New food trends pop up every year, based on what people are eating and what food experts believe will be the next big thing. These are driven by environmental awareness, exposure to different cultures, and easy availability of unique ingredients. Here are the top food trends you’ll see a lot of in 2018.
Korean Condiments
Last year we saw a rise in the popularity of Korean cuisine and this trend is here to stay. Kimchi (spicy fermented pickles) is being used to add flavor to everything from stews to tacos, and international cocktail menus feature different types of soju (Korean rice liquor).
Korean condiments such Gochujang (hot pepper paste), Mulyeot (Korean malt syrup), and Doenjang (soybean paste) are growing in popularity and are becoming more common in pantries all over the world.
Plant Proteins
More and more people are embracing plant-based lifestyles, and research suggests that eating less meat can help you live longer. As a result, vegetarian sources of protein are going to be more popular than ever in 2018.
Plant proteins are nutritious, affordable, and incredibly versatile. Health food companies are coming out with vegan protein powders, and protein packed snacks. There are also high protein pasta alternatives available made from lentils and beans. This year, the snacking market will be dominated by legumes, such as roasted chickpeas, in every possible flavor.
Moroccan Cuisine
Moroccan cuisine is predicted to be a big hit in 2018. Spices such as turmeric, saffron, cumin, and cardamom, along with fruits such as lemons and apricots will take front row seats and add zest to savory dishes. Most people associate Moroccan food with the tajine which is an earthenware dish fitted with a conical top. People are embracing this mode of preparation to slow cook dishes seasoned with fragrant spices.
Vegan Dairy Alternatives
Non-dairy milk, cheese, yogurt and more are becoming a part of American diets at a staggering rate. The dairy alternatives industry is projected to reach an all-time high in 2018. This dramatic shift from traditional dairy products such as cow’s milk towards vegan alternatives stems from the fact that people are more health conscious than ever before. Today, dairy beverage alternatives have expanded beyond soy, coconut and almond milk.
There are now dairy substitutes being made from hazelnuts, pecans, macadamias, oats, bananas, and even potatoes.
Final Thoughts
People are more open to experimenting with tastes and ingredients than ever before. Restaurants and food companies are striving to adopt these trends to offer consumers more of what they are likely to look for this year. 2018 will be a great year to experience new tastes and explore various cultures through food.
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