As we go further into the year, you may be having trouble sticking to those New Year’s resolutions. So, are you having trouble following a healthy diet? If so, perhaps looking at the biggest food trends of the year can help you to reorganize your eating habits.
Yes, every year brings in a food trend that promises to deliver, amongst other things, great nutritional value. The below-mentioned food trends have set out to feed consumers, whilst making sure to take into mind their own personal health preferences – which is why we’re going to see more of them in the coming months.
Top 5 2020 Food Trends
1. We’re obsessed with plant-based meat options
2019 saw the growth of plant-based meat options and 2020 is not going to be any different.
It’s become a trend to eat less meat – not only for our health but also as a pro-environmental stance. In fact, you don’t have to be a vegan or vegetarian in order to opt for plant-based meat alternatives. Rather, meat-eaters are choosing meat alternatives as they’ve come to realize the environmental and health impacts that regular meat has. As a result of this realization, brands like Impossible Burger and Beyond Meat began rolling out more and more meat-mimicking alternatives.
What’s more, brands such as Lomo Linda and Good Catch also Sophie’s Kitchen Plant-based seafood have created plant-based tuna and seafood, promoting their products as a more sustainable alternative to seafood.
Now, while it would be hard to discredit the positive impact that these foods may have, there is also a growing concern about just how nutritionally beneficial meat alternatives are. That said it’s important to note that just because they’re plant-based, doesn’t mean that they’re necessarily healthier. That said, when consuming these foods, make sure to be mindful and not overeat just because you think they’re healthier.
2. We’re all sober-curious 
According to a 2019 Nielsen study, around 66% of millennials have admitted to making a conscious effort to try to reduce their alcohol consumption.
Aside from reducing your risk of a nasty hangover, cutting back on your alcohol intake has been found to improve your sleep, encourage weight loss, and even leave you with younger skin. As a result of their teetotalling efforts, many consumers have now begun to explore non-alcoholic beverages.
That said, more and more brands are now introducing alcohol-free wines, beers, and even cocktails (affectionately referred to as mocktails). If that’s not enough, there are even some non-alcoholic bars opening up, such as Getaway – the first alcohol-free bar in Brooklyn, New York, and Sans Bar, the first sober bar in Austin, Texas.
Now while these drinks can be healthy, it’s important to be mindful of their sugar content, so portion sizes matter. You could also opt for a drink with a club soda base.
3. We’re boosting our brainpower with nootropics
An increasing number of people are concerned about how they can maintain their cognitive health over the coming ways. That said, there has been a growing interest in nootropics.
Nootropics are compounds that studies have found to help protect and improve brain function, including memory and cognitive function. While they come in supplement or drug form, particularly melatonin and ashwagandha, there are also nootropic foods such as turmeric, salmon, and walnuts. Read more about the best nootropic stacks if you are keen on taking multiple supplements to enhance mental ability and improve memory, concentration, and focus
4. We’re looking for more non-dairy milk alternatives
From oats and hemp to banana and cashew – the demand for non-dairy milk alternatives has definitely surged. It’s clear that more and more people are shopping for dairy-free options, whether they’re lactose intolerant or not.
With that said, it’s important to note that a lot of these milk alternatives are loaded with added sugars. So, it’s important not to overdo your consumption of these kinds of milk. Furthermore, always remember to read the ingredient lists so that you can stay clear of added sugars and preservatives. Also, try to buy organic.
5. We’re waiting for more CBD-based foods
CBD is everywhere, from your skincare to your clothing, so it’s no wonder it’s found its way into food trends. From candy to sparkling water, CBD has made quite an impact on the food world. In fact, we are just at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring cannabis-based food possibilities.
Now while some countries have legalized growing and extracting CBD from it, we’re waiting on clearance from the organizations such as the FDA to deem CBD as a “generally safe” product, allowing for the ingredient to go fully mainstream. Once the appropriate legislation has been approved, it won’t be long before we start seeing CBD-based foods on every menu in town.
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