In-with-the-new; for the new that is trending in the world of food is something worth a look. These are the food trends that are all set to take up the food world.
Oat Milk
Oat milk, the new non-dairy food trend to cater to vegans and people who are lactose intolerant, is also ideal for weight watchers. It is creamier and has more proteins than nut milks. It is becoming popular in many coffee houses and has made its way onto menus of some café chains.
Frozen Treats
Dairy-free ice creams, made with milk substitutes, are becoming big this year. This trend will see avocado, hummus, tahini and coconut water turning into new ice cream bases.
Sour Foods
Sour is in and it is all thanks to the popularity of Korean, Filipino and Persian cuisines, whose influences have spread to other foods as well. On the menu of many restaurants are inspired dishes that show strong affiliation to Korean dishes – like kimchee tacos, quesadillas, mac-and-cheese and ice cream – vinegar-based Filipino dishes and tarty items from Persian cuisines like rhubarb, sour oranges, tamarind and pomegranate.
Sea Vegetables
Sea vegetables, such as kelp, sea lettuce and sea beans, are making waves on the menus of some international restaurants, opening up newer culinary opportunities for foodies. While kelp was on the food trend list even last year, more sea vegetables are making their presence felt in the culinary industry.
Bread Basket
The daily bread may have not lost its popularity as a staple breakfast item, but the fears of unhealthy patterns associated with it might soon be forgotten. According to Google, the number of searches for baking bread at home reached a peak by the end of last year, with most people searching recipes for gluten-free and garlic breads, alongside sourdough breads, which are seen as healthy alternatives.
Hummus Dessert
Hummus, as a dessert…? Apparently yes – going by the new line of dessert hummus that has been making slow but gradual entry into the world of desserts. Hummus desserts are chickpea-based desserts that are sweetened with chocolate or cookie dough.
Tahini Touch
2019 will see popular Arabic condiment tahini (a paste made from ground sesame seeds) taking centre stage in food trends. With observers calling it the new almond butter, it is seen as a rich addition to cookies and brownies. This new interest in tahini is said to have grown out of the changing preference for plant-based ingredients and dairy and gluten-free products.
Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is expected to become all the more popular this year, with coffee lovers taken in by its smooth texture and the touches of chocolate and sweetness that it imparts. For the uninitiated, cold brew coffee, as suggested in the name, is brewed from cold water, using a special filter device. This could be done quickly or over several hours, depending on how it is concocted.
The Elderberries
Elderberry, one of the commonly used medicinal plants, is gaining popularity for that very same reason. Packed with anthocyanins and vitamin C, elderberries are said to boost nutrition while infusing drinks and desserts with their distinct colour. However, experts advise caution while using it, as raw elderberries and the leaves and flowers contain a chemical that produces cyanide. Definitely a healthy food trend.
Fat Fodder
With the number of Ketogenic diet followers growing over the past year, products catering to them are also witnessing a rise. One such is the medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil from coconuts, which gives 6 grams of fat per scoop and comes in a powdered form, making it easier to dissolve in coffee/tea or even a glass of water. Another fat source that is becoming popular owing to keto and paleo diets is ghee, which can be incorporated into cooking and baking any foods. There are more such fat foods that are providing fodder for keto dieters who need to include 60 to 80 per cent of fats in their total calorie intake.
