With the new year comes new food trends. Some of the trends of the past year we will be happy to say goodbye to and others will linger or grow in popularity in 2020. With food trends it is important to keep in mind that there are no magic foods and that everyone’s diet preferences are individual! Below are some trends to watch for in 2020.

NOOTROPICS

Nootropics will be a new trend in 2020. Never heard of nootropics? You are not alone! Nootropics are compounds that improve brain function. With aging baby boomers and new research unfolding about how diet impacts cognition and memory, focus on specific foods which improve brain function will increase. Nootropic foods include salmon, broccoli, walnuts, wild blueberries, turmeric, egg yolks, and seaweed.

PLANT AND MEAT BLENDS

With more awareness of sustainability with our food choices and focus on healthier eating, flexitarian eating plans are growing in popularity. Flexitarian is a term used for someone who eats a mostly plant-based diet but includes some animal-based foods. Look for blends of meat mixed with 25-50% veggies popping up on grocery store shelves and on menus. For example, ground meat mixed with mushrooms or chicken nuggets that are made with a blend of chicken, cauliflower and chickpeas. More options for 100% meatless protein options will grow as well. Companies are expected to feature items including mung beans, hempseed, pumpkin, avocado, watermelon seed, and golden chlorella for more variety and a better range of plant-based amino acids for vegetarian and vegan diets.

MORE MILK ALTERNATIVES

It’s hard to believe there is any more room for additional types of milk, but in 2020 expect to see more options filling up the shelves. We saw the introduction of oat milk in 2019, we also saw almost every nut be transformed into milk. In 2020, this trend is expected to grow beyond milk and expand to yogurts, coffee creamers, and ice creams. This trend seems to be piggybacking off the desire for more plant-based options and also for cutting back on fat, carbohydrates, and calories.

NATURAL SWEETNESS

As more Americans are growing aware of the need to cut back on added sugars, the need for healthier options for adding sweetness is growing. And since most consumers are concerned about chemicals and artificial ingredients, natural sweeteners will be growing in the new year. Look for recipes to include the natural sweetness of fruit in 2020, in particular monk fruit, dates, coconut, and pomegranate.

CARBS MAKE A COME-BACK

Carbohydrates got a bad rap over the last year but it is expected that this year healthy carbohydrate options will thankfully make it back on our plates! Healthy carbs such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils, and starchy vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Research supports that healthy carbohydrates provide our body with nutrition that improves our health and wellbeing.

At Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating, we are working hard to stay on top of food trends and new nutrition research. Look for our mung bean salad (plant protein), flax seed waffles with cherry-lingonberry sauce instead of sugary syrup (natural sweetness), grilled salmon with seasoned couscous (nootropics), and veggie stuffed pepper with freekeh (healthy carbohydrates).

Interested in eating healthy? Hungry for more?

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