Trend Alert: Charcoal? Food waste? Cereal?
New year, new food trends! Now that the new year is in full swing, leading US food publications have released their list of predicted food trends for 2017. From the celebration of charcoal to a war on food waste, this year’s list of quirky trends will surely make for 12 months of interesting food and drink. Here are some of our favorites:
Ancient grains
The defeat of food waste
Chilled red wine
Charcoal in everything
Dominance of vegetables
Grain-packed breakfasts
Fermented foods
The fast-foodization of cereal
- Superfoods
Although every list mentions different trends, there is a clear overarching theme amongst all of them: a migration towards healthier options and alternatives to make for a more balanced diet. It’s looking like 2017 is the year to explore new, innovative, and unique approaches to healthy living. I for one am excited to try out different recipes using more trendy foods and methods to add some excitement to my diet.
One trend that I am particularly looking forward to trying out is incorporating more ancient grains into my diet. Not only does this trend carry countless health benefits, but grains are also so versatile and accessible. There are the “trendy” grains such as farro, chia, buckwheat, and barley, but how about some good old-fashioned oats? Although familiar, oats are just as “ancient grain” and nutritious as the rest and can be used in countless innovative ways.
When it comes to trends that I would not have expected to see, charcoal definitely takes the cake. How could something that looks inedible be used as a trendy component to dishes from ice cream to cocktails? Not only does the jet black color make for a dramatic presentation, but the health benefits — detoxification and teeth whitening to name a few — of charcoal have drawn brands to use it in their products. Don’t believe it? Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream in New York City is a pioneer of the charcoal trend, attracting a flock of curious fans to their store every day to try their ‘Coconut Ash’ ice cream through social media promotion.
Chilled red wine? 2017 is saying, you don’t have to stick to norms and traditions! Try food and drinks you have always loved in new ways. This is the year to do it. “One glass of red wine… on the rocks please!”
Food waste is a huge and often unaddressed problem in the U.S. This year, foodies and acclaimed restaurateurs everywhere are joining the battle to fight against the soaring amount of wasted food that gets thrown out. Be resourceful, use your leftovers, and get on board with this trend. If you run a restaurant, it’s good PR and good business.
Healthy cereal is going big! In recent years, due to the rising health awareness trend, commercial cereals have been kicked to the curb for their sugary and unpronounceable ingredients. Meanwhile, cereals such as Special K and Oat Bran are making a comeback. Expect to see restaurants dedicated to cereal and to see cereal in more than just your breakfast.