It’s been a big year in the wellness world. Some trends have survived the test of time, whilst others have come and gone so quick, you didn’t even know they existed in the first place (we’re looking at you, chocolate yoga). And as for the celery juice craze, well you can take a seat right at the back.
You know what they say, out with the old and in with the new. Whilst we’re not ready to say goodbye to things like adaptogens, self-care and gut health just yet, there are some new contenders on the block that are about to get quite a lot of airtime, according to the Whole Foods Market annual ‘trends predictor’ report for 2019.
Earlier this week, the giant supermarket chain has revealed the most anticipated and innovative foods trends for 2019.
This report has been thoughtfully compiled by the retailer’s seasoned trend-spotters based on more than 100 years of combined experience in product sourcing, studying consumer preferences and participating in food and wellness industry exhibitions worldwide.
From the weird to the wonderful and everything in between, here’s what set to be huge in 2019:
‘Pacific rim’ flavours
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Think; flavour inspiration from Asia, Oceania and the Western coasts of North and South America. According to Whole Foods, ingredients such as longganisa (a Filipino pork sausage), dried shrimp, cuttlefish and shrimp paste will be a top choice spanning from breakfast to dinner dishes.
Although tropical fruits are never not trending, specifics such as guava, dragon fruit and passionfruit are making their way back in the lime light (did they ever really leave?!) and sneaking into your juices, smoothie bowls (and cocktails). There’s also a new sugar alternative in town—an extract of monk fruit (a super sweet fruit known as luo han guo) which has been hailed as natural sweetener. Watch this space!
Shelf-stable probiotics
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By now, we’re all aware of the many benefits probiotics can provide in helping to maintain a healthy gut. Although the easiest way to consume probiotics is through a capsule form or fermented foods, wellness brands are wanting to make probiotics easier to incorporate into your daily routine by adding functional probiotics to pantry staples like granola, oatmeal, nut butters, snack bars and soups to ensure people are meeting their daily quota (without even realising it).
This definitely won’t come without criticism, however, as there is often question as to whether specific strains even survive the digestion process and make it through to the GI tract where they colonise and work their magic.
Whole Foods state that new strains such as Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 and Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 are making more shelf-stable applications possible, which means you don’t need to keep them refrigerated, either. Probiotics are also said to make their way into household cleaning products that utilise live cultures and essential oils and of course, beauty brands (which we’re already starting to see).
Phat fats
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With the rising popularity of keto and paleo diets and a general shift in consumer mindset (we’re all aware that full-fat milk is better than skim, right?) it’s no wonder there’s a growing acceptance of ‘phat fats’. Along with high protein/low carb combos, we will continue to see the inclusion of healthy fats across meals and snacks. Expect more MCT oil, raw desserts made with coconut oil and more bullet-proof coffees. Oh and grass-fed ghee with everything, including popcorn. Yum!
Hemp products
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As readers of Sporteluxe, we’re sure you’re well versed with the health benefits of hemp. If you’re still confused about the difference between hemp, CBD and cannabis, you can brush up on your understanding here (because by no means are we condoning the use of psychoactive drugs). Hemp food products are set to soar in 2019, and for good reason.
Containing more protein per 100g than both chia or flax seeds, hemp seeds are considered a “complete protein” which will not only improve satiety but also assist in muscle repair post exercise. Hailed as one of the health world’s best-kept secrets by nutritionists, including Zoe Bingley-Pullin, hemp is also packed with essential fatty acids which we require from our diets. You’ll be seeing it a lot more in your beauty prods, too.
Faux meat snacks
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For all the vegetarians out there, ‘faux meat snacks’ are all about eating more plants without forgoing the texture and flavour that comes with eating animal proteins. Think along the lines of Pig Øut Pigless Bacon Chips and Snacklins Cracklins Without the Pork, which use mushrooms to deliver on that savory, umami flavor.
Eco-conscious packaging
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Many companies have already made the commitment to ban plastic straws and make the switch to re-usable grocery bags, which is leading the way into 2019. More US grocers are going “BYOVB” (bring your own vegetable bag) and eliminating single-use packaging. Check out some staples that’ll make your everyday life more eco-friendly, here and don’t forget your Keep Cup.
Frozen ‘savoury’ treats
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We’re not talking fro-yo or vegan ice-cream here, we’re talking about your favourite savoury dips going over to the err, cooler side. Yep, a fresh new take on a timeless treat uses innovative bases like avocado, hummus and tahini to tantalize the taste buds, and quite frankly, we’re not sure how we feel about it!
If you’re like us and can’t see yourself getting on board, fear not—popsicles and gelatos won’t be left out of the fun, in fact, they’re set to become a lot ‘boozier’ if you know what we mean (wink, wink). Then there’s a continuation of the ‘Thai rolled ice-cream’ craze and icy indulgences like Taiwanese snow ice, Mexican nieves de garrafa, and chewy, Turkish delight ice creams. Now you’re talking our language.
Marine munchies
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Seaweed is so 2018, you guys. Think more along the lines of puffed snacks made from waterlily seeds, plant-based tuna alternatives with additional algae benefits, crispy snackable salmon skins for all the omega 3 (seriously, how has no-one already come up with this!) and kelp jerkies.
Next-level snacks
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Soz to break it to ya, but a boiled egg, banana or spoonful of peanut butter just ain’t going to cut it in 2019. Convenient on-the-go snack packs from our childhood are back—but this time, featuring higher quality ingredients like prosciutto and aged mozzarella, some of which are also updated to accomodate to special diets. We’re getting fancy, huh.
Conscious purchases
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Whether it be because you prioritise sustainable practices, are concerned about animal welfare or simply just applaud eco-friendly brands, nowadays, consumers are becoming much more aware of the products they are splashing their hard-earned cash on. Conscious purchasing encourages thoughtful consideration by the individual, and in turn, consumer purchasing power motives change in the food, beverage and beauty industries. Case in point: Do your research.