Wellness Wednesday

Healthy New Year Food Trends

Plant Proteins and Healthy Fats led the pack at the Food and Nutrition Conference Expo this year.

2016 was the year of protein, paleo and gluten free diets with the realization that foods with double digit sugar content might not be good for us. The quinoa was plentiful, and the discovery that guacamole was not only healthy, but tasty as well led to an avocado shortage in Mexico leading to Chipotle jacking up their prices. The 416 exhibitors and 130 research and nutritional talks at the expo revealed the following trends for the new year, showing a split from 2016's Hodge-podge of diet crazes and a lead toward a better understanding of a healthy diet. The trends at the expo were as follows: plant protein, healthier fats, and whole foods made convenient.

One of the biggest switches in the healthy whole grain market is from quinoa to sorghum. Many restaurants out west have already made the switch because it's cheaper and requires less water to grow and cook with. The whole grain is also rich in fiber and protein, and loaded with vitamins such as niacin, B6, magnesium, phospharus, and iron. The whole grain is also gluten-free, making it even more trend friendly for those who are trying to kick the gluten habit. 

Seeds, nuts, beans and grains are becoming popular again, getting back to the 70's based diet trend of sprouting. When sprouting occurs in these foods, anti-nutrients are deactivated and starches are consumed leading to a higher content of fiber and protein. The sprouted versions also offer better alternatives when baked than their un-sprouted counterparts as it increases appetite suppressing hormones and lowers the blood sugar response.

Now that the public realizes not all fats are the enemy, and that unsaturated fats should be consumed more than they currently are, the FDA is lifting its penalties on fatty foods such as salmon, nuts and vegetables. Companies will begin to stop producing low fat cheese and yogurt, and people will become more comfortable with putting whole-milk and cream in their coffee again. However, there will be an increase in the demand for organic and cruelty free dairy products.

Protein will remain a big part of the 2017 trend, however plant-based proteins will become a larger part of the protein diet. Beans, legumes, lentils, nuts will all be pushed to be consumed throughout the day to moderately control protein intake. Vegan protein powders made from peas, chia and hemp will be launched by health food companies to be used in protein shakes that are on-the-go.