13 of the hottest food trends of 2019
Seed butters
While seed butters, like tahini, have been popular for a while, expect to see them more on menus this year. Watermelon, sunflower and sesame seeds still have the same good fat
profiles as other nut butters but offer an alternative to those
with nut allergies.
Hydration water varieties
Move over coconut water, there is a new hydration cure in town. Varieties such as cactus, maple and aloe are making their way to store shelves near you. Cactus and aloe water is getting noticed for its skin revitalization, and maple water for having half of the sugar to coconut water. They all have quite a bit of sugar so be careful to indulge in moderation.
Plant based eating
It is not just your vegans and vegetarians eating meatless dishes, tons of millennials regularly consume meatless options because of the taste. Jackfruit has been on the market for a few years now and is expected to really take off this year. Vegan seafood and cell-cultured meat, like vegan meatballs, are starting to become more popular in bigger markets. In addition to meat sources, meat alternative snacks made from vegetables like mushroom bacon chips and soy-based jerky will also gain some traction.
Nitro coffee and oat milk lattes
Nitrogen-infused cold brew is a creamier and more decadent version of iced coffee. Think Guinness beer with its heavy body and creamy texture. Starbucks in Seattle started making these drinks back in 2016, however, smaller markets are just now catching on. Head over to Opus coffee on Tower Road to try one. Soy and almond milk are such a thing of the past. Oak milk is so hot right now that Starbucks has started carrying it in Europe and is close to start offering it in the U.S. Oat milk lattes are the hip and health-conscious way to drink a creamy espresso.
Globally inspired breakfasts
“Jacks Wife Freda” in Chelsea, NYC was a Mediterranean brunch restaurant that had a line out the door, with people standing in the cold winter rain. The food was absolutely amazing, and this international type breakfast is about to explode this year!
International foods
Last year, the African spice za’atar became very popular. Global spices and condiments like Harissa, the African chili pepper paste, is on the rise. This tomato pepper sauce can easily replace tomato paste in any recipe to give it that extra kick. Try it as a condiment to your favorite meats, mixed into pasta dishes, soups or sautéed veggies.
Katsu sandwich
This mainstream sandwich contains a pork cutlet that is panko crusted and deep fried served in between soft crustless bread with slaw mix and a tangy sauce. Upscale restaurants are turning this Japanese street food into a luxurious entree by adding luxe ingredients and high-quality meats.
Sour
Korean, Filipino and Persian restaurants are popping up everywhere in some of our nation’s major cities. Their flavor profile is sour, including foods like kimchi, other fermented veggies and mouth-puckering vinegar-based sauces.
Dessert hummus
While these desserts already have crept their way into stores, expect to see these desserts at your friend’s dinner parties and catered events. While not necessarily a health food, they do pack more fiber and protein than your typical sweet treat. Serve with your favorite fruit and maybe some salty pretzels.
Frozen desserts with avocado or tahini
Frozen desserts made from alternative milks have really stepped up their game in taste and texture. However, big brands have started experimenting with nutritional bases like tahini and avocado. Keep on the lookout to find these products in your dessert isle of the grocery store.
Artisanal bread making
Pinterest has named baking bread as one of the top trends for 2019 because of the recent interest in people cooking at home. On-the-go food is on the decline with more people working remotely from home. Chanel your inner Julia Childs and start baking!
Out-of-the-box presentation and plateware
Restaurants are getting bold and creative with their food presentations, like serving cocktails out of lightbulbs, appetizers served on rocks and breakfast served on a shovel. These out-of-the-box ideas add zest to a less-than-exciting dish, besides making a great photo on Instagram!
Online grocery shopping is on the rise
More money and technology power has been put into this fairly new convenient shopping experience. Amazon plans to open more whole food stores around the country to warehouse items for its online grocery shopping services. Big local supermarkets, like Publix, are also investing into this new concept, accepting the change to compete with the corporate giants like Whole foods, Costco and Walgreens.
Check out my chocolate sea salt hummus recipe at www.eatlocaltogether.com.
