Are you ready to jump on the health revolution train? Get your seatbelt fastened, because 2023 is going to be the year of healthy food trends! We’re looking at an exciting new wave of healthy, nutritious, and sustainable food trends that will be taking over kitchens, restaurants, and grocery stores worldwide.
From plant-based proteins and gut-friendly probiotic snacks to zero-waste grocery shopping and meal kits, here are the top 10 healthy food trends that will be dominating the culinary landscape in 2023!
1. Plant-based proteins-the sustainable alternative: Due to their high fiber content, plant-based proteins are easier to digest than animal-based proteins, and they don’t contain any cholesterol. In addition, the production of plant-based proteins uses less water, land, and pesticides compared to the raising of animals.
2. Probiotic snacks-boosting the gut microbiome: When the gut microbiome is rich in beneficial bacteria, it is at its healthiest. In order to boost your good gut bacteria, you should be eating more probiotic foods and drinks. As the health revolution progresses, we’re likely to see more probiotic snacks, such as probiotic crisps and chips, appear in stores.
3. Sustainable grocery shopping-the zero-waste trend: The zero-waste movement is making significant waves across the world by minimizing waste in all areas of our lives. Eating healthily is one area where the zero-waste trend is having a significant impact. Consumers are demanding more sustainable food products that can be easily stored and don’t go bad quickly, such as rice, beans, and legumes in reusable containers.
4. Meal kits-convenience and nutrition: Meal kits are ready-made meals that are delivered to your home, allowing you to plan and cook your own healthy meals. They’re often designed for specific dietary requirements, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan diets. Meal kits are convenient, healthy, and provide a new spin on the classic takeout experience!
5. Plant-based milk-the dairy-free alternative:- In addition to being cholesterol-free, plant-based milks don’t contain any lactose, making them suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance. Even those who are healthy can benefit from switching to plant-based milks, as they tend to contain more calcium than dairy-based milks.
6. Superfoods-the healthiest of all foods:A "superfood" is a type of food that is particularly rich in nutrients and vitamins. It’s not a specific food that everyone should eat, but rather a nutritional guideline! Due to health concerns such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, consumers are demanding more superfoods in their diets, such as chia seeds, goji berries, and matcha, to name a few!
7. Functional foods-the new age of nutrition:Functional foods are those that have added health benefits, such as helping you maintain a healthy heart, aiding in weight loss, or preventing disease. As consumers become more health-aware, they’ll be looking for food products that offer added health benefits. For example, we’re likely to see more foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt and cereal bars.
8. Fermented foods-gut-friendly flavors: Fermented foods are commonly consumed in Asian and South American cultures, but they’ve recently gained attention in Western societies due to their health benefits. Fermented foods such as kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut contain healthy bacteria known as probiotics. These bacteria have many health benefits, including boosting immunity and improving digestion. As the health revolution progresses, we’re likely to see fermented foods become more common in Western cultures.
9. Meal delivery- healthy convenience at its best: The food delivery trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It’s likely to evolve, with more healthy food options available. Made-to-order healthy meals are already available in a few countries, but we’re likely to see them become more common in the coming years. More companies are likely to enter this market thanks to the popularity of meal delivery services such as Zomato, Swiggy, and Eat Fit.
10. Food waste reduction - the key to sustainability: With the world population expected to reach 9 billion people by 2040, it’s more important than ever to reduce food waste. There are many reasons for this, including overordering when dining out and the fact that more people are eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
The food trends of the past are likely to get an upgrade in the future as the health revolution progresses. There will also be more healthy food trends emerging in the future, such as nutritious probiotic desserts and food-based supplements.
