We’re a little more than halfway through 2021, and I know that for me, my kitchen looks far different now than it did at this time last year. Shelf space has been sacrificed to goods bought in bulk, like paper towels, napkins, and cleansing wipes. Workday snacks cover my counters, and even the most essential ingredients in my fridge have been replaced.
I have learned that I am far from the only one who’s seen their cooking and eating habits change in the past year. We might not notice it as much as we do with fashion trends, for example, but people’s habits rub off oneach other. We all remember food fads like frozen yogurt, gluten-free everything, and avocado toast–-trends like these are in development all the time. And this year, our trends have taken us in a whole new direction.
2021’s Biggest Food Trends
Every year, Whole Foods Market has a team of local foragers, global and regional buyers, and culinary virtuosos who discuss what they’ve seen in their respective fields. By combining their knowledge, they craft an annual list of the top 10 anticipated food trends for the upcoming year. The 2021 predictions marked the sixth anniversary of this tradition, and foodies everywhere will be fascinated by what the Whole Foods team finds year after year.
Dan Epley, the Vice President of Grocery at Whole Foods, stated, “Our annual trends list is a way to pull back the curtain and share our insights on what’s next in the grocery business.”
These were the predictions for 2021’s most anticipated food trends. Have you noticed yourself trying any of these rising fads?
5. No-Beef Jerky
Jerky is being reinvented as a vegan and vegetarian treat. Mushrooms, jackfruit, and mango are just a few unexpected foods that can be made into a tasty jerky snack these days.
4. Chickpeas, Please
Chickpeas are in pretty much everything at this point. You’ll find chickpeas listed as the first ingredient in trendy foods like tofu, flour, cereal, pasta, and of course, hummus and falafel.
3. Hard Kombucha
Kombucha, which is fermented tea, already contains trace amounts of alcohol as a result of the fermentation process. That’s why it makes a pretty good base for an actual cocktail, and companies are getting exceptionally creative with their flavors. Move over, Whiteclaw–hard seltzer had its day. 2021 is just the beginning of the hard kombucha trend.
2. Oiling Over
Olive oil is no longer the reigning king of the oil aisle. Oil is being made out of everything these days–things you didn’t think could even produce oil are now ingredients in our favorite cooking grease. Walnut oil is just one of many trendy oils you can try these days!
1. Recycled Foods
Upcycled might be a better word for this one–-this trend does not encourage you to eat trash. It’s the trend of collecting the totally nutritious products that get peeled away to make other snacks. Then, companies use those cast-off ingredients to make new snacks. The Ugly Company is a forerunner when it comes to making creative treats from this process!
These are just five of the ten food trends that the Whole Foods team was able to predict–there are plenty more that will inspire you to add some fun new snacks to your next shopping list. Check them out here!
