10 Healthy Food Trends You Need To Try
Have you ever indulged in a cup of quark? Gotten creative with lentils for breakfast? Cozied up with a coconut and cassava waffle? If you haven't yet experienced these trends, you're about to see an influx of these and other hot healthy food trends – coming soon to your nearest supermarket.
These innovative products and categories were just a few spotlights from the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo, one of the largest food shows in the United States. The expo showcases hundreds of products, specifically with a focus on those that have a unique or improved nutritional profile.
I worked ate my way through the expo hall to scope out what's hot and what's not. Here are 10 delicious healthy food trends that you're sure to see shortly if you haven't already...
1) Quark
Think of quark as the cross between cottage cheese and yogurt. Technically it's a spoonable soft cheese, created with a blend of milk and dairy cultures that is then strained. The result is a creamy dairy product that's less tart and more mild flavored than greek yogurt, yet with a similar texture and high protein content. Misha is one brand that's available nationwide.
2) Bean, Lentil, and Edamame Pastas
While my Italian grandmother might cringe at anything but regular ol' white pasta, as an RD I like seeing the surge of alternative pastas. There seem to be more options than ever, with noodles being made from chickpeas, edamame, lentils, and more. These varieties typically have a higher concentration of protein and fiber compared to standard pastas. For those trying to lose weight, that extra protein and fiber increase satiety and also elicit a better blood sugar response.
3) Sorghum
Quinoa may have been all the rage the last few years, but sorghum is about to sweep the nation. This gluten-free grain is incredibly versatile. You can cook whole grain or pearled sorghum and use them in place of rice or quinoa. Or try popped sorghum for a new movie time snack, or sorghum flour for baking up your favorite gluten-free treats.
4) Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Admittedly, this trend has been around for a while now. But what hasn't been around that long is a delicious, store-bought cauliflower crust! Up until now, if you wanted one, you were left whipping it up yourself at home. That's an ideal choice, but one that many busy folks may not prefer on a weeknight. The pre-made cauliflower crusts from Cali'Flour Foods had a lovely Italian seasoned flavor; a perfect base to layer on your favorite toppings.
5) Veggie Milk
Don't get me wrong; I'm personally a big fan of cow's milk. But if you've got allergies, or follow a vegan diet, or just have personal reasons for not wanting to drink milk – it's nice to have a variety of options on the market. You've probably seen almond milk and cashew milk at your local supermarket, but soon you may also see Veggemo Veggie Milk. This variety is made from peas, tapioca, and potato. And at 6 grams of protein per serving, it clocks in much closer to cow's milk (8 grams) compared to nut milks.
6) Lentils
This culinary underdog is staking their claim in the food world. Lentils have been around forever, but many Americans have never cooked with them. As a plant-based protein source, these are wonderful to incorporate on "Meatless Mondays" – or any other time of the week. You can get incredibly creative with them, a la some spicy breakfast tacos with eggs and lentils.
7) No Added Sugar Desserts
Sugar has infiltrated much of our food supply, so it's refreshing to see products that don't contain added sugar. When desserts are sweetened naturally using fruits and vegetables, you retain the benefits of the vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that come along with that produce. One of my favorite finds was Frill, a plant-based frozen dessert. It tasted wonderful and was very reminiscent of sorbet, both in terms of taste and texture – yet had no added sugar or sweeteners.
8) Seafood Pouches
Seafood has been long supported by dietitians, and this year's expo showcased an even bigger influx of convenient seafood products. Pouches are especially well suited for busy professionals, and this year those packs included more fish varieties and flavors than ever. Need a quick lunch? Toss a tetra pack of salmon in olive oil on top of a salad. Hungry for a snack? A tetra pack of tuna with rice and beans is a great way to hold you over until your next meal.
9) Paleo Breakfast Products
If you practice a paleo lifestyle, you'll be happy to know product choices are expanding – especially in the breakfast realm. Freezer waffles were available, made with coconut and cassava flour. And grain-free granolas were also another popular item, with a delicious nut, seed, and dried fruit blend.
10) Probiotic-Packed Foods
Probiotics can be great for gut health, and we're starting to see them outside the yogurt and kombucha categories. From other probiotic drinks and juices to probiotic granola – you'll be seeing more choices at your supermarket. A personal favorite? This Farmhouse Culture Sparkling Probiotic Gut Punch. It's made using brine from fermented cabbage and is sweetened lightly with stevia and natural fruit juice. The result is a tangy, sweet, effervescent drink that I could see being a normal part of my routine.