The food and beverage scenes are buzzing with new trends these days. With everything from low-carb diets to craft cocktails, foodies are becoming adventurous and their blogs are fired up. This is an exciting time in the culinary world.
There is almost too much to mention. This article will attempt to describe some of the most talked-about culinary trends happening right now, based on the research of the current market. So, let’s get to it.
Low-Carb Diets
When the Whole-30 Diet first hit the scene a couple of years ago, it seemed to temporarily sideline the Atkins Diet. The premise is similar in that you are eating almost no carbohydrates. Instead, you are consuming lean protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Carbohydrates, especially processed ones, convert to sugar when consumed, which can lead to weight gain and other adverse health conditions.
Paleo and Keto diets are also low-carb diets that have emerged as 2 of the most followed trends of late. The Paleolithic Diet takes us back to our ancestral roots when the cultivation of grains was non-existent. The Ketogenic Diet is similar in that it drastically restricts carbohydrates, especially grains. Both diets advocate for eating freshly prepared meals with high-quality produce and protein. Dedicated followers of these diets boast of weight loss, lean muscle mass, and improved cardiovascular health.
Bone Broth
You can’t talk about low-carb diets, especially Paleo, without mentioning the popularity of bone broth. Bone broth is made by simmering animal or fish bones in water with aromatics and unfiltered apple cider vinegar. The perfect bone broth takes at least 12 and up to 24 hours to make.
The result is a mineral and vitamin-rich broth that is gelatinous from the collagen released from the bones. It is nutritionally dense and deeply flavored. Bone broth devotees will sip the broth just like you might have a cup of tea. While others will use the broth to make hearty, low-carb soups, stews, and chilis.
You can make a large batch of bone broth in a slow cooker or crockpot overnight for very little money. Once it has cooled, strain it well and freeze what you don’t use right away. This will last up to 4 months in the freezer. You might get a sticker shock if purchasing bone broth from your butcher or from a broth shop. Yes, there are such things as bone broth shops these days.
Plant-Based Meat and Egg Alternatives
Replacing meat and eggs with plant-based versions is quickly taking hold. Even fast-food restaurants, such as Burger King and Dunkin are hopping on this train. The thinking behind this is that we are reducing the carbon footprint of our planet by sourcing protein from plants instead of farmed animals.
What seems to be a common theme is making these foods to be as similar as possible to the proteins they are mimicking. Beyond Beef produces hamburger patties and sausages to look and taste just like meat, right down to the natural red coloring. Impossible Foods is another company doing the same for fast food companies, as well as for the frozen food industry. Liquid “eggs” are being manufactured using beans and soy lecithin to produce a perfectly fluffy scramble. To be sure, these meat alternatives actually do taste good. Though, this trend is not making many friends amongst the giants in the meat and poultry industries.
Prepared and Delivered Meal Kits and Dishes
If you are very busy with little time to shop or cook, but don’t really want to dine out or do take-out, meal kits might be the answer for you. Some companies will pack up boxes of fresh produce, proteins, and condiments with step-by-step instructions on how to prepare a home-cooked meal. There is no need to go to the market because these will be delivered to your home.
There are similar meal plan companies that take this concept a step further by actually cooking the meal for you prior to delivery. Healthy and readily prepared meals from FreshMealPlan.com eliminate the planning, shopping, and cooking altogether. You just heat the meal and serve it in minutes. Most meal plan services offer a variety of options to choose from, based on your dietary needs and preferences. It is all about convenience in today’s hectic and fast-paced environment.
Craft Cocktails and Beers
Do you like a good mixed drink sometimes? If so, you may have heard the term “craft cocktails” or seen a menu of “signature cocktails” at your favorite restaurant or bar. These are drinks, alcoholic or virgin, that are handmade by skilled mixologists that often include locally brewed spirits, fresh produce, and in-house made simple syrups.
Individual bartenders often have their own specialty or signature drinks that they have developed uniquely flavored recipes for. Many people are starting a meal out with a craft cocktail. These are fun drinks that focus on quality ingredients and appealing flavors that are often good conversation starters.
You may have noticed that small-batch breweries are popping up all over, especially in hip urban settings. Locally produced beer often referred to as craft beer, is made in small quantities that are meant to be enjoyed right at the brewery. These are infused with all sorts of interesting flavors, such as ginger, pumpkin, and raspberry. The smaller breweries might not even bottle the beer. The idea is to grab a table or bar stool inside the brewery, order a few beers, and enjoy food that is thoughtfully paired with the particular beers.
CBD and Cannabis-Infused Edibles
With recreational marijuana dispensaries opening up in many states, infusing dishes with cannabis or CBD oil is quite popular. Many people claim that eating food with CBD or cannabis can be helpful in reducing stress, relieving pain, and promoting restful sleep.
Popular recipes include brownies, cannabutter, and pasta sauce. Of course, you can purchase already prepared foods right at the dispensary, such as chocolate, lollipops, and gummy bears.
If you are reading this you are likely a foodie that follows emerging trends in the culinary world. The trends mentioned here are a few of the many popular ones. In addition to low-carb diets, bone broth prepared meals, meat alternatives, craft beverages, and CBD infused edibles, there are some other trends worth mentioning. Some of these include Lacto-fermented vegetables, kombucha, MCT oils, instant pots and air-fryers, and pop-up restaurants. The list is endless and very exciting.
