According to 2016 predictions from Whole Foods Market’s experts and industry leaders, who source items and lead trends across the retailer’s cheese, grocery, meat, seafood, prepared foods, produce and personal care departments, and spot trends for the grocer’s more than 430 stores, there are 10 top food trends to watch in 2016.
1. Uncommon meat and seafood
Once-overlooked sirloin top, pork T-bone chop and Denver steaks will become a choice for at-home cooks. On the seafood side, species like Responsibly Farmed Paiche and wild-caught blue catfish are also making a dinnertime debut, easing pressure on popular picks like salmon, tuna and shrimp.
2. Wine in a can
The aluminium can, an option that provides both accessibility and convenience without trading quality, is a portable, easy-to-chill option that’s well suited for single servings and active, outdoor lifestyles.
3. Plant-based everything
2016 plant-forward trend will be all about harnessing the power of plants – from quinoa protein in hair care products to vitamin-rich veggies in frozen dessert pops.
4. Fermented foods and probiotics
Fermented foods and probiotics are growing in popularity. Fiery picks like kimchi and gochujang will continue to gain steam, while innovative options like chiogga beet kraut and non-dairy tonics will add variety.
5. Non-GMO-fed verified products
The non-GMO movement will continue to gain momentum with growth and innovation in the animal protein category (due to the recent development and approval of non-GMO verification methods for animal feed).
6. Grass-fed products
Grass-fed products, which range from milk, eggs, yogurt, butter and cheese options to packaged meat snacks and even protein powders are no longer a niche category, but instead are moving into the mainstream.
7. Dried and dehydrated foods
2016’s dehydrated trend takes dried and dehydrated foods to new heights – from dehydrated broccoli, Brussels sprout and parsnip chips to sophisticated salmon, bison and chicken jerkies with grown-up flavour combinations.
8. Heirloom ingredients
Look for these edibles in all kinds of packaged goods. Tiny But Mighty Heirloom Popcorn, Madécasse Chocolate made with heirloom cocoa and Seely’s Mint Patties made with heirloom black mitcham peppermint are just a few examples of trending products.
9. Alternative and wheat-free flours
Gluten-free flours made from legumes, ancient grains, teff, amaranth and nuts will be popular in 2016. Chickpea flour is a quick riser, while other legume-based flours are showing up in bean-based pastas and other packaged goods.
10. ‘Old World’ flavour adventures
“Old World” flavours continue to see significant gains, especially Far East flavours from Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia, as well as Middle Eastern ingredients.
