To find out what the health nuts, the foodie obsessed and the just plain hungry can look forward to this year, Whole Foods turned to culinary experts both in and out of the brand’s stores and asked them to predict the 10 trends that will dominate the food space in 2020. Given the fact that their predictions for 2019 included faux meat snacks and shelf-stable probiotics, it’s safe to say they know what they’re talking about. And the latest round of soon-to-be staples promises to be good for both our waistlines and our wallets.
So here are the 10 need-to-know food trends that will shape the way we eat this year. Here’s to a happy and healthy year filled with high-fiber, grain-free doughnuts, newfangled spice blends and watermelon seed butter.
Whole Foods Ranks the 10 Healthy Food Trends You Need to Know for 2020
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Regenerative Agriculture
If one of your resolutions is to live cleaner, you're going to love the fact that "farming and grazing practices that restore degraded soil, improve biodiversity and increase carbon capture to create long-lasting environmental benefits" will be trending in 2020. Pick products that embrace these new sustainable practices, like White Oak Pastures Grassfed Ground Beef, Zack’s Mighty Tortilla Chips and Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc.
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Flour Power
So long, AP flour. Flours featuring fruits and vegetables are coming for our pantries. We're talking banana, cauliflower, seed blends and more. Try Gemini Superfoods Tigernut Flour or if you're not into baking, grab a pack of Superseed Life Donuts.
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Foods From West Africa
Traditional West African flavors are about to be everywhere. From the region's staple base of tomatoes, onions and chili peppers to accents of peanuts, ginger and lemongrass, the 16 nations of West Africa are set to spice up your pantry. We're fans of Kuli Kuli Organic Pure Moringa Vegetable Powder, Essie Spice condiments and Yolélé Fonio.
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Out-of-the-Box, Into-the-Fridge Snacking
Snacking is about to get a whole lot fresher. Instead of reaching for something stashed in your pantry, your fridge will be your new source of tasty treats. Think drinkable soups, mini dips and dippers and even nutrition bars. Peckish Fresh Protein Packs, Nona Lim drinkable soups and Perfect Bar Refrigerated Protein Bars are just some of the delicious options.
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Plant-Based, Beyond Soy
Soy is out, grains, beans and seeds are in. In everything from yogurt and other dairy products to vegan protein powders, you'll soon be seeing mung beans, watermelon seeds and golden chlorella where soy used to be. Try Ocean’s Halo Soy-Free Sauce and Plant-Based Vega Protein & Energy.
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Everything Butters and Spreads
Butter lovers have reason to celebrate the arrival of 2020. Seed butters, like watermelon seed butter, nut butters and even pumpkin butter will be stocked on shelves all year long. And creamy vegan spreads featuring trendy superfoods will also prove popular. Standout options include FBOMB Macadamia Nut Butter, Milkadamia Buttery Spread and 88 Acres Watermelon Seed Butter.
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Rethinking the Kids' Menu
Forget basic chicken nuggets and fish sticks. Kids are looking for more adventurous options boasting better-for-you ingredients, like fermented or spiced foods and colorful pastas made from alternative flours in fun, kid-friendly shapes. Feed your little ones gimMe Organic Premium Roasted Seaweed Snacks and Happy Fish Salmon fish-shaped frozen patties.
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Not-So-Simple Sugars
It's time to think outside the simple sugar box. In 2020, we're getting rid of sugar, honey and maple syrup in favor of fruit reductions and sweet syrups made from starches. We recommend Just Pomegranate Syrup, Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener and D’vash Sweet Potato Nectar.
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Meat-Plant Blends
For those die-hard meat eaters, the new year rings in a new era of compromise. Brands are now working in plant-based ingredients to dinnertime staples, like meatballs and burgers. Converts will ingest less fat and cholesterol while having their meat and enjoying it, too. Treat yourself to beef and quinoa meatballs or Applegate Organics The Great Organic Blend Burger.
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Zero-Proof Drinks
Now that you've recovered from your New Year's Eve hangover, you may be swearing off drinking for the rest of the year. Lucky for you brands have started creating alcohol alternatives that replicate some of your favorite cocktail flavors. From botanical-infused "spirits" to hops-infused sparkling waters, you can drink without getting drunk. Try Hoplark HopTea, Athletic Brewing Company non-alcoholic brews and Käter Wingman Sparkling Water.
