Our favorite time of year is here, and we’re not talking about the holidays. It’s time for, low and behold, Whole Foods’ top food predictions of 2020. We love health and nutrition, and it’s no wonder that Whole Foods, mega-retailer, and food paradise knows exactly what’s up for 2020. What, you may ask, has made the ever so esteemed list this year? We rounded up seven of our favorites from the list to share with you. Keep reading if you’d like to know more about what your plate may be looking like in 2020.
1) Regenerative Agriculture
Whole Foods says that “farmers, producers, academics, government agencies, retailers and more are taking a closer look at how to use land and animal management practices to improve soil health and sequester carbon. While the term “regenerative agriculture” can have many definitions, in general, it describes farming and grazing practices that restore degraded soil improves biodiversity and increase carbon capture to create long-lasting environmental benefits, such as positively impacting climate change. You can help by seeking out brands that support regenerative practices.” We’re totally in.
2) Flour Power
Just like plant-based meats are crossing into very bio-diverse options, we can expect to see more flour-based alternatives in 2020. We’re talking almond, coconut, and much, much more. As a result, cauliflower (a 2019 food trend contender) might even sneak their way in.
3) Snacking Alternatives
While we all enjoy the occasional snack, it’s more-often-that-not hiding in our pantry, not our fridge. Whole Foods is predicting that we’re going to reach for more fresh, real options. Expect “hard-boiled eggs with savory toppings, pickled vegetables, drinkable soups and mini dips and dippers of all kinds, all perfectly portioned and in convenient single-serve packaging. Even nutrition bars have made their way from the shelves to the chiller, thanks to the addition of fresh fruits and vegetables”.
4) Plant-Based, Beyond Soy
The rise of plant-based options is definitely one that we could have foreseen. With plant-based options tasting more and more like meat every day, we’re a little more inclined to do Meatless Mondays and maybe go fully vegan. According to Whole Foods, “brands are swapping soy for mung bean, hemp seed, pumpkin, avocado, watermelon seed, and golden chlorella, maintaining the smooth textures in vegan protein powders and bringing a spectrum of plant-based amino acids to the table. As the plant-based movement gains traction with flexitarian eaters, brands are looking to avoid as many of the top allergens as possible, so look for plant-based prepared foods (especially meat alternatives) and traditionally soy-based condiments going soy-less”
5) Everything You Can Eat Butters and Spreads
If you didn’t expect it already, Whole Foods is predicting major major things happening in the butter world. Everything and anything you can think of will be made into the spread. Therefore, we’re not mad about these healthy alternatives, tbh.
6) The Blending of Meat and Plants
According to Whole Foods, “for the health-conscious at-home chef, adding plant-based ingredients to meatballs and burgers has an added bonus – it’s budget-friendly! Therefore, major brands like Applegate are seeing if meat-eating consumers will swap a traditional beef burger for one with 30% plant-based ingredients, touting benefits of less fat and cholesterol when compared to USDA data for regular ground beef”. Interestingly enough, we’re on board with either.
7) Alcohol … Without The Alcohol?
There’s nothing quite like the hangover from hell the day after you drink. If there’s any way to prevent it (and be a little healthier this year). As a result, it’s the zero proof alcohol. Whole Foods says that “many of these beverages seek to re-create classic cocktail flavors using distilling methods typically reserved for alcohol, creating an alternative to liquor meant to be used with a mixer rather than a drink on its own.” The taste, the feel, and the look of liquor without the next day jitters.
We’re also predicting CBD-infusion says on trend in the new year. Check out why we love Good Day CBD-Infused Cold Brew Coffee here.
