My kitchen is the heart of my home. My friends all like to hang out in there instead of in my more spacious living room.
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My kitchen is the heart of my home. My friends all like to hang out in there instead of in my more spacious living room.
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From techno-shopping to food choice awareness, 2018 food trends that will change our eating habits
The end of the year is usually a time for reflection, for looking back at what went well and, unfortunately, what went wrong. Which of us hasn't taken a sly peek at a horoscope around this time of year? I know I have. But while our fates may or may not be written in the stars, there are other forecasts which will probably have more impact on our lives than Mars or Venus.
Most of us are probably unaware that food, and everything that surrounds it, is strongly influenced by trend forecasting. It's not just about predicting what we'll be eating, but how we'll be shopping, and how the food industry will evolve to cope with changing consumer demands.
In 2017 grocery shopping awareness skyrocketed, creating a new business model centred around the consumer. Phil Lempert, food and consumer analyst and trend-watcher gives us a good idea of how technology is going to change the way we shop, help prevent food waste and increase the availability of fresh and sustainable produce.
1 future supermarkets
The weekly supermarket shop can be a daunting experience. We rush from aisle to aisle, distracted constantly by colourful and tempting offers while trying desperately to stay focused on the shopping list we're holding in our hand. Many people now prefer shopping online, where it's easier to keep track of what we buy. We can take time to think about what we want and what we need. But more often than not, those same online shoppers would be happy to go back to the supermarket if only the shopping experience were less overwhelming.
In Milan, the COOP has created a unique experience based on 'technology to give shoppers total transparency and total information: how we should be using artificial intelligence and augmented reality and move it to everyday shopping'
In Australia, Coles has launched a “quiet hour”. Running once a week, this calm environment offers parents of the one in six children who have developmental difficulties a nice place to shop.
If you're more interested in predictions of what will be on your plate next year, here's some ideas:
2 DNA food discovery
Now more than ever we are conscious of the connection between our health and what we eat. Science asked if DNA could provide a clue as to why we like certain foods and dislike others. Although this research continues, science is beginning to understand the link between food and pathologies. In 2018, EPA, fish oil, and DHA, omega-3s fatty acid, will become the ubiquitous ingredient in all food and beverage
3 mix and match
A growing trend in 2018 will be combining two or more cuisines. Culinary creation will be more imaginative and come with an interesting twist. It’s trend started during the current year and it’s spreading quickly along with food fusion. You simply must try a waffogato ! ( ice cream waffle soaked in espresso).
4 Food choice awareness
A decade ago, restaurant dining was a nightmare for vegetarians and vegans. Sneered at by waiters and hated by chefs, most often they were forced to choose from the unsatisfying, bottom-of-the-page options in the menu. Times have changed, and next year will see an increase in vegan and vegetarian options in restaurant menus. Flexitarianism will also become more common, a plant-based diet, ideal for people who prefer more balanced eating
5 put colour in your food
With images of food so prominent on social media, colour is now more important than ever. Vegetable base, yellow turmeric, red beet and purple cauliflower will give some oomph to any dish.
As with any forecast, I can't say if any of the above will actually come to pass, but one thing is certain: consumers' growing awareness of food safety and sustainability. Health and wellness, social conscience, these are the new mantras of the food industry. Perhaps they'll even discover they can do well by doing good!
Happy new year!
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AuthorI love cooking, and when it comes to quality I'm quite fussy. Archives
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