Top Food trends of 2019 and what Wholesale Food Distributors can take with them into 2020?

As we approach the end of 2019, we review the top food trends that 2019 was marked by and we try to evaluate if they’re worth bringing with us into the new decade. Food is something that everyone and anyone can be passionate about. In the past decade, food consumption has been revolutionized by the increased awareness regarding the unethical practices that are common in the food industry. There is increased consciousness regarding food wastage and most importantly veganism is completely taking over.  

So, what is the future of food?

Cannabis

Adding cannabis as an ingredient to food and beverages has been a raging trend n the US for quite some time. About 33 states have legalized marijuana and so cannabis, cannabinoid CBD and hemp are being incorporated for their health benefits.

Although the global legalization of marijuana is still a stretch, the popularity of cannabis-based food and drink are likely to become even more popular in the coming decade. In the UK, cannabis is class B drug, the possession of which can result in a 4-5-year prison sentence whereas supplying can result in a 14-year prison sentence. With Brexit looming, there is a good possibility of drug laws in UK being revised. With 50 % of the population being in the favor of its legalization, who can say with certainty if weed muffins for brunch is wishful thinking?

Probiotics

More and more consumers are becoming increasingly conscious and this has given a rise to the use of functional foods and supplements being added to regular foods to increase their nutritional value. People are interested in buying products that read added calcium, vitamins, omega-3, probiotics and the like. Having these added benefits to the regular food they buy gives them the illusion of a nutrient rich meal. Wholesale food distributors have taken this up a notch and this why functional foods are beverages are predicted to have a large increase in demand, in the 2020s.

Studies show that Functional foods are beneficial for bone and joint health, as well as eye sight. Foods that improve the immune system and are rich in fiber have high demands and are bound to become the must-haves of the next few years.

Healthy Swaps

This is a trend that we are the most excited about. Let’s face it, we are all guilty of snacking. The number of calories we consume daily by snacking away is mind-boggling. Unhealthy snacking in the form of crisps and sweets is one of the main reasons for obesity. This is about to change. In the past few years we have seen an increase in the demand for healthy snack options. From granola bars to dried veggie crisps, unhealthy snacking is a thing of the past.

Meat?

Although meat has subject of debate for much of the 2010s, it is the growing trend of plant-based meat that we are going to be discussing. The world has shift into two very conflicted groups, one of people that are tired of the unethical practices of the meat-industry and the other of people that are simply oblivious to the facts. In the past decade there is one thing the vegetarians have achieved and that is dismantle the myths of flat vegetarian foods. In 2018 it was estimated that there were 600,000 vegans I the UK and this number was anticipated to shoot up in 2019. 2019 was predicted to be the year that veganism finally goes mainstream and we can’t say that it didn’t.

Meat on the other hand is still consumed by a lot of people and the demand for plant-based meat is increasing as it considered as more sustainable and healthier. Plant based meat is a scientific feat that has the potential to completely revolutionize the food wholesale supplier’s industry.

Environmentally responsible practices

The one trend that we are taking with us to the next decade for sure is Yelp. Having said that the conscious consumer in all of us will be on the look out for the restaurants that are opposed to plastic packaging, the diner that recycles and more importantly, the products that are transparent about their ingredients and generally business practices. With increased awareness comes increased responsibility and 2020 is the decade of responsible, sustainable living.