Modern Food Trends 2021 - Plant based, Fermented and More

1. Modern Food Trends 2021 - Plant based, Fermented and More In 2021, we’ll still be riding this health and sustainability wave, but with a few new twists. In a global study conducted in 2018, 93% of consumers want to eat healthy some of the time, and 63% want to eat healthy all or almost all of the time¹. Those numbers have only grown since 2018, and modern food trends reflect that! More and more Americans are viewing food as medicine, and they’re searching for the perfect marriage of healthy fuel and fantastic flavor. Cassidee Dabney, chef of Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, says she uses mindful eating as her mantra. While she creates innovative dishes and updates her menu, her goal is “food to fuel the mind, body and spirit.”² Let’s talk about the big 10 modern food trends that are going to excite and inspire consumers: 1. Fermented foods 2. CBD-infused food and drinks 3. Diverse whole grain options 4. Sustainable seafood 5. Hyper-regional cuisine 6. Hormone-free, organic meats 7. Keto considerations 8. Plant-based food 9. Environmentally-friendly dining and professional cleaning products 10. High-quality convenience

2. Fermented Foods As consumers shift their preferences towards immunity-boosting and health-promoting foods, fermented foods are still on the list of their favorites. In 2018, the popularity of fermented foods increased by 149%³ and consumers still can’t get enough of kimchi, Kombucha and sauerkrauts. Whole Foods says 2021 will be the year of probiotics and mushrooms. They also predict that new alcoholic Kombucha drinks will sweep the nation⁴. Consumers are looking for fermented foods that contribute beneficial enzymes to the intestinal flora, such as: ● Miso ● Tempeh ● Kefir ● Beer ● Yogurt You can always use fermented sauces or bases, like in this ​ Stir Fried Shrimp with a fermented shrimp paste​ , or experiment with fermented creations of your own design.

3. CBD-Infused Foods & Drinks CBD-infused foods and drinks have rapidly gained popularity over the past few years. While the idea has been gaining momentum since 2019, laws have continued to change, and it is now easier than ever before to actually get CBD-infused foods on the menu.

4. Consumers are intrigued by the potential pain and anxiety relief of CBD infusions. Of course, it is essential to incorporate the proper food safety practices with CBD, so how can you incorporate it into a safe dining experience? Here are a few of the CBD-infused foods and drinks that consumers are loving right now: ● Gin ● Hummus ● Ice cream ● Lattes ● Mocktails ● Chocolate ● Cookies ● Candies As for food safety practices, Andrea Drummer, co-owner of Elevation Cooperative, a high-end dinner party caterer, gets her cannabis from an organic farmer. In a four-course meal, she limits cannabis usage to 25-30 milligrams. She recommends starting with as little as 10 milligrams, and checking in with how the consumer is feeling. Some chefs prefer leaving the CBD at the table in pipettes filled with 15 milligrams. They allow their guests to drop it onto their food and into their drinks as they so choose.⁵ CBD adds an earthy, herbal taste to foods. Some chefs like to instill the oils with fruity flavors. As long as you do your research on food safety practices you can safely utilize this modern food trend.