Watch Out for These Rising Food Trends For 2021, According to Whole Foods

Expect to see more plant-based foods and healthier food choices by 2021, as predicted by Whole Foods.

Every year, Whole Foods conducts a prediction of food trends for the following year. A council composed of over 50 members analyze trends in the food industry and narrow down the ten most anticipated trends for the upcoming year.

According to Thrillist, Whole Foods Chief Marketing Officer Sonya Gafsi Oblisk said that radical shifts had happened this 2020 that will carry on the following year.

She claimed that they have seen more people taking an interest in purchasing healthier food choices. Additionally, more people have discovered a new fondness for cooking, and more are eating home-prepared meals because of the pandemic.

Related reports from Mashed.com say that the eating, dining, and shopping habits of Americans have changed dramatically during the pandemic, which will inevitably impact the forecast for 2021. Here are the top 10 anticipated food trends for 2021, as Whole Foods predicted.

1. Well-being is served

Consumers are expected to choose more superfoods, broths, sauerkrauts, and probiotics. Suppliers are incorporating ingredients like vitamin C, adaptogens, and mushrooms to support the immune system.

2. Epic breakfast daily

Breakfast is getting more attention, and the whole lineup of innovative products are now customized for individuals who are paying more attention to what they have for breakfast.

3. Basics reignited

The basics will never be boring again because of hot new takes on pantry staples. Classics like hearts-of-palm pasta, applewood-smoked salt, and meaty vegan soup will once again be great.

4. Coffee on mugs and beyond

Plain coffee will never be the same as it will be available in smoothie boosters, booze, coffee-flavored bars, and granola bars.

5. All grown-up baby food

Parents will have a wide range of ingredients to choose from for their youngsters thanks to culinary innovations. These options will include portable squeeze pouches full of rhubarb, purple carrots, omega-3-rich flaxseeds, and rosemary.

6. Upcycled foods

There's an increase in packaged products that use neglected parts of an ingredient as a path to reducing food waste. Upcycled foods will help maximize the energy used to produce, transport, and prepare that ingredient.

7. Different kinds of oils

Different oils for cooking or salad dressing are coming up with unique flavors and properties. Walnut and pumpkin seed oils and sunflower seed oil are just some of them.

8. Kombucha craze

Making a firm flex in the beverage aisle is alcoholic kombucha. It's filled with live probiotic cultures, gluten-free, bubbly, and healthier than other sugary drinks or alcoholic beverages.

9. The power of chickpea

Think beyond hummus, falafel, and chickpea pasta because chickpeas will start to be put in a different spotlight. Since it is rich in fiber and plant-based protein, it is expected to be on food products like chickpea tofu, chickpea flour, and even chickpea cereal.

10. Veggie and fruit jerky

Often, jerky is associated with meat, but the near future would have a different kind of jerky. All types of products are now being served jerky-style such as mushrooms and jackfruit. This is proven to be a new and shelf-stable way to enjoy fruits and veggies.