Essence dietitians love fashion; and we love exploring FOOD FASHION / trends as well. Here’s a roundup of some vogue munches we expect to walk the edible runway in 2019.
1. Health at Every Size
This is a nutrition and social justice movement gaining enormous momentum and traction among dietitians and enlightened healthcare practitioners alike. Instead of focusing on diet culture, which purports that nobody is trying hard enough to be thin / lose weight, this model of healthcare shifts the focus onto intuitive eating, eating for nourishment, and honoring that weight loss isn’t / shouldn’t be a goal for most and pressure to do so can lead to poor health outcomes
2. Portable, Protein-Packed Snacks
Consumers are wising up that ‘vegan gluten free organic’ candy / chips are just that — candy and chips. They’ll demand portable, on-the-go snacks that suit a busy lifestyle but also provide satiety with protein, fat, and fiber. Things like venison jerky, certain bars, edamame, cheese crisps, and hopefully only the fittest/most delicious will survive on the market.
3. Frozen Oats
Overnight oats can become as glum as they are mushy after a while; I predict people will wise up to the fact that oatmeal can be pre-cooked, vacuum sealed / bagged, and frozen for a quick thaw/reheat when needed. This is an affordable, nutritious way to do breakfast for an entire family and the flavor algorithms are endless.
4. Seed Butters
Almond butter has had its day. Folks are realizing that seeds can be potent sources of omega-3s, fiber, healthy fats, protein, and micronutrients and can be used as traditionally as a toast spread to as wildly as drizzled on yogurt / pancakes / muffins. Look out for a tahini tidal wave. Check out this chocolate tahini (yep. Life is good.)
5. Artisanal Ice Creams
The fake, fluffy, “guilt-free” frozen dessert wave will be happily over as people realize that eating artisanal, REAL ice cream made with whole food ingredients 1) tastes better 2) is more satisfying 3) doesn’t buckle to diet culture which says that everything you eat should be fat-free / guilt-free. I’ve touted enjoying mindful portions of REAL ice cream forever, but several brands are gaining a glowing following now and their craft creations are truly enjoyable.
Essentially Yours,
The Essence RD Team