Top 10 food trends for 2019

US retailer Whole Foods Market, after consulting with its global and local seasoned trends-spotters, revealed emerging flavours, products and culinary influences that would most likely impact the F&B space this year.

1. Pacific Rim flavours: Think flavour inspiration from the Pacific Rim — Asia, Oceania and the western coasts of North and South America. The retail giant says flavours from the Pacific Rim are popping up in grocery stores and restaurants as people continue to explore more of the world through their palates. 
2. Shelf-stable probiotics: Whole Foods said back in 2017, its experts predicted the naturally occurring probiotics in fermented foods like kimchi and “pickled everything” would blow up the food world. Thus, for 2019, expect even more innovative probiotic integrations in food — and not just in the supplement or refrigerated aisles.
3. Phat fats: Fats are making a comeback, and the trendiest diets are on board, said Whole Food. With the rising popularity of keto, paleo, grain-free and even “pegan” (paleo + vegan) diets, plus a general shifting consumer mindset, fats are starring ingredients in creative, convenient foods. Along with these phat fats, higher protein and lower-carb combos will continue to trend across simple and easy snacking categories.
4. Next level hemp: Hemp hearts, seeds and oils are nothing new to food and body care lovers — they’re in everything from waffle mix to dried pastas, said the retailer. However, a new interest in the potential benefits stemming from other parts of hemp plants has many brands looking to explore the booming cannabis business. 
5. Faux meat snacks: Plant-based foods will continue to surprise and inspire, said Whole Foods, with this year taking on the meat-based snacking world of jerkies and pork rinds many consumers associate with the corner store and road trips. Even those who don’t eat only vegan or vegetarian — are exploring plant-based snacking as their palates crave adventure, want a break from meat.
6. Eco-conscious packaging: The number of brands making the switch to packaging with the environment in mind continues to grow at a quickening pace, said Whole Foods. A number of like-minded brands in the OSC2 Compostable Packaging Collaborative have pooled their efforts to make important advances in flexible product pouches, the retailer added. 
7. Trailblazing frozen treats: While vanilla flavoured ice cream remains a classic, many consumers are game to try new flavours. Expect globally-inspired frozen desserts taking the stage this year — possibly sparked by 2018’s mochi ice cream obsession and a Thai rolled ice cream craze — with icy indulgences like airy Taiwanese snow ice and Mexican nieves de garrafa, not to mention stretchy, chewy, Turkish ice creams that get their unique texture from mastic and other unique sources. 
8. Marine munchies, beyond seaweed: Seaweed snacks rose to popularity a few years back and are now enjoyed by health-conscious adults and toddlers alike, however, Whole Food experts expect even more ocean influence in the grocery aisles in the year to come. Sea greens are showing up in dishes like seaweed butter and kelp noodles while consumers are exploring new depths of ocean flavours with superfood properties like unique varietals of algae and kelp.
9. Upgraded snack time: Snacking is becoming an occasion of its very own — think charcuterie or cheese boards for one, one-ounce portions of Cypress Grove cheeses paired with demi-baguettes as desk snacks and more mini meals, said Whole Foods. More takes on snacking nod to the comforting treats of the second-grade lunchbox, with better ingredients. Portable snack packages this year will feature bites like prosciutto and aged mozzarella, and artisanal versions of classic snacks like cheese or peanut butter cracker sandwiches.
10. Purchases that empower: Much like last year’s Transparency 2.0 trend, consumer purchasing power continues to motivate changes in the food, beverage and body care industries, as shoppers expect more from the brands and businesses they choose to support, Whole Food predicts. In 2019, thoughtful consideration behind purchases will move beyond (but doesn’t exclude) environmental stewardship and animal welfare, and will become more people-focused, the retailer concluded. 

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