2016 Food Trends: What’s Hot and What’s Not

Posted on 7 September, 2016

Last week, Australian Food News released a brief article on the top foodie trends for the remainder of 2016.

I love articles like this. They remind me that the world of nutrition is not just about science, physiology and biochemistry. Nutrition is fun, a way to express yourself and connect with the culture around you. In a way, it’s also very similar to the fashion industry. Much about the way we eat is ‘hot or not’ and I find it absolutely fascinating! And sometimes, somewhat amusing.

Societal norms and trends play a significant role in dictating our food choices, so I thought I’d take a closer look at each of these current trends and offer my advice on how to make them work for you and your health.

Food and beverage trends for the remainder of 2016

LOCALLY SOURCED PRODUCE

I love this one and wrote a post on it a few years ago. It’s still a reasonably strong trend and has no intention of letting up anytime soon.

I think there’s a rising feeling of responsibility amongst many consumers to support the businesses, families and organisations that are in their own backyard and it’s fantastic to see. It gives small businesses a chance, helps keep food sustainable, plus, it fosters a healthy eating environment, that focuses on seasonal, fresh produce.

Great ways to buy local produce is at the Capital Region Farmer’s Market on a Saturday morning or ordering online through another great little business called Farmer’s Crops.

PRODUCE GROWN BY THE EATER

What a fab trend this is too! Especially when you’ve got kids. I think it’s super important that they grow up learning that fruit and vegetables come from the ground, not a plastic wrapped Styrofoam container at the supermarket!

I believe that the crazy, busy, hustle bustle of life has cultivated the green thumb in lots of people, looking for a way to simplify and slow down life.

It’s not for everyone – I’ve tried many times to grow my own food and I think I’ll just stick to the markets!

VEGETARIAN, VEGAN AND ORGANIC FOOD

This is definitely a trend that will go the distance. When people become environmental or ethically conscious and also start thinking about sustainability, many people turn to vegan or vegetarian lifestyles or think about purchasing organic produce.

I’m a meat eater, but I think a few meat free meals a week is great for long-term good health, focusing on upping your vegetable intake and can also save you money at the check-out. Just compare the cost of a tin of legumes with 300g of red meat and you’ll see why! Vegetarian and vegan diets do need careful planning, so don’t just cut out animal products and hope for the best! Deficiency in certain nutrients has real consequences, so get help if you need it.

When it comes to organic produce, I have to admit, I need a little more convincing, especially when it comes to paying the hefty price tag. From my research (that goes well beyond Google) I’ve found that there is very little difference between conventionally and organically grown produce both from a pesticide residue and nutrition perspective. Honestly, just eating more vegetables, whether organic or not, is a good thing! Only 5% of Australians are eating enough, so rather than stressing about these minor details just get the good stuff in!

AMERICAN-STYLE BURGERS

Umm, this trend is the best. Burgers are awesome! I love burgers! I love making my own on a Friday night and in Canberra there are lots of places to eat them! Do so in moderation and make sure you fill them full of lots of nutrient-rich foods like vegetables!

BBQ

In my opinion, Australians are always going to love the BBQ. I reckon this current trend just means we’re getting better at it. Think gourmet salads, meat and chicken ideas that go beyond beef sausages and getting creative with vegetables!

Make your BBQs healthy with unprocessed meats, wholemeal breads and pasta, lots of green salad, vegetable kebabs, homemade sweet potato or regular potato chips on the grill, grilled corn on the cob, mushrooms, zucchini slices and heaps more!

HEALTH CONSCIOUS JUICE

Juice has been a huge trend and also not looking like it’s going to end anytime soon. I think we like the idea of downing a HEAP of nutrition without chewing! Ha!

Juices are perfectly fine to drink occasionally; especially ones you’ve made yourself with whole fruits and vegetables and without added sugar. Just don’t believe the hype that some companies spruik that it will ‘cleanse’ your insides, ‘cure’ you of cancer or ‘detox’ your liver. Juice isn’t that magical. If it helps you get in a few serves of vegetables and/or fruit each day then go for it. Don’t forget that chewing your food is the preferred option.

Keep the pulp in your juice for an extra fibre and health boost and be mindful of how much fruit you add. If it’s more than what you would actually chew and eat in a day, then it’s too much.

Food and beverage trends on the way out

MAINTAINING A DIET THAT CONSISTS OF ONLY HEALTHY FOOD OR ONLY “JUNK” FOOD

Trends like ‘paleo’ and ‘clean eating’ are on their way out. I think it’s a good thing overall. I know that plenty of people have learned to eat well following these philosophies but there are plenty more who are confused, anxious and just plum screwed up from these dieting trends, particularly with what is portrayed on social media.

You don’t need to exclude certain food groups to be healthy and I’ve written plenty on this topic without going into it now.

In terms of the trends including only ‘junk’ foods, I can also say, I’m glad this fad is also coming to an end. Chicken nuggets for breakfast, lunch and dinner anyone? Yeah… didn’t think so.

FULLY LOADED MILKSHAKES

I have to say that this trend is A LOT like high-end fashion. The craziest, most outrageous pieces often have the shortest life spans. I think it’s because they lose their shock value. When we first saw them, crazy milkshakes made worldwide news and we were like “OH MY FREAKING GOODNESS” and had a conniption. Now we’re like, “Meh…”.

I’m actually devo they’re not as cool anymore because I haven’t had one yet. And not because I’m against them (one milkshake won’t doom me to poor health), it’s just because…well…all I do is work and parent. Let’s just say I need to get working on my social life a little more (I am open to new friends who shout me a milkshake).

BEVERAGES SERVED IN MASON JARS

I’m sure we’re all devastated that this trend is on the way out. Drinking out of mason jars really added that final layer of healthiness. It just felt like a healthy thing to do. Instagram will never be the same…