Zucchini noodles and cauliflower crusts have made the leap from exciting new food trends to reliable old standbys. And I couldn’t be happier about it.
Both are delicious ways to enjoy healthier, lower carb versions of our old favorites.
But not all popular food trends are as worthy of praise. For example, charcoal ice cream and “bleeding” beet burgers are a bit too out there for me. And I suspect they may be for you too.
Try these WORTHY 2018 food trends
New food trends can be hit or miss. But there are usually a handful worth trying out. And who knows, some may even become staples in your own routine one day.
Following are five new 2018 food trends that have us buzzing here at Healthier Talk.
1. Green banana flour:
No, I’m not making this one up. Green banana flour really is a thing. And it may become a staple in your own pantry once you learn more about it.
Going low-carb is a whole lot easier when you don’t have to go completely cold turkey on “breading” and baked goods. With green banana flour, you literally get to have your cake (or fried chicken) and eat it, too.
Banana flour is made from dried, milled, unripe (therefore green) bananas. As I’ve explained before, green bananas are a resistant starch with some unique health benefits. They’re a prebiotic food, which means they support a healthy gut bug balance. Plus they can help improve cholesterol, lower insulin resistance and improve blood sugar levels.
And to make a good thing even better it turns out using green banana flour couldn’t be easier. Simply use 25 percent less banana flour than regular flour in your recipes.
It’s lower-carb, packed with benefits and as tasty as the original. I’m sold; this is one of those food trends I’m happy to get behind.
2. Labne:
When it comes to hot new food trends Middle Eastern food tops the list. Because while this ancient cuisine has a rich (and delicious!) history, it’s new to many folks here in the United States. And one of my favorite Middle Eastern treats, labne (or labneh), is a perfect, nutrition-packed way for you to ease into the new trend.
Labne finds that perfect balance between a creamy yogurt and a rich soft cheese. Nearly everyone who tries it agrees it’s delicious. And it’s packed full of protein, gut-friendly probiotics, and nutrients that your body will love.
Best of all, it’s super easy to make at home. Simply pick up some high-quality plain Greek yogurt and cheesecloth. (Both of which you should be able to find in your local grocery store.) Fill the cheese cloth with the yogurt, tie it off and let it drain over a bowl in your refrigerator overnight.
With the excess liquid removed, you are left with a light, cheesy spread. The consistency may remind you of cream cheese or hummus.
Season your labne with a splash of olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper (or your favorite spices). Use it as a delicious sandwich spread, dip for veggies, potato topping, or a sauce for beef or lamb.
3. Purple foods:
Purple foods are hitting produce aisles and restaurant tables this year in droves. And I hope they’ll be finding their way into your own kitchen soon too. Especially my personal favorites, purple potatoes and carrots.
If you’re a regular Healthier Talk reader, you may recall we spotted this soon to be food trend last fall. And now these powerful, cancer-fighting foods are fast becoming a foodie favorite.
Purple foods are loaded with free radical scavenging antioxidants. According to experts the compounds that give the fruits and veggies that distinctive purple or bluish color—anthocyanins—help slow the growth of cancer cells.
Researchers say eating purple potatoes could reduce your risk of colon cancer. Other studies have found they may help lower blood pressure and prevent clots. And purple carrots contain the compound falcarinol, which scientists say slashes cancer risk as well.
Of all the new food trends on the horizon, purple foods deliver some of the biggest health benefits.
4. Overlooked fish:
If you’re like most folks salmon, tuna and perhaps even seabass are your go to fish. And they’re all terrific choices. But don’t forget there are many more fish in the sea. And if you’re stopping there, you’re missing out on some other delicious and healthy options.
Two overlooked fish options, porgy and lionfish, are just starting to trend. And both are worthy of being added to your own seafood rotation.
While lower in fat than some fish, porgy is still an excellent source of selenium, B vitamins, and other nutrients that help support brain, heart and overall health. Lionfish offers the essential balance between omega-3s and omega-9s for optimal health, as well as being a good source of protein and nutrients.
Plus, they’re both readily available and more sustainable than their more popular kissing cousins.
5. Poke bowls:
A staple of the Hawaiian Islands, poke bowls have finally made it to the mainland. And we’re better for it.
Poke bowls are loaded with fresh fish, lemon or vinegar, and seasonings served over salad or veggie noodles. They’re incredibly satisfying and nutritious. And far less fussy than your standard sushi order.
If you spot one on a menu, order it. I promise after you do you’ll want to make them a regular habit.
Not all food trends are worthy of your attention. And let’s face it; some of them are downright silly. (Sushi burritos anyone?) But these five are worth trying.
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