2018 brought us more plant-based foods—think Beyond Burger—and an influx of wellness tonics. What does 2019 have in store for foodies when it comes to trendy new bites? Every year the folks at natural foods giant Whole Foods look into their crystal balls and predict the trends that we’ll see on the store shelves starting in January. Here are five predicted food trends that we’re delighted to welcome this new year.
Shelf-Stable Probiotics
2018 brought a number of fermented foods like kimchi to the forefront. Probiotics trend yet again for 2019, but this time, they’re shelf stable: Probiotics such as Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 and Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 are more shelf-stable, so expect to find these functional probiotic ingredients to more pantry staples and even beauty products.
Try the Trend: GoodBelly Probiotics Crunchybars; Effi Probiotic Chickpea Granola; Pacifica Sunset Sun + Skincare Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30; Vega One Botanical Blends Organic All-In-One Shake With Ashwagandha Extract; Counter Culture Probiotic Cleaning Tonic and all-purpose cleaner
Faux Meat Snacks
Are you vegan or vegetarian and yet missing those meaty flavors and textures? 2019 promises more plant-based foods big on meaty tastes. Expect vegan-friendly replicas of jerkies and faux pork rinds with that universal umami flavor.
Try the Trend: Snacklins Cracklins Without The Pork; Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.; Pig Øut Chipotle Pigless Bacon Chips
Eco-Conscious Packaging
When it comes to packaging, there’s no better time than January 1, 2019 to make the switch to packaging with the environment in mind. Thankfully, brands in the OSC2 Compostable Packaging Collaborative worked together to come up with eco-friendlier packaging solutions, while other companies are making commitments to ban straws. 2019 consumers can expect to see an emphasis on reusing and a de-emphasis on single-use plastics.
Try the Trend: Square Organics bars; Numi Organic Tea; Nutiva; Flow Alkaline Spring Water; Seed Phytonutrients Daily Hair Cleanser and hair care line; Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap; Lunchskins Recyclable + Sealable Paper Sandwich Bags
Newfangled Frozen Treats
2019 will also usher in a revolution in the frozen treats aisle, as a new generation of goodies guarantees to satisfy everyone’s taste buds and health needs. Think plant-based ice creams, high protein frozen custards, and globally-inspired frozen desserts. Popsicles and gelatos will also be spiking up 2019 with boozier blends.
Try the Trend: Cado Avocado Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts; Seed + Mill Tahini Soft Serve at Whole Foods Market Bryant Park; Jeni’s Sorbet Frosé; CocoWhip Soft Serve at Whole Foods Market Lamar; Dolcezza Mascarpone and Berries Gelato; Cold Crush Ultra Premium Ice Cream, Sweet Cream Rhubarb; Vegan mochi ice cream.
Snack Time All the Time
Three-meals-a-day is slowly becoming a trend of the past as snacking-style mini meals take over consumers’ hearts and minds. Expect better, more interesting ingredients, increased portability and artisanal versions of classic snacks as well as upgraded retro treats.
Try the Trend: Cypress Grove 1-ounce artisanal fresh goat cheeses; Creminelli Fine Meats artisan charcuterie snack packs; Goodie Girl Cookies; 365 Everyday Value Organic Pretzel Pieces (Hot Pepper Jelly and Southwest Jalapeño Ranch flavors); 365 Everyday Value PB&J Gone Gourmet Trail Mix; Gluten-free Quinn Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels; Fuller Foods Serious Cheesy Puffs; Project 7 Organic Chewies; Crispy Wafers; Smashmallow Marshmallow Rice Treats