The three most unusual food trends in 2018

Posted on 7 February, 2018

The food trends that took off in 2017 will be consolidated in 2018. The general public prefers healthier, more ecological foods. In fact, there is a certain tendency to prefer vegetable to animal proteins. The possibility – more and more feasible – of manufacturing food in laboratories and using 3D printers is also in sight at the beginning of this new year.

Exotic and novel foods that will be the trendsetters in 2018

Blue algae

There is not much blue food. The exception up till now has been the blueberry, but the social networks and recent market developments have forced a change. Traditionally flavour has been the undisputed territory of food. However, food trends are now taking a visual path.

Blue algae provide large amounts of proteins, group B vitamins and minerals. They grow in tropical and subtropical climates and we’ll find them as decoration in very small amounts, since it is not recommended to take more than five grams a day.

Hemp seeds

Hemp is a plant where nothing is wasted. Hemp fibre is used to make fabrics and even furniture. Oil is extracted from its seeds, which are also edible. They are very rich in group E vitamins and contain essential amino acids. All told, we are talking about another source of vegetable protein. We see, then, how culinary trends are gathering around the consumption of this type of protein, which is preferred to its animal equivalent.

Green banana flour

Under the umbrella of the food trend that shuns gluten, green banana flour is presented as an alternative to the classic cereal flours. This type of flour is a source of tryptophan and vitamin B6, two essential elements for the synthesis of serotonin. It also has other health benefits, such as cholesterol control, regulation of blood sugar levels and improved bowel function.

Chaga mushrooms

Also known as the Cinder Conk or the Fungus of Immortality, chaga is a non-toxic, fungal parasite that grows on white birch trees. It was first consumed in powder form as a kind of soluble coffee. Now it is beginning to be used in cold drinks. Traditionally it has been used for its medicinal properties and in 2018 it will be adopted as part of the alimentary trends developing around the consumption of healthy foods, since this fungus enhances the immune system.

Food trends and new technologies

Printed food

We shouldn’t only be discussing ingredients when looking at food trends. 3D printers were first used for the manufacture of plastic parts. However, in the food sector, several restaurants and food businesses now use them to print food that looks really eye-catching and even to personalize it. Confectionery was the pioneering product in 2017, but 2018 is being presented as the year when 3D printers take the most exquisite kitchens by storm.

Laboratory products

Genetic engineers have already learned how to make beef. When the news came to light in mid-2017, the technology was still too expensive, but this is changing really quickly. Perhaps 2018 won’t be the year of the popularization of artificial beef but this is definitely a trend. Those who have tried it say the flavour and properties are the same as those of beef.

We can see, then, how food trends are continuing along the paths taken in 2017: healthier and more ecological.