Happy New Year! We made it through what simultaneously felt like both the longest and shortest year at the same time. 2020 has had worldwide effects on the way that we work, interact with one another, process loss and life, and at the most basic level, it’s affected how we eat as well. The food industry has taken a huge hit, with an unprecedented amount of restaurant closures worldwide and more and more people staying home and dining in, we feel that our 2021 food predictions are a direct impact of food and eating habits from the last few years.
Here are our top 5 food predictions for 2021:
#1: Committing to the Environment
Climate change has never been more of a pressing matter than in recent news and there has been a surge in everyday people trying to adopt more environmentally conscious behaviour in their day to day life. You don’t have to start with drastic changes overnight, one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to commit to using less plastic in your homes. The first step can be as easy as switching out plastic bags to bring your groceries home using reusable produce bags. Once you have those groceries and fresh produce inside your home, rather than using saran plastic wrap to wrap the rest of your cut fruit, veggies, marinades, etc, next time reach for stretch Silicone lids to cover up your containers – these reusable lids make all the difference. These are long lasting and great for the environment and a great first step into doing your part to be more eco-friendly, right from home!
#2: Take-Home Meal Kits
As dining out took a major hit in 2020, restaurants are finding ways to get creative! Similar to a meal prep delivery service, it will be more common to see your favourite restaurants offering not just your standard takeout or delivery, but kits to prep their most popular dishes from the comfort of your very own home! This doesn’t only apply to food, restaurants and local bars are also starting to create cocktail kits so you can recreate your favourite happy-hour drinks in your living room. This is a great way to continue supporting your local restaurants and bars and still having fun with it!
#3: The Air Fryer will be 2021’s Kitchen Darling
Remember all of the frenzy surrounding the Quick Pot when it first came out? There was a race to share as many amazing, time-saving recipes as possible. While we ourselves cannot deny the impressive power and capabilities of a quick pot and its impact in our own kitchens, we feel that 2021’s new favourite pièce de résistance alongside the Quick Pot will be the air-fryer. Not only is 2021 committing to becoming more environmentally conscious as mentioned in point #1, but we believe in moving towards becoming much more mindful of our health this year as well. Among millenials, owning an air-fryer has pretty much become the coolest thing you could do – but this is perfect for all ages to use and enjoy. Go into 2021 without feeling guilty about that second helping of sweet potato fries!
#4: “Eat-ertainment”
These are serious times and with some areas still experiencing closures in theatres, stadiums, concert halls, and other entertainment venues, we are looking to have fun at home. We will see consumers looking to brighten and enliven the monotony of preparing so many meals in a row. Reimagining traditional recipes and products will keep consumers from becoming bored with their meals and snacks in the coming year.
#5: Plant-based options (over ketogenic & Mediterranean diets)
Choosing proportionately more of your foods from fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils, soy, whole grains and nuts and seeds; it doesn’t have to mean never eating meat or dairy. Expect to see more foods and beverages with functional ingredients that support the immune system, soothe stress and calm the mind.
These are only some of many trends that we predict will be on the rise in 2021. What are your food predictions for the new year? Let us know!