Food is no less trendy than fashion or beauty. And just as we change our tastes in terms of dress styles, shoe colors or jacket cuts, so food has its own fashion trends. So what is in store for us in the near future? What will we eat and why?
Mega-trend: Mindful eating.
In recent years, we’ve begun to eat more thoughtfully. And it’s not just about counting calories, but about caring about the future of the planet. Statistics show that people in developed countries are now buying less food to avoid throwing away leftovers, choosing products from brands that produce food as sustainably as possible, pesticide-free eco-products and farm products for which the producer is personally responsible. According to Google, by 2022 the number of searches containing the words “conscious consumption” and “corporate social responsibility” increased by 80%. Meanwhile, 55% of consumers actively inquire about manufacturers’ environmental standards before purchasing their products. And there has been an increase in interest based on age: 41% among 18-30 year olds, 52% among 31-40 year olds, 61% among 41-50 year olds and 66% among 51-65 year olds. Not surprisingly, the older people get, the more they think about the world they and their children and grandchildren will live in.
Food for the Brain
In addition to the effects of diet on the body and the functions of various body systems, scientists have finally recognized that food is important for our psychological well-being. Our activity during the day, good sleep, and ability to tolerate stress are directly related to nutrition. (Food and Health Study 2021, IFIC). There is a real boom in foods that contain nootropics and adaptogens, and people are willing to eat previously obscure foods if they mention L-theanine, ginseng, B vitamins and ginkgo.
Feeding the microbiome
The evolving science of the microbiome has been one of the brightest stories of the past decade, and the more we learn, the more fascinating it seems. The connection between the microbiome and probiotics for the digestive system has finally been established, and it has been proven that probiotics are among the first ingredients needed for gut health. The immune role of the gut has been proven – and that, too, is news to nutrition watchers. Our bodies are home to trillions of microorganisms that live on the skin, in the mouth, and in the digestive tract. The microbiome plays an important role in weight control, heart health, blood sugar levels and mood. Probiotics have been shown to reduce the frequency and duration of upper respiratory tract infections, help control weight and insulin resistance, and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.