Although meatless alternatives have become increasingly more mainstream in the last decade, Nate Appel, chef and recipe developer at HelloFresh, says that the new meat alternatives of 2018 are becoming more advanced, especially since brands are developing new and innovative products that taste (and even bleed!) like real ground beef. And as new diets (keto, paleo and more) continue to gain popularity, Appel says to expect these items to become more widely available. "Where there is a social shift to eat less meat and red meat in particular, people still want the grilling, cookout experience and these products provide great options," he says.
Starbucks may have unveiled an eye-opening turmeric latte last year but food experts like Chef Nicole Andrea Guzman feel that this golden spice is definitely hanging around, especially since it speaks to a larger Middle Eastern food trend that's already booming in 2018. She also notes that turmeric offers many nutritional benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
"Aside from being used for cooking and seasoning, turmeric root is related to ginger and oranges, and has anti-inflammatory properties that are great for the skin," Guzman says. "Many people are beginning to take turmeric in pill form, are drinking turmeric tea and are already incorporating it more and more into their everyday diets."
Instagrammable food trends also extend to alcohol-infused popsicles, which have taken visual sites like Pinterest by storm. "FrutaPOP is reinventing the ice pop, a product that hasn't seen any innovation in the last 50 years," says Laurance Rassin, co-founder and creative director the brand. "As we continue to see the trend towards foods with no added sugar and beverages with low alcoholic content, our gourmet alcoholic popsicles appeal to a wide range of customers looking for healthier and trendy options."
