Sandwiches are also getting a lot healthier this year, as collard green wraps are starting to get some appreciation thanks to their anti-inflammatory benefits and high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. "The trend to eat healthier sandwiches and wraps has brought collard greens into the superfood spotlight," says Monica Klausner, co-founder and CMO of plant-based meal delivery service Veestro. "Loaded with the three major antioxidants found in foods, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E, collard greens help strengthen our body's ability to fight the effects of chemicals and free-radicals in our environment."
Kale has been the healthy green of choice for the past few years but now microgreens (think arugula and swiss chard) are taking center stage, thanks to a powerful nutritional profile. And health benefits aside, microgreens are very versatile and give any dish a much healthier twist. "Microgreens are a powerhouse of nutrition that can provide up to 40 times the nutrition of the full-grown plant," says Jessica DeLuise, MHS, PAC. "Add them into pestos, salads or on top of finished dishes."
As the importance of gut health continues to grow, probiotic-rich foods like kimchi are gaining popularity. DeLuise notes that this spicy condiment packs a major punch of flavor and is easily available at major health food store locations. "Kimchi can be enjoyed on anything from breakfast omelets to sandwiches and it is quite healthy," she says. "Made from fermented cabbage and vegetables, it's very low in calories, is abundant in vitamins and is loaded with probiotics that can help to support a healthy gut."
Jackfruit is becoming quite the fruit sensation since it can be consumed as a snack or enjoyed raw as a sweet addition to a meal. The vitamin C-rich fruit is also gaining popularity as a healthy meat substitute, as meatless brands like Upton Naturals have items like chili lime jackfruit carnitas in their product lines. "Jackfruit, like most fruits, is high in vitamin C, which supports a strong immune system," DeLuise says. "It has become more and more popular in vegan communities as a replacement for shredded in meat in tacos or sandwiches."
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Meat Alternatives
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.
