Whole Foods Market has released their predictions for the top food trends in 2018. From unique floral flavors to functional mushrooms and Middle Eastern cuisine, Whole Foods predicts a rather flavorful 2018.
The retailer’s global and local experts could not ignore the growing consumer voice when it comes to transparency, specifically as it relates to product labeling. Non-GMO standards are top of mind, but they also cited Fair Trade certification, responsible production, and animal welfare standards; as information consumers are looking for on their product labels.
According to Innova Market Insights and many other industry experts, a growing number of consumers are moving toward flexitarian and vegetarian lifestyles. Whole Foods identified the role food science will play in answering the call. The report explained, “Plant-based diets and dishes continue to dominate the food world, and now the tech industry has a seat at the table, too. By using science to advance recipes and manipulate plant-based ingredients and proteins, these techniques are creating mind-bending alternatives like “bleeding” vegan burgers or sushi-grade “not-tuna” made from tomatoes. These new production techniques are also bringing some new varieties of nut milks and yogurts made from pili nuts, peas, bananas, macadamia nuts and pecans. Dairy-free indulgences like vegan frosting, brownies, ice cream, brioche and crème brûlée are getting so delicious, non-vegans won’t know the difference – or they might choose them anyway!”
See what other trends Whole Foods identified for 2018.
Let Skidmore help you source the ingredients to meet the most current trends. Not only are our representatives skilled at sourcing hard-to-find ingredients, but more than half of the ingredients we handle are non-GMO compliant. Please contact your Skidmore representative when you’re looking for the ingredients that customers demand.
