The Specialty Food Association is a company created for anyone in the food biz. So you’ve got a food store? Or you’re just someone who likes to eat? I thought you might be interest in hearing about what is ‘trending’ and later I will give you more specifics about the Top 3 Trends in Food.
“New takes on nut butters, meaty snacks, and smoky infusions are among the top trends spotted at the largest Fancy Food Show ever, which took place in New York City”.
Nut butters. Interesting. In the vegan world they call it cheese sometimes…. I remember making a ‘cheese’ from cashews, sunflower seeds and tahini. Tahini is ground sesame seeds, by the way. And actually it was quite good. Spreadable and tasty! Wondering if we have to buy these things or if we can just make them at home and add them to what we are currently eating…..?
“Other trends and up-and-comers included modern mayonnaise, more twists on popcorn, savory takes on yogurt, and a new wave of seaweed snacks”.
Modern mayonnaise…. hmmmm…. adding two types of mustard? And I just want to admit here and now I have tried to like seaweed snacks. I mean, I like sushi. Why not? But my answer to you is: Not! I just don’t like it. Flavored or not. It doesn’t float my boat.
“Trends from past Fancy Food Shows that showed their staying power include coconut, Sriracha, ancient grains, alternative snack chips, and innovation in gluten-free items”. Yay for ‘staying’ power. I have many clients that are happy, happy if only I add Sriracha. But some people are actually allergic to it. And for the most part, anything spicy just overrides the actual flavors of the food. But a little does go a long way and give you a ‘taste’ you can’t get otherwise. So, when you are playing around with Sriracha, like putting it in mayo for an aoili sauce? Give it a try. It’s good. But put some in a little at the time, cause ya know once it’s in, you can’t take it out (but you can always add more)!
“Cookie butters are the latest innovation in sweet spreads to use on desserts, toast, or to eat right out of the jar”. Really? Really? You’re stressing me out with this bit of information. Do we need more things loaded with sugar on the market? Sugar equals inflammation. And I’m really tired of being vomited on by the sugar industry, introducing new items bad for your health in commercials over and over again. Aren’t you?
YES CHEF!
I mean we can create some really good healthy desserts by mixing dark chocolate with fruit, or adding shredding coconut to fruit, or even making coconut balls dusted in cocoa powder. All sounds good?
YES CHEF!
But it’s lower in fat, certainly there’s no animal fat being used in the desserts I make (butter), and it’s satisfying. So that’s my recommendation. Get creative with what’s trending and make your own! How great the people at the office will think you are, if you spend Saturday or Sunday creating something flavorful and healthy to bring to work on Monday! (Don’t tell them it’s healthy until they ask for the recipe)! lol
“Smoked foods have moved beyond the meat category into confections, chocolates, and pickled vegetables”. I’m not sure what I think on this one. What does ‘smoking’ things do? Pollute the product with flavors of wood? I’m really not sure. People come up with all kinds of crazy things to do to food. I mean that’s how we came up with processed food, no? Why don’t they just leave it alone?
“They’re even doing smoked chocolate! And Smoked Cola Gum Drops”. Yech! Yech! Really? Really?
“Booze is the buzzword in ingredients, with bourbon in particular showing up in snacks, treats, and seasonings.
- Batch – Brown Sugar Bourbon & Pecan Ice Cream
- Brooklyn Brine Co. – Spicy Maple Bourbon Pickle
- Bourbon Barrel Foods – Bourbon Smoked Sugar”
I’m all for adding Sherry to onions to create a great onion soup. But when you are cooking, the alcohol burns off. And I gave you a new recipe a couple of blogs back for a watermelon salad that was laced with alcohol. So who knows. The latest and greatest will either give you a buzz, or it won’t! lol
HOW ABOUT ‘HEALTHY’ TRENDING, CHEF?
Aaaaahhh. Yes. I knew I could count on you to ask!
Green tea! Green tea is changing and evolving! As a matter of fact, people are starting to drink more green tea, than before and companies are coming up with new ideas. Here’s what’s listed in the Specialty News:
- The Republic of Tea – Matchia
- Teapigs – Organic Matcha
- Ito En – Matcha Love ready-to-drink tea
So there you go with the ‘trending’ items in the food world. Hope it gives you ideas to create!
Happy Eating,
Chef Marian