If you’re sick of kale, coconut water, or quinoa, we’ve got news for you. There’s a new slew of superfoods on the market, all chock full of nutritional benefits.
The trends this year seem to be “clean eating,” with a focus on whole ingredients that taste great and make for unique recipes. From The Huffington Post:
The food trends that have dominated in Brooklyn and Portland are continuing to have wider influence, Levine says. Key words like artisanal, foraged, handcrafted, local, and fresh are going to be used more and more widely this year, he says, in restaurants and supermarkets. “It’s moving into the mainstream,’ he says. And of course, these words often refer to foods that are made with whole ingredients and aren’t overly processed, which is a nice bonus.
While some of these new foods may seem a bit bizarre (banana flour? bone broth?), they’re sure to add diversity and flavor to your pantry. And they make you feel like a rockstar.
Savory Yogurt
If you like Greek yogurt, you’ll love its savory sidekick. While most people have been focusing on sweet yogurt, savory yogurt has a more complex flavor, making it a great addition to vegetables and protein dishes. In addition, it still has all the health benefits of your favorite yogurt flavors. Serve with roasted tomatoes, fresh herbs, and olive oil.
Banana Flour
Step aside, almond meal. Banana flour is the hottest new flour of 2016. We aren’t the only ones geeking out of this innovative ingredient. From Marie Claire:
Made from green bananas, with a nutty flavour, it’s gluten-free and can be added to smoothies and salad dressings, as well as replacing traditional flour. You don’t have to use much, thanks to its highly absorbent properties, and it’s high in resistant starch, which mean it helps to protect against colon cancer and diabetes and controls blood-sugar levels.
Use in muffins, pancakes, and cookies for a healthy spin on your favorite baked goods.
Maple Water
While coconut and aloe water used to be the trendiest versions of H20 on the market, maple water is quickly beginning its reign as the new “wonder water.” Not only does maple water contain lots of antioxidants and minerals that help regulate sugar levels, but it also is beneficial in enhancing thyroid function.
Bone Broth
The ultimate recipe for a cold January night, bone broth is a delicious stock full of essential minerals. Harper’s Bazaar comments on this super soup:
Loaded with gelatin, glycine and host of essential minerals broth has true healing power. Many times you eat a food or take a supplement and don’t notice any changes. In my experience, regular intake of broth leads to noticeable changes in hair, nails, skin and joint mobility. Tip: A cup of broth consumed like tea makes for a great before bed snack and often helps quell those late night sugar cravings.
Kimchi and Pickles
Fermented foods are health powerhouses. Both items contain natural probiotics that help your digestive and immunes systems. In addition, fermented foods help protect the body against pathogenic forms of bacteria. These types of bacteria are sensitive to acidic environments, and fermented foods help regulate the acid levels in your stomach lining.
What foods are you most excited about for 2016?
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Amanda Kohr is a 25-year-old writer and photographer with a penchant for yoga, food, and travel. She prefers to bathe in the moonlight rather than the sun, and enjoys living in a state of the three C’s: cozy, creative, and curious. When she’s not writing, you can find her driving her VW Bug, looking for the next roadside attraction or family diner. She also roams the internet at amandakohr.com.