Discover the 5 food trends for 2023

When it comes to food, food trends make a strong entrance at the start of every year. In this article we'll tell you what those trends are so you can keep them in mind in your daily shopping, and if you have a food business, take note, because these are products you absolutely must carry.

Are a fad and a food trend the same thing?

Let's start at the beginning… and we'll tell you right away that no, they're not the same, although the line between them is a thin one.

A food fad is considered something fleeting that doesn't significantly influence people's consumption habits. Food trends, on the other hand, are here to stay: they go hand in hand with the lifestyle of a certain population.

Let's look at some examples. You probably remember when weight-loss shakes were promoted as meal replacements, until doctors raised red flags, since these shakes didn't meet the macro- and micronutrient requirements a person needs to stay healthy.

A food trend, on the other hand, was the reduction in sugar consumption, so much so that the world's leading soft drink brands launched “zero sugar” products. This trend went hand in hand with the lifestyle people were adopting at the time.

Now let's look at the food trends coming in 2023.

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Plant-based foods

More and more consumers are looking to cut back on animal-based foods, which has led to the rise of substitutes: plant-based milks, legume-based cold cuts, and nut-based cheeses and yogurts.

Although this isn't entirely new, more and more brands are looking to make these foods, so you could say it's a growing food trend with ever-increasing demand.

These foods are low in sodium and cholesterol-free, a plus for those who are looking after their health.

The fermented foods trend

In recent years, researchers have begun studying the role the gut microbiota (beneficial bacteria in the intestine) plays in human health. That's why the consumption of foods and drinks such as kefir, kombucha and kimchi, sourdough bread, and minimally processed cheeses and yogurts is being promoted.

More and more benefits are being found in these foods for health and overall well-being, and guess what? The food industry is joining in and producing them on a large scale.

Alternative flours are still trending

Something we've been seeing for some time now is a decline in the consumption of carbohydrates, especially those that come from wheat.

There's a lot of debate here, because on one side there are those who choose to cut back on carbohydrates in general, and on the other those who say highly processed wheat is the cause of many diseases. That's why some people decide to eliminate it from their diet.

Whatever the reason, the trend is toward nut flours (almond, chestnut, pecan, coconut) and others that, although not low in carbs, are eaten as alternatives, such as rice, buckwheat, sorghum and lupin flour.

Adaptogenic mushrooms join the food trends

They're called adaptogens because they help the body regulate itself in certain stressful situations, such as extreme cold or heat, or lack of sleep. They also support the immune system during prolonged fasting or over the course of certain illnesses. Some of these mushrooms are reishi, lion's mane, cordyceps and maitake.

And which foods are they found in? They're used in coffee blends, infusions, or as powders to add to smoothies, for example.

Green smoothies and juices

Last but not least, green juices and smoothies remain popular, made with little fruit (to avoid consuming too much sugar). They're called green because they're made with spinach, kale, celery, parsley, and so on. They're a source of essential minerals and vitamins, as well as the dietary fiber needed for healthy gut function and for keeping cholesterol and blood sugar levels in check.

Green smoothies can include many add-ins known as “superfoods”, such as chia seeds, flaxseed, pollen, maca, or moringa. These supplements deserve an article of their own to explore their benefits in depth.

Conclusion

Food trends are going strong in 2023. Consumers are increasingly demanding about what they choose to eat, so if you're looking to improve your health, these 5 trends are a must to keep in mind.

And if you run a store selling these foods, you won't want to miss out on selling them online. Create your online store with Agrojusto.