The ‘new-world’ seems to have an all-things-trendy solution to any problem you may face. There seems to be a new fad that pops up every week that claims to have all the answers, while also being classified as hipster/cool/authentic and more.
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After doing a little bit of a deep dive into the ones that seem to have been popping off lately, there have truly been some ingredients that I want to buy and incorporate into my life right now, while others have proven themselves to be disconnected from their origin and purpose and therefore, while useful, are not necessarily ethical, sustainable or used in the right context. Over the last few years we have seen what these trends can really do, from completely changing the pricing of celery to wanting to have coffee that animals have pooped out, things have been crazy and we don’t see them slowing down.
Here is our take on the trendiest ingredients of 2020:
Avocado
The number one ingredient in guacamole, avocado toast, salads, smoothies, and even skin and hair care, avocado is a much-loved ingredient. Avocados are packed in with the good kinds of fat and a large slew of vitamins that help it boast of a variety of health benefits from helping with depression to cancer and inflammation. In recent times, the popularity and health benefits of avocado have been accepted widely and the fruit has been converted into vegan mayonnaise, oil, plant-based butter, and much more. While the avocado is undeniably healthy, in many places of the world where it is grown, it is grown for export and therefore negatively impacts the food security of that region and the ecology due to the burden of mass production. So, the next time you want some Avo Toast for the ‘gram, think about where that avocado is coming from and what that means in the long run.
Oat Milk
Move aside soy milk, this is the era of oat milk. Oat milk, made from oats and generally water has quickly grown to have become baristas’ favorite due to its closer-to-milk consistency and a mild taste. Oat milk is high in fiber, vitamins, and is cholesterol-free and obviously dairy-free. Oat milk is a definite yay from us because as compared to other popular plant-based milk such as almond and cashew, the negative environmental impact is limited. This is both in terms of the number of oats used to make the milk, and the land and water required to grow the oats. To really make sure that you are being sustainable, try making your oat milk at home or encourage your providers to use sustainable packing.
Cauliflower
Over the last year, there has been a 71% increase in cauliflower products. From cauliflower pizza to cauliflower steak, to cauliflower rice, cauliflower gnocchi, and much more, there is a cauliflower version for almost everything. The reason for this popularity is obvious, cauliflower fits into all diets and lifestyles; paleo, vegan, keto, you name it. Further, cauliflower has an almost tasteless flavor base that adapts to whatever you want it to be and has malleable texture. Cauliflower is also a yay from us (in season, be careful of the worms) as it is high in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, and more. It grows in a variety of locations and is accessible to all.
Turmeric
Turmeric is the heart behind the golden-latte and golden food trend sweeping the west. However, it has been a staple in south-east Asia for thousands of years and has been commended for its healing properties since ancient times. From antioxidant abilities to anti-inflammation, turmeric does it all, but as exports and demand rises for this carefully grown root, there is also a rise in adulteration of the product. With turmeric, as well as many on this list, research how to use it effectively if it is not native to you and make sure to source it in reasonable and ethical amounts. More is not necessarily better for you as turmeric can increase body heat in large quantities.
Matcha
Over the last few years, matcha has proven itself as a great source of mild caffeine whilst providing many super-food benefits to the body. Like turmeric, matcha is traditional to a certain area, and growing it outside of that is complex. With that being said, once matcha plants are up and thriving they require care, but low amounts of water and live for around 50 years. Matcha, in small quantities, is a yay due to its unbelievable antioxidant, insulin control, detoxification properties, and much more. Be ready to pay increasing prices for this labor-intensive product over the next few years.
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Considering the impact COVID-19 has had on the import-export business of the world, it helps us remember that the healthiest and most affordable way to eat, is seasonal and local. Falling demand for high maintenance ingredients during the wrong time of year will help the soil replenish and ecosystems thrive as they should. Additionally, while some of these super-foods can really overhaul your body and pull it through smoothly on a bad day, it's not like any of them compensate for the other things you are putting in your body. Therefore, super-food with caution and let your entire diet act as one.
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Let us know what was the weirdest food trend you tried out, and how that affected your body!
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