Want to know what new food trends you’ll see in 2020?
According to global food industry experts from chefs to research analysts, there’s a ton of food trends happening in 2020.
Although we are still into Avocado Toasts and Buddha Bowls, you’ll see many alternatives to familiar foods and recipes being introduced in the general market and restaurants. Below are 22 of these new trends you’ll likely start to notice around you!
1. Beyond Meat – Plant-based meat alternatives
Everyone is going crazy about this new product! The Beyond Meat brand is claimed to be made out of completely plant-based ingredients and when cooked tastes just like meat, gaining fans even from the meat-loving community. A lot of restaurants and even fast-food chains are introducing Beyond Meat into their menus and you can also purchase this from participating grocery stores like Alosra Supermarket frozen food section and make your own meals at home.
2. Ube
Purple Ube is a yam found in Philipines and generally used in desserts. It has become increasingly popular all over the world and it’s very Instagrammable due to its trendiness and violet color. You can have it in ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes, you name it, it can have Ube in it!
3. Seacuterie
Think of your classic charcuterie board that’s usually got an assortment of meats and cheeses but instead of meat its seafood. Originated from Australia, you’ll see pickled, aged, smoked, and fermented seafood like octopus salami and salmon sausage on the board. It’s worth a try!
4. Collagen Spiked Drinks
Collagen is a naturally produced protein in the human body that helps support muscles and tissues. As we grow older we produce less collagen and by the time we’re 50, we lose 50% of our collagen production. This is why Collagen products are so popular especially with women. Collagen is a huge market this year in terms of different types of products coming out to help “top-up” this natural protein in our bodies. Find it in health food stores and cafes!
5. Pinsa Pizzas
Pinsa is an authentic roman way of making pizza. It comes out lighter, thinner and so soft from the inside yet crispy from the outside. It’s made out of wheat, rice, and soy flour and is easier to digest than regular pizza and has fewer calories and carbs! We hope to see Pinsa in Bahrain this year!
6. Tasting Menus
Tasting menus are gaining popularity all around the world. For one it makes for a nice dining experience that you can share with others. They also provide you with small portions of a collection of dishes and that’s cool because you get to try out a lot of different things in one sitting. It’s exciting for the customer and the chef, as they usually come plated in creative and abstract ways.
7. Chef Collaborations
This trend has chefs collaborating usually for an event or a special menu. The idea is to create a dish or more incorporating their own artistic style and combining the two together. It brings the community together and keeps the food & beverage industry exciting and innovative! We’ll be seeing a lot more chef collaborations this year.
8. Coconut Yogurt
One of the many alternatives to dairy we’ll see this year is non-dairy yogurts. Basically it is coconut milk and probiotics. As sustainable cuisine becomes more and more mainstream, you’ll be seeing this on the menu and the grocery aisle at quite a few places!
9. Souffle Pancakes
These light and fluffy pancakes were popularized in Japan and have been making it on the menu all over the world. They are super Instgrammable as well as take time to prepare which is why they are on the food trend list for 2020. Find this on the breakfast or weekend brunch menu in Bahrain.
10. Korean Food
Korean BBQ and Korean Cuisine is on a popularity surge according to data research in 2020. We’re not sure why it took this long but the cultural cuisine has been globally accepted and is sought after by foodies all over. Try it out for yourself, Bahrain has tons of Korean restaurants!
11. Cheese Tea
Born in the streets of Taiwan is this cold drink usually tea or a fruity tea drink like bubble tea that is topped with a foamy milky-cream cheese layer that makes for a savory taste. If you get over the name then the idea isn’t so odd. We’re on the watch for this drink to be available in Bahrain but it is making the rounds all over parts of North America, Asia, and Europe.
12. Vegan Desserts
Vegan desserts are on the rise as there are more and more people opting for plant-based and flexitarian diets but vegan dessert is for everyone. Anyone who wants something sweet and delicious without the sugar, preservatives and extra calories can swap for a vegan dessert that is equally if not more delicious. Made out of natural ingredients, vegan desserts are being welcomed more and more each day and in Bahrain, we have TONS of vegan dessert options.
13. Alternative sweeteners
More and more alternative sweeteners to sugar are coming out so frequently and this is why it is on the 2020 food trend list. Some alternatives are Monk Fruit Nectar, Agave Syrup, Sweet Potato Syrup, Pomegranate Syrup, Coconut Sugar, and Date Syrup. It is better for you and lowers the number of calories you’re taking in without sacrificing your sweet tooth.
14. Sweet Potato Leaves
You’re about to learn something new today. Sweet potatoes that we know and love come out of plants that also grow these leaves that are not only edible but are highly nutritious! Sweet potato leaves also known as camote tops contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamin A and C, riboflavin, thiamin, folic acid, niacin, fiber, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, potassium and iron. Why are we throwing these out again? Pick up from your local grocer today!
15. Gochujang
This red chili paste is savory, sweet and spicy and made out of rice and fermented soybeans. It has probiotics and promotes a lot of health benefits. It’s Korea’s most favorite condiment not only because it tastes so good but also because it’s good for you!
16. Black Garlic
Aged and heated garlic that has a wonderful flavor and can be used in many ways. You can find this in many menus in 2020 as its an insane new flavor people are loving.
17. Reishi
This mushroom is becoming a trend because of its many health benefits. It boosts the immune system, has anti-cancerous properties, fights fatigue and depression, improves heart health and blood pressure control and is an antioxidant. This mushroom comes in supplement form, powder, extract and even in chocolates.
18. Vegetable Ice Cream
Vegetable ice cream has been in the spotlight in recent years and its popularity is rising. Vegetable ice cream flavors like broccoli and carrots, literally the possibilities are endless! Brands like Peekaboo and many innovative chefs are kick-starting this new trend.
19. Protein Coffee
In the health and fitness community, high protein coffee powder is on the rise, as coffee helps boost metabolism and energy and protein powder provides protein and strength making it the best of both worlds. A lot of protein coffee powders and products can be found in the market now. To learn more read this article by Health Care Weekly.
20. Cakes For Dogs
More and more pet owners are showing their furball friends lots of love and opting to bake or order a pet-friendly cake on their birthdays. You can easily find some of these birthday cakes at pet stores recently and there are also tons of recipes online for dog/cat-friendly cakes.
21. Chickpea Butter
You might have heard of peanut butter alternatives like Almond butter, Sunflower seed butter, Walnut, Hazelnut, the list goes on. You will soon see Chickpea butter as an alternative too! You can order from Amazon and available across North America and the UK but this alternative doesn’t have any nuts making it safe for people with allergies to eat and it’s got a lot of protein!
22. Jackfruit
Jackfruit originates from Brazil, Southeast Asia, and Africa and is trending among vegans and vegetarians as a meat replacement. Its stringy consistency can be used in tacos, burritos, curries, bowls, stir-fries and absorbs sauces very well, making it a great alternative.
