Hot food trends for 2018

Your Healthy Set Go team searched the web to discover the hottest food trends for 2018. Which of these might you explore further?

Reducing food waste

Food waste is a hot topic. Some experts claim that up to 40 percent of our food ends up as food waste. Some chefs advocate root-to-stem and hoof-to-tail cooking—basically eating all or most of a fruit, veggie or animal protein—to help reduce some of the waste. Other ways you can help:

• Make a meal plan and buy only enough fresh foods you know you'll be able to use before they go bad.
• Experiment with new cuts of meat. Turkey necks, pork shoulder, bone-in cuts are becoming more common on restaurant menus and in grocery stores.
• Some stores now offer less expensive "ugly" produce. While it may not look as pretty as the more expensive options, this produce is just as nutritious.

Transparency 

We want to know where our food is coming from. We're reading labels and researching how food is produced and marketed, from cage-free eggs to non-genetically modified organism (GMO) ingredients. We're also holding companies accountable for maintaining ethical practices in all aspects of food growing and marketing. 

A wealth of alternatives

You don't just need to rely on soy as an alternative to dairy, or consume sucrose to meet the needs of your sweet tooth. Plentiful choices abound for people who have food allergies or sensitivities.

• Milk alternatives now include oat, soy and numerous nut milk blends. Stick to an unsweetened variety if you're trying to lose weight.
• For sugar substitutes try pure honey, maple or date syrups, sorghum and stevia.
• Aquafaba, the liquid found in canned chick peas and other canned beans, is a recent discovery for people who need to eat gluten-free but want a good egg white replacement.

Real bread and ancient grains

Artisan breads, local and ancient grains and small batch milling are making whole grains and breads made from them healthier and tastier. If you don't need to avoid gluten, pick up a loaf of bread from a local bakery or farmers market. Just a warning though: the amazing taste and textures might make you fall in love with bread all over again; make sure to eat it in moderation!

Sparkling beverages

Carbonation isn't just for soda pop any longer. Now, water, tea and even coffee can be effervescent. To be hip to this trend, try kombucha, a sparkling fermented cold tea loaded with good-for-your-gut probiotics. 

Eating globally

Originating in El Salvador, pupusas are the next hot street food going mainstream. These tasty corn tortillas are filled with beans or meat. 

Middle Eastern ingredients, foods and restaurants are also growing in popularity. To incorporate the trend in your home cooking, choose lamb or goat meat, chickpeas, eggplant, tahini, hummus and falafel. Incorporate herbs and spices like cardamom, marjoram, sumac and thyme and spice blends such as harissa and za'atar into your meals.

Here's a recipe to make your own za'atar, courtesy of  Bon Appétit.

Za'atar

Makes about ¼ cup. Can be made two weeks ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Combine 

• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano
• 1 Tbsp sumac
• 1 Tbsp ground cumin 
• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds

Stir in 

• 1 tsp kosher salt 
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper