For many of us, 2020 wasn’t our best year. But, with more time spent at home, we were able to re-focus our attention on our health and nutrition. While the tech sector experienced the largest growth of any industry this past year, the health foods sector wasn’t far behind, with companies presenting innovative ways for us to get our daily dose of vitamins and nutrients. From powdered superfood blends to probiotic-rich krauts, here are the biggest health food trends to watch for in 2021.
Immune boosters
With COVID-19 still present, expect to see a lot of immune-boosting foods in 2021. Ingredients like turmeric and ginger can reduce inflammation and boost your immune system. Elderberry and echinacea are also herbal ingredients that have long been used to promote immune health, and we’re seeing plenty of food and drink products incorporating them.
- Suja’s cold-pressed juice shots are on trend with a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Many swear by their Immunity Defense Shot, which is packed full of probiotics, turmeric, echinacea, vitamin C, and black pepper.
- Earth Echo’s Golden Superfood Bliss powder includes turmeric to reduce inflammation, ginger to improve digestion and fight sickness, and ashwagandha to reduce stress and anxiety. It’s recommended as a delightful stress-busting bedtime drink: simply warm some with your favorite non-dairy milk.
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Plant-based foods
You don’t have to be a vegan to eat plant-based foods—eating more vegetables, legumes, and other whole foods is a great way to naturally boost your immune system.
- Breakfast is making a comeback, and plant-based dairy items will continue to be all the rage in 2021. Innovative replacements such as Just Egg have wowed doubters, while plant-based milks, from pea to hazelnut, are continuing their takeover of grocery aisles and refrigerator shelves.
- Oats aren’t just for oatmeal anymore. You’ll see them incorporated into more foods as a gluten-free substitute for wheat, and in beverages as a tasty alternative to dairy milk. We are in love with Califia’s creamy, low-sugar Oat Barista Blend milk, and have been putting it in lattes and even drinking it on its own.
- We see more and more health influencers showing off their nutritious lunches, and plant-based bowls are a top choice. They’re a brilliant option as they can be varied for most any diet and, with a colorful bowlful of whole foods, your lunch will surely be packed with nutrition. When you can’t resist the idea of something crunchy and fried, try a fun veggie-based snack, such as Wunder Nuggets, which are made from vegetables, chickpeas, lentils, and beans, and come fully cooked.
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Coffee
Does coffee ever really go out of style? Not in our office! In 2021, you can expect to see this household staple show up in everything from candy to booze.
- Punched Energy recently launched a new line of gummies infused with green coffee bean caffeine so you can easily stay focused without having to brew a cup of Joe. As an added bonus, these gummies contain 33% of your daily dose of vitamin C, perfect for staying healthy during the winter months.
- Combine coffee and protein for the perfect pre-workout or midday snack with RXBar’s coffee chocolate bar. These wholesome bars contain only five ingredients and pack 12 grams of egg white protein.
- Though maybe not a “healthy” trend in 2021, we’re seeing coffee even make its way into alcohol. Jameson now makes it easier than ever to make the perfect coffee cocktail with their cold brew whiskey. We imagine some of you will be curling up by a fire this winter with this drink in your glass.
Fermented foods & beverages
If you’re apprehensive about trying fermented foods, don’t be. If you eat pickles or yogurt, you’re already incorporating them into your diet! Fermented foods and beverages are a great way to naturally obtain gut-healthy bacteria, vitamin C, iron, and zinc, plus they add a tanginess to your favorite foods. And since they have the benefit of boosting your immune system and helping you recover from sickness, we don’t see them going out of style in 2021.
- Kombucha has gained widespread popularity over the last decade for its many health benefits and for being a delicious fizzy alternative to soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Inspired by ancient fermentation traditions and brewed in nearby New Orleans, we’re fans of Big Easy Bucha. As an added bonus, most of Big Easy’s flavors contain just 7 grams of sugar per bottle.
- Small-batch sauerkraut is a delicious and healthy household staple that can enhance a variety of meals or simply be enjoyed on its own. We like Saverne Kraut’s dill and garlic kraut, available in resealable pouches and reusable glass jars. And if the gut benefits of this fermented food weren’t enough to sway you, sauerkraut has also been linked to improved brain health. We think kraut will be big in 2021.
Veggie-packed foods
It’s going to be easier than ever to get your daily dose of veggies in 2021, with everything from kale to sweet potatoes popping up in your favorite foods.
- Fruit and veggie jerkies made from mushrooms, bananas, and mango are hitting shelves and packing a punch of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Curious to check out this trend? Try Louisville Vegan Jerky Co’s maple bacon jerky.
- Replacing traditional ingredients for healthier ones, like kale and cauliflower, can take a meal to the next level, both in terms of taste and nutrition. Expect to see beet “chips” in the snack aisle and cauliflower “rice” in the frozen section of your grocery store soon if they haven’t arrived already.
Localized food delivery
COVID made us all aware that the grocery industry is not exempt from supply chain issues. (Did you struggle to find yeast last year, too?). With grocery delivery services like Instacart reaching all-time highs in 2020, we expect this trend to continue into 2021, but with an emphasis on connecting local farmers and their products to their hungry neighbors.
Health food options in Lafayette, LA
Speaking of local food, we love shopping for groceries at Sandra’s Cafe and Health Food Store in Lafayette. They make it easy to eat healthy, plus, Sandra’s has an in-store cafe serving up some delicious breakfast and lunch options!
Tired of meal service subscriptions that only deliver ingredients? With Louisiana-based company Good Eats Kitchen, you can have fully-prepared, healthy meals with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients delivered straight to your door. Plus, you can even get your favorite food brands, like Big Easy Bucha, Justin’s, and Kind, delivered with your meals.
From farmer’s market to food truck to a brick and mortar restaurant, Scratch Farm Kitchen has rapidly evolved to meet the demand of its avid fan base. Its two female owners serve up scratch-made vegetarian, vegan, and meat-forward dishes with a focus on sourcing ingredients from local farmers and businesses. At Scratch Farm Kitchen, everything from their broths to their condiments are made in-house. If you’re serious about eating healthy, tasty meals that directly support the Lafayette and surrounding community, you can’t do much better than Scratch Farm Kitchen.
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Meet your local Lafayette cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Duplechain
Board certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. J. Kevin Duplechain has been committed to helping men and women in the Lafayette area look and feel great for over 30 years. To learn how Dr. Duplechain can help you enhance your physique, contact us online or call (337)456-3282.
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