5 Big Food Trends We’re Still Seeing in 2020

The food world is ever changing. From diets (Atkins, Paleo, Mediterranean), to trendy foods (cauliflower was having a moment in 2019), there’s always something that creates a new buzz among foodies. But certain trends appear to have more staying power than others. Here are five trends that are here to stay!

1. CBD everything

Cannabidiol (or CBD) gained popularity in 2018, and for 2020, it doesn’t seem like it’s going anywhere. Once a product that was totally taboo, it’s now seen in everything from coffee, biscuits, chocolate, water, and even dog food! Some magazines now even include recipes where you can make your own CBD creations.

2. Low or no alcohol beverages

Definitely a trend that no-one saw coming. According to a recent study by Nielsen, millennials are looking for ways to reduce their drinking. So they’ve been turning to low-alcohol or alcohol-free options.  There are two possible reasons for this. The first is that there has been a rise in younger people following more holistic and healthy lifestyles, and getting drunk simply doesn’t fit the bill. Another, possibly more cynical reason, is that millennials are smoking more marijuana so therefore they don’t have the need to drink.

3. Reduced packaging

We are grateful for this trend and hope that sustainability never goes out of style. Several food businesses have removed straws as an option, some give you a discount if you bring your own shopping bag, and some even allow you to bring your own refillable containers for dried pasta, nuts, and grains.

About a year ago, Waitrose launched a ‘pick ‘n' mix’ option in a way to curb plastic. Shoppers bring their own containers (bags or bottles, whichever they prefer) and fill up on what they need. Items available in this format range from dried grains to coffee, and even laundry liquid!

With this method, keeping groceries fresh will be a challenge. But we’re excited to see what solutions stores can come up with!

4. Special dietary requirements 

The restaurant menu is no longer restricted to those who are lucky enough to eat anything under the sun. People are becoming more and more familiar with special dietary requirements such as gluten-intolerance, lactose-intolerance, peanut allergies, and veganism. So many restaurants (and even recipes in food magazines) now also cater for those with special dietary needs.

5. Gut health and probiotics

Gut health is no longer something that doctors need to be telling us to focus on more.  By now we know that probiotics are essential for good health, and that our gut flora (also known as our gut bacteria) can influence many things – from our immune system to our mood! But gone are the days when you only had to eat yoghurt. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and even kombucha can be found in almost any store, and you even get recipes to make it yourself.

What 2020 food trend are you most excited about?