With each new year comes new trends in food, fashion and decor, and speculators can only guess about what will *really* take center stage. In 2016, unicorn cakes, breakfast cereal desserts and ’90s nostalgia were at the forefront of the food world. Now that 2017 is finally here, will we continue to see more of these colorful, playful trends? To a degree, perhaps, but there are plenty of new, creative and — surprisingly — healthy trends just around the corner. Here are 13 of the foodie obsessions that experts are currently predicting will dominate 2017.
1. Unicorn Toast: First there was avocado toast. Then there was sweet potato toast. Now, we’re psyched to report that something even more yummy (and pretty) has been dreamed up: UNICORN TOAST.
2. Matcha: Matcha was pretty big in 2016, but it’s poised to continue its climb to stardom in 2017. With more and more people choosing healthy, clean ingredients, this variety of green tea is right in line with the health food zeitgeist that will likely define 2017.
3. Food Boxes: Last year, food box delivery services like Blue Apron changed food prep forever, offering home chefs everywhere the option of receiving their dinner supplies in one convenient package. Experts are predicting the trend will explode in 2017. Now, if only the ingredients could be delivered right to our kitchen windows, Jetsons style.
4. Teff Flour: Teff, a flour native to Ethiopia, is a gluten-free alternative to regular wheat flour. It also boasts a stellar amino acid profile and packs a huge protein punch, so it’s a natural shoo-in for healthy bakers everywhere.
5. Chocolate Cake for Brunch: With muffins and pancakes being basically desserts anyway, why not go all-out and eat chocolate cake for brunch? In fact, that’s what Sunday-morning brunchers across the country are already starting to do, and the trend isn’t expected to go away anytime soon. THANK GOD.
6. Soup: Have you heard that souping is the new juicing? Those of us who prefer savory to sweet will be psyched to hear that healthy, hearty soups are going to be all the rage in 2017. Already thinking about warm weather? No worries — cold dishes like gazpacho and chilled green pea soup can cool you off on a hot summer’s day.
7. Cactus Water: Coconut water is *so* 2016. JK (we still love coconut water), but cactus water is the newest plant-derived water to grace the scene, and it’s going to be everywhere in the coming year.
8. Seaweed: Seaweed is super healthy, as it’s full of calcium, iodine and vitamin K. From seaweed salad to kelp seasoning, you’re going to see more and more of it in 2017.
9. Fat Bombs: In 2016, the nutrition community learned what some of us have suspected all along: Fat is actually REALLY good for us. Next year, we’ll likely see the fruits of a renewed commitment to natural fat sources such as butter, ghee and lard… and high-fat, low-carb “fat bombs” will be a popular treat for health-conscious eaters.
10. Moringa: Yes, matcha is still popular, but it has a slightly more offbeat cousin that’s also making her way into the spotlight: moringa. Moringa can be made into a tea as well, and it’s derived from the leaves of the moringa tree, which is native to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
11. Broccoli Stems: Waste not, want not! Food experts have noticed a definite trend toward zero-waste cooking, and that means using EVERY part of the animal or plant you’re preparing. Broccoli stems are hearty yet soft, mild yet flavorful, and generally delish.
12. Jackfruit: Jackfruit is a hearty (and gigantic) fruit native to southeast Asia. In fact, it’s SO hearty and gigantic, it makes for a really great meat substitute. In line with a general trend toward clean eating, experts are predicting a dramatic increase in jackfruit consumption this coming year.
13. Blackened Meats: Cajun cooking is becoming en vogue this year too, and what says Cajun cuisine like perfectly blackened fish and chicken? Nothing, that’s what. To get really authentic, blacken some crawfish or alligator. (We promise — it’s actually pretty delicious.)
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