In 2018, summer is no longer just about ice cream, cool drinks, and other overpriced junk food. Chefs are expected to put more focus on health and creativity. The following are some of the major summer food trends you can expect;
Plant-based Food
Over the past few years, more people have begun to embrace veganism. Plants are full of nutrients including fiber, protein, vitamins and unsaturated fats. They lower the risk of contracting diabetes and other lifestyle diseases. To respond to customer needs, restaurants are diversifying their menus to include more plant food.
Fermented Food
Fermented food has gained a lot of popularity in 2018. In the summer, serving fermented food in restaurants is expected to become more mainstream. Food that is fermented is easily digestible because of the bacteria in it which predigests it. It is tastier and also more nutritious. It can be used for weight loss since it curbs sugar cravings.
Root-to-stem Cooking
The ‘root-to-stem’ dining trend began a few years ago. Parts that were once discarded such as potato peels and lemon rinds are put to use instead of being discarded. They are used in making smoothies, sauces, salads, soups, stir-fries and whatever else the chefs want to. This helps to prevent food and money wastage. This summer, this trend is expected to be embraced by even more restaurants.
Alternative Sweeteners
Sugar is one of the leading causes of obesity and other lifestyle diseases. Restaurants are expected to swap it for healthier alternatives such as coconut and monk fruit extracts, honey, applesauce and maple syrup.
Glamorous-looking Restaurants
Over the summer, most restaurants are expected to offer a more glam-worthy eating experience. This includes the use of flattering lighting, décor, on-site props, including popular paintings and sculptures and including bold and bright color combinations in the bathrooms.
Cannabis meals
The trend of cooking with marijuana is already popular. With more states having legalized recreational marijuana, summer is expected to introduce more creative cannabis-infused snacks, drinks and meals. It is expected that there will be more restaurants serving cannabis sweets, ice cream, pastries and main meals.
Creative Food Combinations And Infusions
Chefs are always trying out new, creative ways to combine their meals. In summer, they’re likely to try out even more playful and unexpected combinations and infusions. This includes using non-traditional fillings in donuts and using innovative and unexpected ingredients to make ice cream.
Craft Soft Drinks
Craft beer combines unique flavors from natural ingredients. This has made them a popular choice for many beer lovers. This summer, craft soft drinks are expected to gain just as much popularity. Despite being a relatively new concept, over half of Americans agree that craft soft drinks have a lot of potential because they are healthy.
Science-based Food
The role of Science in the future of food cannot be ignored. More people are beginning to overcome their fear of science-based food. As it is, many restaurants are already using plant-based meat made in labs. Even though some people still need to be convinced, more people and restaurants are willing to give science-based food a chance this summer.
David Brown is known as the resident ‘foodie’ and spends a good portion of his time working as a food critic for the local newspaper. In his spare time, David enjoys checking out new restaurants and diners with his wife and friends.
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