4 Popular Healthy Food Trends in 2020

Even though 2020 may be drawing to a close, the healthy eating trend continues to grow as more of us lean away from indulgence and towards nutritious meals and snacks. A recent report conducted suggests that 82% of people have changed their eating habits in the last five years, with 86% trying to be more health-conscious.

Past trends such as plant-based eating have only continued to grow in popularity, as more and more individuals reduce the amount of meat they consume in their diet. Other trends that continue to remain front and centre include a focus on sustainability with consumers being concerned about the origin of their food and how it impacts their health and the health of others around them.

Below is a curated list of some of the top health trends of 2020 that you can consider adding to your repertoire.

The rise of the oats

Oats have blown up as a major trend in 2020. You’ve probably seen oat milk, but you can also find it in all sorts of products from yoghurt to bread. Oats have risen in popularity in recent years as it’s an excellent alternative for individuals who can’t or don’t want to drink dairy or soy milk.

In terms of protein, it has about half the amount of soy or cow’s milk and is usually fortified with calcium. While oat milk is a great alternative, however, those who are allergic to gluten should ensure that the products they consume are gluten-free. It’s always best to check the product label first before consumption.

A more comprehensive range of lactose-free dairy products

While lactose-free milk has been around for a while, 2020 saw the rise of lactose-free dairy and dairy alternatives such as lactose-free cheese and yoghurt. As some individuals may have health conditions that prevent them from enjoying traditional dairy-based products, there are now plenty of alternative options to cater to their needs.

There are even other unique products that have entered the marketplace, such as cashew-milk-based creamers and hemp creamers, that you can pair with your coffee or tea.

Mocktails over cocktails

It may seem hard to believe, but mocktails have grown in popularity thanks to health-conscious millennials. These drinks are both delicious, alcohol-free, and healthy. Some examples include HopTea that brews tea with that hoppy flavour you get from beer without the additional calories or a hangover.

There’s also refreshing sparkling water bottled in beer bottles and non-alcoholic craft beers so you won’t feel left out when you’re drinking with your friends. Certain bars are even hopping on this trend with mocktail menus that serve non-alcoholic beer, wine, and cocktails.

Blended meats

While meat-free offerings have spiked in popularity in 2020 with the launch of companies such as Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, health-conscious carnivores have also been on the lookout for ethically raised meat that’s better for them. With that, companies have started to innovate by incorporating plant-based nutrients into their meat products.

Some examples that have hit the market include beef and chicken that’s mixed with cauliflower, brown rice, and legumes. Perdue has also introduced chicken nuggets that aren’t just made with chicken; they’re also blended with cauliflower and chickpeas. Other products include chicken sausages mixed with vegetables such as squash and sweet potato along with patties that are blended with pea protein for reduced saturated fat than a regular beef patty.

Lazy to head to the supermarket to purchase these ingredients and make a meal on your own? You can consider booking a private chef at your home with Gathar. You’ll even be able to create your menu according to your dietary needs, while the chefs will have nutritious, healthy meals ready for you in no time.

Summing up

Healthy eating is expected to continue to rise, and there are plenty of more healthy food trends that are expected to take the food world by storm. While these trends are great to incorporate into your diet, you’d also want to look at your specific needs. If you’re looking to lose weight, for example, also remember to incorporate exercise within your routine.

Tell us your story

Would you like to write for nichemarket just like Luke has? Find out how to submit a guest post and when you're ready, you can contact us.

Are you looking to promote your business?

South African food and catering businesses can create your free business listing on nichemarket. The more information you provide about your business, the easier it will be for your customers to find you online. 

Registering with nichemarket is easy; all you will need to do is head over to our sign up form and follow the instructions. If you require a more detailed guide on how to create your profile or your listing, then we highly recommend you check out the following articles.

• How to create a nichemarketer profile
• How to create a nichemarket business listing

Recommended reading

If you enjoyed this post and have time to spare why not check out these related posts and dive deeper down the rabbit hole that is healthy eating.

• The Health Benefits Of Eating Organic
• Keto Questions: What to Ask Your Waiter
• What Is A Low Carb Diet?
• 13 Health Benefits Of Ginger

Tags: Healthy Eating, Guest Post