FIVE food trends for 2019

US supermarket titan Kroger has announced its top food trend predictions for 2019, curated by its Our Brands new product developers, chefs and innovators, focusing on flexible eating styles.

While these brands may not be available world-wide, the principle dietary advice is still valid.

Go for plant-based

Consumers are finding it is easier than ever before to incorporate more plant-based fare into their daily diets. By choosing to go meat or dairy free, whether for a meal, a Meatless Monday, Flexitarian Friday, or every day of the week, there will be more plant-based options available to power through the day. Last year, 31 percent of consumers participated in meat-free days once per week.

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Eating styles

More of Kroger's consumers are purchasing better-for-you products and subscribing to different eating styles, from vegetarian to flexitarian to keto and paleo.

A recent study reports 15 per cent of the US population identify as vegetarian or vegan (Mintel, Protein Report, 2017). We are responding by offering and developing new products that make it easy for any customer practicing any lifestyle to find foods to support their health and wellness journey.

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Discover regional flavours

Foods influenced by regions across the country are bringing flavour and fun to any meal. From tried-and-true barbecue sauces and flavourful potato chips with a twist – inspiration is coming from Nashville hot chicken, Southern Appalachian pimento cheese and other geographies.

America’s culinary heritage is as varied as it is delicious. Consumers will see a growing number of products influenced by local, regional and global tastes.

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Switch to low-sugar

Consumers are becoming more motivated to reduce or eliminate sugar and/or consume alternate natural sweeteners like honey and agave. In fact, 47 per cent of consumers say they are working to minimise their sugar intake (Mintel, Better for You Report, 2017). New solutions and foods will continue to be added to grocery shelves to help consumers find products rich in nutrition and flavor and lean on sugar.

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Gut healthy foods

Medical studies show that a healthy gut is the foundation of overall wellness, and more than ever before, consumers are seeking foods that support self-care and healthy immune systems. Consumers will find a growing number of products rich in probiotics— good bacteria—and flavour.

More details....

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(originally published by Australian Food News)