SuperFood Trends
There is some debate about just how “super” superfoods are, but many people, experts included, believe in their anti-aging and healing powers. These healthiest of foods offer superior nutrition, important anti-oxidants, lots of essential vitamins and minerals, and fiber – not to mention the color and flavor they can add to any plate (or glass). This category of foods includes lots of fresh produce – deeply hued fruits and veggies that make great snacks and side dishes on their own but, when combined with the right flavors, can become incredible smoothies, soups, sauces, sides, even sweets. Here are a few of the superfood trends to look for this year and how to flavor them.
Avocados
Avocados are turning up in the most unexpected places. Besides salads, sandwiches, and the famously popular-with-millennials avocado toast, avocados are also making an appearance in packaged foods such as mayonnaise, pudding, ice cream, alfredo sauce, baby food, and more. Consumers are discovering the versatility of the avocado and its ability to pair well with unexpected flavors, including chocolate, coffee, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Its creamy texture makes it perfect to use as a base in ice creams and other products that require a creamy mouthfeel.
Blueberries
Blueberries contain high levels of phytochemicals that bolster the body’s natural ability to fight inflammation. Berries may also reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and memory loss. Blueberries have a lovely tart and sweet taste that lends itself to many delicious pairings including cream cheese, lemon, honey, cherry, lavender, grape, and even savory flavors such as basil. From frozen yogurt pops to blueberry lavender butter to cheesecake with a healthy makeover, blueberries are the ideal food with which to experiment and create new favorites.
Coconut
Coconut has enjoyed a recent stint in the spotlight as it becomes more available and consumers learn of its many health benefits. Interestingly, coconut is a fruit, a nut, and a seed all in one. It has been in use for a very long time – hundreds or thousands of years. Coconuts are not native to the US but now grows well in coastal regions in the South after being introduced to the area. Once mainly used in sweets and cocktails, you can now find coconut in everything from oatmeal and coffee to smoothies and flavored waters to hair and skin treatments. Like avocado, coconut has a mild flavor and creamy texture, so it pairs very well with a variety of flavors including chocolate, vanilla, curry, ginger, cardamom, and other fruity flavors such as lime and strawberry.
These are just a few examples of the many superfoods to watch for this year in a wide range of products including beverages, frozen treats, sauces, snack foods, and much more. Our natural flavor ingredients can help you create the signature products you need to achieve your business goals.