The 10 Food Trends According to Whole Foods 2016

Whether we like it or not, every year a new trend emerges and attention shifts from one point to another along the supply chain. The world is dynamic, it always has been, and these days it continues to be so but at a speed at least ten times greater.

Society changes just as our priorities change: the search for different flavors, convenience, eco-sustainability, a different approach to health, a (paradoxical) return to seeking out flavors and methods that before the industrial era were found everywhere and at low cost, globalization, new diseases and protection from them. These are just some of the aspects that seem to have come under the magnifying glass of us human beings, but how will the food landscape receive them this year?

Wine at Wine has analyzed the opinions of a team of Whole Foods experts, made up of top managers and buyers, and has outlined the trends for you in order to try to make sense of it all in just a few moments, and to carry out a little self-analysis.

1 - Meat and fish specialties: the focus will shift toward lesser-known and lesser-used cuts and species, perhaps sold with higher margins and capitalizing on consumers' desire for "the unusual";

2 - 2016 is vegan! Growing importance of fully plant-based products that preserve animal welfare;

3 - Non-GMO: the desire to eat and drink non-GMO products will continue to assert itself;

4 - Dehydrated foods: experts anticipate developments in this sector that will be supported by health-conscious trends;

5 - Probiotics: fermented and probiotic foods will see a growing consumer base;

6 - Organic milk: milk consumption has for some time been the target of criticism from the media, nutritionists, and public opinion. Phrases like "do you know any other animals that drink milk as adults" are an everyday occurrence! During 2016, despite the stance taken by many, there will be a tendency to consume less of it and to choose organic;

7 - Alternative flours: the comeback of gluten free (the battle against gluten is even stronger than the one against milk!), the rediscovery of ancient grains, protein flours and with them alternative pastas and breads will continue their inexorable growth;

8 - Exotic flavors: now having penetrated even a closed food culture like Italy's, the flavors of exotic cuisines, particularly those coming from the Far and Middle East, will not see any slowdown, at least for this year;

9 - Wine in a jar: heresy? Perhaps! But the consumer market has rejuvenated considerably and a slow recovery in consumption has been seen even in our country. Probably not in Italy and France, but elsewhere canned and jarred wines will start to be heard from again (and perhaps make their way into the mainstream). After all, stars of the caliber of Paris Hilton and Sophia Coppola had already tried producing them!

10 - The rise of Heirloom seed consumption: seeds from a plant known for centuries in the USA that seem to be starting to gain popularity elsewhere as well.

Some points we like, others less so – like wine in a jar!