It’s that time of year when we start thinking about all the exciting new food trends we are expecting over the next twelve months. I have scoured the web and online forums/social media to compile this list of 2018 food trends.
Poke Bowls:
This Hawaiian dish picked up a lot of press last year and you can now buy it in lots of places in London, you could also try out this recipe to make your own.
Not “poke” but “POH-keh” ― it is simple cubed raw fish and vegetables, seasoned any way you want it.
Eating Less Meat:
With more and more people going vegan and a growing group who are just choosing to eat higher welfare meat, there will be less meat consumed in 2018. I try to do one meat free day a week but I am not rigid about. I do always buy free range and check the source of my meat where possible. More people are experimenting with vegetables and realising a dish doesn’t have to contain meat to be delicious. I’ll never give up bacon though.
Being Sober:
With a huge uptake in specialist soft drinks for grown ups being sold and the new alcohol free spirits, there will definitely be more people consuming less alcohol. I don’t drink much at home but I do enjoy soft drinks like Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade. I should point out here that I am definitely not one to go sober. I enjoy a night out and a few drinks with dinner quite often but it is rare that I go OUT OUT these days. But when I do cocktails are my fave.
Fermenting:
Expect more of us to be pickling and fermenting this year. This method of food preparation is picking up steam every month. Check out books from food writers such as Charlotte Pike for tips and recipes.
Foraging:
Foraging is becoming more popular each year. I tend to only really go on the hunt for blackberries and wild garlic but this year I’d like to try looking for more wild herbs and berries. Always be sure to check with an experienced forager or use a book to ensure what you are eating is safe!
Eating Local:
More of us are supporting local stores for our produce and trying to use independent cafes and restaurants over chains. I will openly admit to using both. I love to support local businesses but I also have an occasional weakness for Costa and McDonald’s and that’s ok. Sometimes we have to admit that we need the large businesses in our towns for employment as well as to feed our latte addictions.
Eating less meat is my 2018 goal