Whole Foods is sharing its predictions for what will be popular in grocery aisles next year by unveiling its seventh annual trends report.
Ultraurban Farming - The indoor farming trend has grown from hydroponics and aquaponics to mushrooms grown above the grocer's aisles and even fresh produce grown by robots.
You Do Yuzu - A tart and sour citrus from Japan, Korea and China this tangerine sized fruit is poised to take the culinary world by storm.
Reducetarianism - Plant-curious eaters that aren't ready to give up meat entirely. When animal products are on the menu they opt for premium grass-fed meat and pasture-raised eggs.
Hibiscus is Happening - Has a long history in the world of teas. Now its sweet, tart flavor is used for fruit spreads, yogurts, and craft drinks.
Buzz-Less Spirits - Taste and sophistication in cocktails without the buzz from a category that experienced record sales at Whole Foods this past year.
Grains That Give Back - Kernza, a grain developed by the Land Institute, helps nutrient cycling and overall soil ecology. It can be found in cereals and even beer.
Seize the Sunflower Seed - They deliver proteins and unsaturated fats in crackers, ice creams, and creamy cheeses. Are made without nuts, so allergy friendly for school snacks.
Moringa's Moment - This "Miracle Tree" is used as a herbal remedy in India and Africa where it is used to fight malnutrition. In the U.S., the matcha's alternative is used in smoothies, sauces, baked goods, protein bars, frozen deserts.
Functional Foods - Consumers are looking for sparkling drinks that not only taste great, but also balance out the sweetness. Probiotics, prebiotics and botanicals in sodas and fizzy tonics can now mask the flavor profile with added ingredients.
Tumeric Takes Off - "The Golden Spice" is popular in the U.S. as a Dietary Supplement. Used in cereals, sauerkrauts, and even plant based ice cream sandwiches.
Whole Foods, Austin, Texas based, the first certified-organic national grocer, has 500 stores in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.
They are offering a Trends Discovery Box, a curated assortment of 10 products to represent each of the 10 Trends, its available for $30, a $50 Value, so their customers can taste all of the trends at once. This Box is available for a limited time only at wfmtrythetrends.com.
SOURCE: Progressive Grocer
