Someone once said, the only thing that stays the same is change. And when it comes to food trends, that couldn’t be more accurate. So what can we expect in the coming year?
Here are 8 food trends that are sure to take off in 2023.
Sustainable seafood will continue to be a hot topic. As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the demand for seafood. But with wild fish stocks dwindling, it’s more important than ever to find sustainable sources of seafood. Look for restaurants and grocery stores to start offering more options for sustainable seafood in 2023. In Canada, choose seafood products that have the Ocean Wise logo.
Choosing sustainable seafood is important for the health of our oceans and the future of our food supply. Scientists say that if we don’t change the way we fish, there could be no fish left to eat by 2048. The documentary Seaspiracy highlights some of the devastating effects that commercial fishing is having on our oceans. If you’re looking to learn more about this issue, check out the documentary and look for sustainable seafood options in 2023.
Plant-based proteins will continue to gain popularity. As more and more people adopt vegetarian and vegan diets, the demand for plant-based proteins will continue to grow. Look for new and innovative plant-based protein products to hit the market in 2023. Impossible Foods, for example, just launched Impossible Bowls, a line of plant-based bowls that are realistic enough to fool even the most die-hard meat eaters.
They are also expected to launch their new plant-based pork products in the coming year. Other new innovations include plant-based seafood and egg substitutes.
Functional foods will become more mainstream. Functional foods are those that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Think probiotic yogurt, omega-3 enriched eggs, and antioxidant-rich dark chocolate. Manufacturers will be adding functional ingredients to more and more products in 2023, so keep an eye out for them on store shelves. Some current examples include Kraft’s new line of probiotic-rich salad dressings and Danone’s line of yogurts with added fibre.
CBD-infused food and beverages will start to appear more often. CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in cannabis that has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing anxiety and pain relief. CBD can now be found in a wide variety of products, from cosmetics to pet treats. In the food and beverage industry, CBD-infused coffee, tea, and even beer are becoming more popular. As CBD becomes more mainstream, we can expect to see even more CBD-infused products hitting the market in 2023.
Insects will become more popular as a food source. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, eating insects is actually quite common in many parts of the world. And as the world population continues to grow, the demand for food sources that are high in protein and low in environmental impact will continue to increase.
Insects are a great source of protein and are much more sustainable than traditional animal sources. In 2023, we can expect to see more insect-based products hitting store shelves, from cricket flour to mealworms. In Canada, you can already find insect-based products at some specialty stores and online retailers. Products include, but are not limited to, crackers, cookies, protein bars, and even pasta.
Seaweed will become more popular as a food source. Like insects, seaweed is a sustainable source of protein that is also packed with nutrients. In addition to being a great source of iodine, magnesium, and calcium, seaweed is also a good source of fibre. Iodine is essential for thyroid health, and magnesium and calcium are both important for bone health.
Seaweed can be eaten fresh, dried, or in powder form. It can be used as a seasoning or added to soups, stews, and salads. Seaweed is already popular in many Asian countries, but it is starting to gain popularity in North America as well. In 2023, we can expect to see more seaweed-based products on store shelves, from chips and crackers to pasta and even ice cream.
Food waste will become a bigger issue. As the world population continues to grow, so does the amount of food waste. It’s estimated that approximately one third of all the food produced globally is wasted each year. That’s why in 2023, we can expect to see more initiatives aimed at reducing food waste. From community gardens to “ugly” fruit and veg boxes, there are many ways to get involved in the fight against food waste starting in your home.
It is estimated that the average household of four wastes $2700 worth of food each year. Another way to look at food waste is that for every 1 pound of food wasted, it is the equivalent of wasting 2.5 gallons of water and emitting 3.5 pounds of greenhouse gases. In Canada, companies like Food Waste Prevention Canada are working to educate and engage Canadians in food waste reduction.
Local and artisanal products will continue to be in high demand. Consumers are becoming more interested in where their food comes from and how it’s made. That’s why local and artisanal products will continue to be in high demand in 2023. Look for products that are made by small-scale producers using traditional methods. These products often have a higher quality than mass-produced items, and they also support the local economy. MCLEAN is a small company of family and friends with a mission to produce the healthiest deli meats in Canada.
These are eight food trends to watch out for in 2023. From CBD-infused beverages to insect-based proteins, there’s something for everyone. So get ahead of the curve and start trying out these new trends today!