Whole Foods Market food trends 2018
Whole Foods compiled insights from global buyers and experts to develop its forecast for 2018.
 

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Middle Eastern cuisine, functional mushrooms and floral flavors are among the top food trends to watch in 2018, according to global buyers for Whole Foods Market.

To develop its forecast for 2018, the specialty grocery chain compiled input from the experts who source items and lead trends across the cheese, grocery, meat, seafood, prepared foods, produce and personal care departments for its more than 470 stores.

The top food trends include:

Whole Foods Market food trends 2018 - Flowers
 

Flower power. Floral flavors are blooming in beverages and snacks, from lavender lemonades to hibiscus mint popsicles. Elderflower is a favorite in cocktails and sparkling drinks, and violet is paired with dark chocolate in confections.

Whole Foods Market food trends 2018 - Super powders
 

Powder players. Powders such as matcha, maca root, cacao and turmeric pack a nutritional punch in lattes and smoothies, nutrition bars and baked foods. Protein powders have expanded way beyond whey to include alternative sources such as egg white protein and nutrients like collagen.

Whole Foods Market food trends 2018 - Mushroom
 

Mushroom mania. Functional mushrooms have stepped out of the supplement aisle. Reishi, chaga, cordyceps and lion’s mane are featured in bottled beverages, broths and even body care products.

“The rich flavors also lend themselves to mushroom broths, while the earthy, creamy notes pair well with cocoa, chocolate or coffee flavors,” Whole Foods said.

Whole Foods Market food trends 2018 - Middle-Eastern flavors
 

Middle East goes mainstream. Harissa, cardamom and za’atar are heating up on U.S. menus, and Middle Eastern ingredients such as pistachios, eggplant, mint and tahini are gaining steam.

“Things like hummus, pita and falafel were tasty entry points, but now consumers are ready to explore the deep traditions, regional nuances and classic ingredients of Middle Eastern cultures, with Persian, Israeli, Moroccan, Syrian and Lebanese influences rising to the top,” Whole Foods said.

Whole Foods Market food trends 2018 - Transparency
 

Transparency 2.0. “More is more when it comes to product labeling,” said Whole Foods, which is set to introduce new sourcing and labeling standards in the New Year. Among them, all canned tuna sold in Whole Foods stores will come from sustainable, one-by-one catch methods; all items will provide G.M.O. labeling; and dishes from the food bars will feature calorie information.

Whole Foods Market food trends 2018 - Sushi
 

High-tech, plant-based. From “bleeding” vegan burgers to sushi-grade “not-tuna” made from tomatoes, an emerging crop of plant-based products are designed to appeal to vegetarians and carnivores alike. Ingredients such as pili nuts, peas, bananas, macadamia nuts, pecans and avocado stand in for dairy in new yogurt, ice cream and milk products.

Whole Foods Market food trends 2018 - Popped
 

Puffs popping up. New extrusion methods are bringing more puffed, popped, dried and crisped textures to the salty snacks section. Examples include popped cassava chips, puffed rice clusters and lentil crisps.

Whole Foods Market food trends 2018 - Tacos
 

Tacos with a twist. A street-food favorite is featured in new and unexpected ways. Breakfast and dessert tacos have emerged on restaurant menus, as well as tacos with alternative shells, such as a seaweed wrapper with a poke filling.

“Classic tacos aren’t going anywhere, but greater attention to ingredients is upping their game,” Whole Foods said. “One end of the spectrum is hyper-authentic cooking with things like heirloom corn tortillas or classic barbacoa. And thanks to brands like Siete, there are grain-free options for paleo fans, too.”

Whole Foods Market food trends 2018 - Root and stem
 

Waste not. Celery leaves, melon seeds and other traditionally discarded produce parts are revived in creative culinary recipes. Examples include pickled watermelon rinds, beet-green pesto and broccoli-stem slaw.

“Between nose-to-tail butchery and reducing food waste, a few forces are combining to inspire root-to-stem cooking, which makes use of the entire fruit or vegetable, including the stems or leaves that are less commonly eaten,” Whole Foods said.

Whole Foods Market food trends 2018 - Sparkling
 
Tiny bubbles. Trendy sparkling water brand LaCroix may have sparked a trend in bubbly beverages, from carbonated cold-brew to fizzy maple water. Such alternatives to sugary sodas feature sophisticated flavors. Think lime mint elderflower and ginger citrus coffee.