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Symrise describes key trends for the coming year

5 Apr 2017

The company has kicked off its trend reports this year by examining all of the published trends from around the web and looking into different health trends, food habits, global influences, and ingredients du jour.

It’s always difficult to predict trends in the coming year, but it helps to look at where we’ve been and where we’re going, according to Symrise. The company has kicked off its trend reports this year by examining all of the published trends from around the web and looking into different health trends, food habits, global influences, and ingredients du jour.

Some of these trends got their start in 2016, and will continue to grow in the coming year, Symrise says. Others are brand new, uncharted territory for most people. But one thing is for sure – these food trends are making a big splash in 2017.

Savory yogurt. Remember when low-fat yogurt was all the rage, and you felt even healthier if you threw a couple handfuls of granola on top? Now it’s 2017, and you know better. Enter: vegetable yogurt. This newest trend in yogurt has all of the probiotic properties of the beloved sweet stuff, minus all of the sugar. It’s a little strange at first (some liken it to flavored sour cream) but it’s likely a more healthful alternative to what’s in your refrigerator and is perfect for anyone trying to reduce their sugar intake (read: everyone). Look for flavors like tomato, cucumber, and beet.

Ketogenic diet. As everyone tries to reduce the sugar in their diets, they are also trying to come to terms with the macro they’ve always feared: fat. Now that scientific evidence has proven that fat does not, in fact, make you fat, more and more people will be trying the Ketogenic diet in 2017. This high-fat, ultra low-carb diet may seem extreme at first, but makes perfect sense in light of the latest scientific research. It has been shown to be quite effective for weight loss, and can be a good option for those who have failed on other diets in the past. Now that we all know fat is not the enemy, Keto is sure to be the next big diet in 2017.

Laksa. Move over ramen, there’s a new noodle soup in town. Popular in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, laksa is a spicy noodle soup that is going to be huge in 2017. It’s typically made with a coconut milk or tamarind base, and is amped up with chili paste and aromatic herbs and spices. Just as complex as pho yet as homey as a bowl of Mom’s chicken noodle soup, laksa is comfort food at its finest and is definitely worth a try this year.

Probiotic-rich foods. One aspect of health that people will be paying more and more attention to in 2017? Gut health and digestion. As people begin to examine not only how food tastes, but also how it makes them feel, probiotic-rich foods are going to become more popular than ever. Foods like kimchi, kefir, apple cider vinegar, tempeh, and raw cheese will become dietary essentials to those who are looking after their gut health.

Seaweed. Seaweed is another superfood that you’ll be seeing a lot of in 2017, thanks to its impressive nutritional profile: it’s high in protein, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and magnesium. It’s also got powerful anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties that make it an excellent food to eat when you’re feeling under the weather. The best part? Seaweed is not just for sushi. It can be easily added to soups and salads, or you can snack on it in its dried form (nori). It’s a bit of an acquired taste, but you’ve got a whole year to get used to it.

Artisanal condiments. This year is going to see a huge uptick in homemade and artisanal condiments. Companies are springing up and dedicating themselves entirely to toppings like craft mayonnaise and specialty mustard. What are people looking for in their condiments? Fewer ingredients, less sugar, and most importantly, creative flavor combinations. There’s nothing wrong with Heinz, but many people are going to look for something a little more elevated to put on their burger this year.

Personalized nutrition. This might be the biggest food trend of 2017, so pay attention. It turns out that all of the advice on what to eat and how to eat it is flawed, because there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all nutrition. What you should actually be doing – and what everyone will be doing this year – is personalizing their nutrition. This year will be all about learning to eat for your blood type, your Ayurvedic dosha, and everything in between. The result? Better digestion, clearer skin, and a healthier, happier you.