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Food Trends 2021

Feb. 8, 2021
Ashley Munro, RD, CDCES
Healthy food and vegetables lying on a table

Each new year brings new trends, for clothes, movies and food.  We are all about trying new things around here, so with a little help from the interwebs, we bring you the highlighted food trends for 2021!  Here are the top 5 trends that have arrived.  

 

  1. More diversity and celebration of cultures.  With a light on equality initiatives, and people reconnecting to at-home cooking, there has been more attention on culture and diverse ingredients. Learning about others and different cuisines around the world will continue to grow. Plus, consumers are looking to support BIPOC owned companies which can be considered one positive outcome of 2020.  

 

  1. Restaurant-style meals at home.  Restaurants have adapted to entice their patrons to have a restaurant-like dining experience while staying home. This means specialty items and comfort foods.   The addition of unique meal kits will make that date night in more appealing as well.   

 

  1. Virtual Cooking Classes are here to stay.  University of Arizona students, you are in luck! Cooking on Campus serves up monthly free cooking classes where you can cook alongside those in our community from the comfort of your own home.  Check out Cooking on Campus for more information and links to amazing recipes using accessible ingredients. 

 

  1. Plant-based consumption. With climate change on everyone’s mind, this more sustainable approach to meals will continue to impact our menus. From tofu to fermented vegetables, these plant-forward staples will be good for our pocketbooks and the planet.   

 

  1. Boards on boards. Charcuterie boards to breakfast boards, folks are learning how to elevate their snack plates and make meals out of a well-designed collection of textures and flavors. Some may call this an adult style” lunchables”, but they are fun, versatile and a great way to mix up dinners/lunches.  

 

The 2020 had its own food crazes, social media was showering us with whipped coffee and sourdough starters.  The foods were maybe as unexpected as a global pandemic, but the idea that food is interesting is not anything new.  So, here’s to open minds and full bellies in 2021. Cheers Wildcats.  

 

References & To Read More:  Food Trends from the Chefs, Food Trends an Editorial & A Longer List 

Individual consultations designed to nourish your body and mind are available for UArizona students at Campus Health in an online and/or in-person format. Dietitians are available for appointments Monday-Friday.  To make an appointment, call: (520) 621-9202.