Stacy Goldberg’s 2018 Health Trends

With the new year, the inevitable buzz surrounding new trends in food, health and wellness has already begun. Navigating these trends can be difficult for even the most discerning consumers. The nutrition industry, in particular, is an industry whose tides are constantly changing, with ever-increasing innovation. Here are some trends to watch in 2018 in the world of health, wellness and nutrition.

MORINGA SUPERFOOD
The newest superfood of 2018, moringa, is hitting the grocery store floor in many different forms. This super powder is derived from a tree, the leaves of which are ground into a powder containing protein, iron, calcium, potassium and vitamin A. Nutrient-rich moringa can be found in bottled juices, bars energy supplements, powders and snacks. It will also be seen in beauty products due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Moringa can taste bitter on the palate, which is why it’s best used blended into smoothies or other recipes.

COLLAGEN PEPTIDES
Collagen is the main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues. Collagen protein has made its debut in food products over the past year, with continued growth. The bone broth trend has reached new heights in commercial and local products, as well as in processing into protein powders. Collagen in food is promoted for healthy skin, hair, nails, joints, and digestion. This year, we’ll see an increase in everything that contains collagen, from chocolate to chili to pancakes. You will also see an increase in collagen builders such as whole food supplements.

NEW TECHNOLOGY IN VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN FOODS
The future of technology goes beyond our iPhones. New technology is being used to create vegan and vegetarian foods that mimic meat so closely – right down to the use of beets to create the illusion of blood. Try replacing your usual beef burger with a new kind of veggie burger. Packed with plant-based protein, it will fool even the most dedicated meat lover.

INTESTINAL HEALTH ALWAYS RABIES
In 2018, plan to continue to focus on products that support gut health. This includes more foods and supplements infusing probiotics, prebiotics, added fiber, and a strong emphasis on creative kombucha flavors. Fermented foods are also moving up the trend ladder this year, with continued innovation in miso, sauerkraut, tempeh, pickles, kimchi, kefir and yogurts.

PUFFED AND SPLIT SNACKS
Cheetos are getting a makeover in 2018. There’s more innovation in the “puffed” and “stir-fried” snack category using ingredients like beans, non-GMO corn, lentils, brown rice, alternatives vegan and more. Look for products high in protein and fiber, as well as those made with clean ingredients that you recognize.

SIMPLICITY AND SHAPE OF ENERGY BARS
The list of protein and energy bars is endless. However, consumers are demanding a shorter list of ingredients in their bars and now want their quick on-the-go snack to come in different forms. This year we will see a trend towards protein and energy bars that have been simplified and made without a long list of ingredients. Whole food bars also come in the form of bites, chunks, and balls at the commercial level.

MUSHROOM MANIA
Familiarize yourself with your mushrooms. Varieties such as reishi, chaga, and cordyceps are going to be infused into coffees, chocolates, tea, and snacks due to their immune and antioxidant properties.

SUPPORT A GREATER CAUSE
Look for brands emphasizing transparency and sustainability in 2018. At this point in the food industry, labels are almost expected to be transparent about their ingredients. Now we’re taking it to the next level by looking to support brands that value sourcing sustainable ingredients and giving back to a greater cause.

BRAIN-BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS
As total body wellness increases, industries are beginning to combine what they know to revolutionize overall health. This is particularly evident in areas such as brain health, where new technologies are being applied to create nutritional supplements such as chewable coffee. These products support overall brain capacity and function.

ALTERNATIVE SWEETENERS
The sugar is out and creative, healthier ways to sweeten our foods are in place. More and more alternative sweeteners that have a lower glycemic index are making their way into our foods, while contributing fewer added sugar calories. Dates, sorghum and yacon syrups are sweet options hitting shelves in 2018.

ISRAELI CONNECTIONS
As Jews, we already love Middle Eastern foods. This year, we’re going beyond falafel and hummus and digging deep into Middle Eastern tradition and ingredients in the world of food. You’ll see an increased twist on traditional Middle Eastern foods from various cultures, including Persian, Israeli, Moroccan, Syrian, and Lebanese. Shakshuka, grilled halloumi, and za’atar cross borders in foods and menus where you least expect them.

GO GOTH THIS YEAR
The black is in and the unicorns are out. Activated charcoal is quickly becoming a superfood and being promoted as a detoxifier. You’ll see this trend in everything from pizza to drinks to ice cream.

REDUCE FOOD WASTE
Local chefs, food manufacturers, non-profit organizations and consumers across the country are collaborating on their missions to reduce food waste. Recipes and food products will incorporate more root-to-stem foods that are usable in recipes such as dressings, salads, compotes and more.

HEALTHY FATS FOR VICTORY!
High-fat diets and foods high in healthy fats will continue to rule in the new year. We are well past the Snackwell era, learning that low fat and high sugar are not the keys to health. Incorporate more options with healthy fats such as coconut, grass-fed butters, and oils from ghee, avocado, and hemp, as well as high-fat nuts such as macadamia nuts, almonds and cashews in moderation can be the key to weight loss success. What does this mean for you? Avocado toast and peanut butter protein balls may stay on the menu in 2018.

Wishing you a happy new year 2018. May this be the most nourishing year yet!

Stacy Goldberg is a nationally recognized nutrition consultant, registered nurse and CEO of Savorfull (savorfull.com), a Detroit-based company that sources healthy, allergen-free foods and provides nutrition counseling. Savorfull is part of the Quicken Loans family of companies.

None of the information provided by Stacy Goldberg/Savorfull is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should always speak with your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medicine or nutritional supplement, herbal or homeopathic, or adopting any treatment or implementing nutritional advice for a medical condition.