Plant-based foods and alternatives have never been more popular among consumers as they learn more about the myriad benefits of incorporating ground-grown ingredients into their diets, and also cutting back on meat, dairy, and other animal byproducts. And after the year (plus!) of the food monotony we’ve had, people are craving new flavors, open to trying new things, and have never been more conscious about what they’re feeding themselves and their families. In fact, according to Whole Foods, a recent study from The Hartman Group revealed that 48 percent of consumers actively seek out products labeled as “plant-based.” “Plant-based is the grocery category to watch right now as brands continue to innovate by using new ingredients and processes that make plant-based products exciting for shoppers,” said Parker Brody, senior global category merchant for plant-based at Whole Foods Market, in a press release. “And in the laid-back days of summer, we find that customers are breaking out of their routines and are more open to trying something new, whether they’re longtime vegans or just starting to experiment with plant-based eating.” Don’t worry—it’s not all boring salads and steamed broccoli. “Expect to see gourmet plant-based cheese alternative spreads at picnics and fish alternatives made from banana blossoms on the grill this season,” Brody said. We’re sold. Whole Foods’ Trends Council used its extensive trove of consumer and brand data, product-sourcing expertise, and food industry knowledge to find the top five plant based food trends to look out for in 2021 (and beyond). According to Whole Foods, cheesemakers are infusing nut-milk-based cheeses with gourmet ingredients—hello, black garlic truffle, dill Havarti, and chive—and replicating the traditional, dairy cheesemaking methods to create more authentic and irresistible textures and flavors. “You can now pair your sheep’s milk gouda or goat chevre with a cashew-based option or one made from almonds,” Brody says. That way, no one’s excluded from enjoying the spoils of a great charcuterie board. What to grab for your next “cheese” board: Recs for your next BBQ: RELATED: These 13 Delicious Plant-Based Products Make Vegan Eating Incredibly Easy “Once customers move into a plant-based lifestyle, it seems natural that they’d want their little ones to at least experiment in the segment as well—that’s where this trend comes in, a chance for adults to show children that not all ‘meats and cheeses’ have to be derived from animals,” Brody says. Dairy-free picks your kiddos will devour: “Banana blossoms are a soy-free, gluten-free alternative to fish that literally grows on trees,” says Kylie Bentley, RDN, LDN, CLT, and team leader of nutrition and labeling compliance at Whole Foods Market. “They contain 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of cholesterol, and are also a good source of fiber per serving.” What exactly is a banana blossom? “The fleshy, purple-skinned flower is shaped like a tear and grows at the end of a banana fruit cluster,” says Brody. “Typically, it’s used to emulate [the texture of] shredded fish in fish tacos, fish burgers, or even fried banana blossom filets.” The tastiest fish-free options: “This area has steadily grown over the last few years, as more shoppers look for easy ways to add more plant-based options to their daily routines,” Brody says. Skip the milk, cream, and cheese and still enjoy the flavors you know and love—queso, French onion, cream cheese, tzatziki—without the guilt. What to dip into this summer:
