TRENDS FOR 2023 Health Food

Rarely do we think about what is trending in the world of food and drink, but there are organizations that study this issue constantly, including Whole Foods, Innova Market Insights and even Martha Stewart herself. The current trend seems to be towards a focus on healthier eating due to an interest in sustainable agriculture, climate change and possibly as a result of correcting those bad habits acquired during Covid lock down.

In the drink space, mocktails, or virgin cocktails, have become more and more popular for health reasons, even spawning a number of new establishments devoted exclusively to alcohol-free night life. This trend expands well beyond Shirley Temples and there is an emphasis on alcohol free cosmopolitans, margaritas, mojitos and other more original creative drinks. As an example, Whole Foods points to yaupon, a caffeinated plant, to be brewed for tea and also used in new mocktail creations. Also growing in popularity are milk substitutes like oat, soy, almond, and even potato. They are typically lower in fat, sugar and are also cholesterol free.

In the world of foods, there has been significant and growing interest in nutrition and sustainability. We will be interested in more natural less processed foods as well as more traditional ethnic menus. Plant based foods will be a growth area as the number of vegans has increased significantly and most of us have cut down on meat consumption for health and environmental concerns. We will want more locally produced ingredients due to interest in climate change. There is actually a new word for this - glocal. Think global and eat local!

Plant based pasta made from chickpeas, cauliflower and zucchini are already popular but new ones made from hearts of palm and green and other more original creative drinks. As an example, Whole Foods points to yaupon, a caffeinated plant, to be brewed for tea and also used in new mocktail creations. Also growing in popularity are milk substitutes like oat, soy, almond, and even potato. They are typically lower in fat, sugar and are also cholesterol free.

In the world of foods, there has been significant and growing interest in nutrition and sustainability. We will be interested in more natural less processed foods as well as more traditional ethnic menus. Plant based foods will be a growth area as the number of vegans has increased significantly and most of us have cut down on meat consumption for health and environmental concerns.

We will want more locally produced ingredients due to interest in climate change. There is actually a new word for this - glocal. Think global and eat local!

Plant based pasta made from chickpeas, cauliflower and zucchini are already popular but new ones made from hearts of palm and green

It is important to revisit one’s estate planning periodically, as both circumstances and laws can change without notice. If you do not have an estate plan, it is time to create one. You probably have more assets than you think.

First of all, estate planning is an opportunity to designate who will receive your assets upon death or incapacitation. It will also allow you to designate a guardian for your children. With the advice of counsel, your plan will manage assets to minimize estate taxes, gift taxes and any other tax issues. And most importantly, a good estate plan will avoid disagreements between heirs and probate which can be time consuming and expensive.

Begin with an assessment of all your assets, including your home and other real estate, art, collections, vehicles, and jewelry. List your checking and savings accounts, investment accounts, life insurance policies, IRA or 401 accounts and ownership interests in any businesses. Estimate the value in order to divide among your heirs.