How do food trends affect the food chain?

Consumers' food preferences are continuously evolving. Diets such as Keto, Paleo and plant-based often promote the consumption of specific ingredients, but what impact does this have?

NAZLEY JORDAN

Each year a new wave of food fads surface. This occurs when there is a lot of buzz and excitement about a particular ingredient, dish or cooking method. For example, over the last decade the leafy vegetable kale became ubiquitous on grocery lists and menus globally. When there is increased demand for a particular ingredient, however, it can lead to potential shortages or price increases. Fads are usually short-lived, therefore their impact on the food chain is often fleeting.

In contrast, food trends tend to be more gradual and steady, building up over time until they become a permanent part of the culinary landscape. Trends are usually more expansive and involve a broader range of foods and cooking techniques, which can have a significant impact on the food chain and environment. We take a look at the prevalent food trends affecting the current landscape:

Superfoods

Over the last decade a number of ingredients have been dubbed “superfoods”, which are nutrient-dense foods. This has led to an increase in the demand for ingredients such as kale, quinoa, acai berries, chia seeds and sea moss.

A research study by the Basque Center for Climate Change analysed the environmental impact of harvesting six of the most popular superfood crops. The study reports that local communities have been growing these crops sustainably for millennia, but once they are deemed “superfoods” the production is often taken over by large corporations that focus on short-term profit rather than long-term sustainability. In some cases, this erodes local food-producing systems, which negatively affects local farmers and communities.

The study also found that the increased demand for these foods can lead to greater pressure on natural resources such as land and water, as well as a reduction in biodiversity. Additionally, the production and transportation of these foods can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Plant-based diets

Vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian diets have become more mainstream in recent years. These diets emphasise ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. To cater to this growing market, there has been a significant boom in meat-alternative products in supermarkets, restaurants and fast food chains. A report by Grand View Research reveals that the market for meat-alternatives is expected to grow by 19.3% from 2022 to 2030.

The Keto diet

This diet has become an increasingly popular diet in recent years. It promotes the consumption of high-fat, low-carbohydrate foods and limits the intake of grains, fruits, and other carbohydrates. In some markets, Keto has lead to an increased demand for meats, cheeses, and other high-fat foods, as well as certain vegetables such as cauliflower and avocado. High demand for certain foods can put pressurev on the producers and suppliers of these ingredients, which could potentially lead to higher prices and shortages in certain regions.

Gluten-free:

Diets that limit gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley and rye due to gluten sensitivity have become more commonplace. This has opened markets for a wider assortment of alternative flours and foods made from non-wheat ingredients, such as pastas made from quinoa and flours made from nuts, rice and oats

Non-dairy

The demand for plant-based milk products such as almond milk, soymilk, rice milk and coconut milk is on the rise due to increased occurrences of lactose intolerance and the rising vegan population.

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global plant based milk market size is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 19.8 billion by 2023. It is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% from 2023 to 2033. Plant based milk sales are set to account for a significant part of the global dairy market in future years.

Overall, food fads and trends can have a significant impact on the food chain and the environment. It is important to be mindful of the potential harm and to consider the broader implications of our food choices.