Plant-based Eating Continues to Soar into 2019
Happy 2019! How is your nutrition and fitness strategy shaping up for the new year? My philosophy has always been and continues to be no single food or ingredient will instantaneously reverse an unhealthy, stressful lifestyle. And I believe that there is not one single dietary pattern that is the best fit for everyone. We know plant-based eating continues to soar into 2019. Let’s explore why.
Why is Plant-based Eating a Trend?
According to the Innova Market Insights 2018 Consumer Lifestyles Survey, eight in 10 U.S. consumers have changed their own or their family’s diet to try to be healthier, with over 39% of them have increased their consumption of fruit and vegetables in order to be “healthy”. In 2019 it’s predicted more people will explore plant-based eating. The appeal of plant-based alternatives has widened far beyond the relatively small group of people who avoid animal products for ethical reasons, to the much larger group of people including consumers with Flexitarian dietary patterns (choosing more plant-based meal occasions while still consuming meat).
Personally, I enjoy lean meat, fish and poultry as part my healthy diet. Greek yogurt and cheese are all-time favourites on my menu. However, over the past decade, I’ve been adding more plant-based foods and ingredients to my diet. In fact, in 2016 my book, The Need for Seeds was published. Whether you are following a plant-based diet or just want to add more plant-based ingredients to your menu, The Need for Seeds will help you sow more seeds into your daily meals and snacks.
What’s Next for Plant-based Eating?
Research data suggests nearly six percent of global food and beverage launches recorded by Innova Market Insights in the 12 months to the end of September 2018, used vegan-friendly offerings, up from just 1.4 percent five years previously. Even in the relatively developed U.S. market, shares have more than doubled from 3.4 percent to 8 percent over the same period, while in the UK it is up from less than 5 percent to a substantial 13.5 percent.
In 2018, we observed oat beverages flying off of the shelves and consumers becoming more adventurous with their palates trying savoury umami flavours from plant-based ingredients like mushrooms and seaweed. Plant-based innovation continues to flourish especially among agile medium to large food companies. We will see the creation and availability of more innovative plant-based food and beverages for all consumers not just vegans and vegetarians.
And we can’t forget about the up and coming plant-based innovations in the cannabis edibles sector. In Canada, it is not as simple as tossing a bit of marijuana into an existing formulation and launching it in the marketplace. There are regulatory, industry, crop variety and consumer behaviour considerations. Health Canada is scheduled to provide regulatory clarification and guidance this year, so keep your eye on how this unfolds.
Final Thought
It’s that time of year again when food and nutrition trends are making headlines. Predictions are coming from all types of media including me. Remember no single dietary pattern is the best choice for everyone. A way of life filled with healthy habits including a balanced dietary pattern, exercise and restful sleep is the best approach for long-term consistent mind-body health.
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References:
- Innova Market Insights names top 10 food and beverage trends for 2019. Dairy Foods. 2018. Retrieved from: https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/93268-innova-market-insights-names-top-10-food-and-beverage-trends-for-2019
- Petter O. Veganism is “single biggest way” to reduce our environmental impact on planet, study finds. Independent. 2018. Retrieved from: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/veganism-environmental-impact-planet-reduced-plant-based-diet-humans-study-a8378631.html
- Shoup M. Mintel’s top food trends for 2019: From healthy aging to convenient food hacks. Food Navigator USA. 2018. Retrieved from: https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2018/11/30/Mintel-s-top-food-trends-for-2019-From-healthy-aging-to-convenient-food-hacks
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