Written by Anne Shephard

Food fads come and go almost as quickly as fashions do – so this year’s big favourites like kale, the sometimes hard to find avocado and coconut water are likely to be pushed aside in 2018 in favour of a whole new range of flavours and ideas. So what are we going to be seeing on our plates throughout the new year? Here are just a few predictions.

Fermented food

We’ve all seen the ads on TV for the yoghurts whose good bacteria are said to be great for our intestinal health and this theory behind the benefits of fermented food is set to take an even stronger hold over the next 12 months. It’s going to go beyond yoghurt and cheese to include vegetable products like pickles and kimchi – the national dish of Korea which is, essentially, a very spicy version of sauerkraut.

The reason for fermented foods’ popularity is because they are packed with energy and goodness plus, for retailers, because they’re already preserved to a certain extent, they also have a longer shelf life than many products.

The Poke Bowl

There have already been early signs that this Hawaiian speciality was due to have its moment and it’s due to truly hit the mainstream in 2018 as well as starting to appear on more and more takeaway menus.

The dish’s combination of ingredients including marinated fish, vegetables and rice in a bowl makes it a slightly less fussy form of sushi that’s also quick and easy to eat. Because there’s also such a wide range of ingredients to choose from, whether for vegetarians, pescatarians or even if you’re looking for a kosher meal, the universal appeal is easy to see.

Timut Pepper

As we start to look for ever more exotic ways to spice up our food here’s a pepper that is imported from Nepal that could soon see the same sort of popularity that sriracha sauce enjoyed when it first arrived in the UK a few years ago. It has a spiky and zesty flavour with just a hint of grapefruit too- and it’s even said to be a great addition to a gin and tonic. So it’s no wonder that even Asda are predicting it’s going to be the condiment of 2018.

Herbal Teas

Coffee’s had its time in the spotlight for some time – predictions are that it’s the turn of tea. Already many more tea bars are springing up, including many serving bubble teas. The next 12 months are also likely to see many more varieties of fruit and herbal varieties coming on the market, although it’s unlikely to mark the end of our love affair with caffeine.

Fusion food

Finally, hot on the heels of the cronut and even the curry-topped pizza, mash-ups of different cuisines are also set to be big news in the coming year. So get prepared to be surprised by the crazy combinations that are sure to start appearing on menus everywhere!

Photos:

“Homemade kimchi” (CC BY 2.0) by Kimtaro

“herbal tea infusion” (CC BY 2.0) by Charkrem