Avocados are back on the forefront of fashionable foods! The good news is that they fit into so many categories of the hottest food trends predicted for 2019.

The plant revolution wave that’s sweeping the world has special days, weeks and even months dedicated to eating less meat. Think Meatless Monday, Flexitarian Friday and Veganuary. Once again, avocados are right up there, dominating meat-free dishes like veggie bounty bowls, meatless makeover meals like tacos, and nosh platters, the trendy newcomers to the block. No matter when, where or how – just add an avo!

It’s not only in the kitchen that avocados are shining on the trend forecasts; they’re also turning heads on the wellness A-list. The popularity of keto, paleo, grain-free and ‘pegan’ (paleo + vegan) diets, as well as neurotrition (which suggests a strong connection between gut health and cognitive function), have put good fats back on the menu. This is also supported by the current move towards embracing healthy fats for healthy ageing (which is fast replacing the old ‘anti-ageing’ idea).

With avos boasting high amounts of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, which has been linked to good HDL cholesterol, and being naturally cholesterol-free, it’s no surprise that they tick all the right boxes when it comes to these dietary and lifestyle choices.

One of the biggest food trends this year is convenience: on-the-go food, nutrient-dense snacks, bite-size surprises and hassle-free, healthy meal replacements that provide satiety and nutrition for time-strapped consumers. Eaten straight out of the skin, avocados offer a quick, easy and fully mobile meal option for breakfast, school and office lunches, and supper.

For avo-licious recipes visit avocado.co.za and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The post Always-fashionable avocados make the foodie trends A-list for 2019 appeared first on MyKitchen.

2019 is here, and with it a whole range of new and exciting food trends to look out for! With a move towards sustainability, food trend predictions have veganism, eco-friendly packaging and animal-free alternatives topping the charts.

By Taryn Wilson

1. VEGGIES ARE BIGGER THAN EVER

The vegan and vegetarian lifestyles have become big parts of our society, with many making the move to cut out meat and animal products. This year will see the rise of even more vegan recipes, stores and restaurants popping up all over the world. Aside from this, processed and refined foods will be shunned in favour of wholesome and fresh produce.

2. GOT OAT MILK?

2018 saw the creation of various dairy milk alternatives, from pea milk to rice milk. But now it’s time for oat milk to shine. Its similar flavour and ability to foam (for the latte lovers) makes it a popular option for many.

3. REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE.

With health and protecting the planet becoming major focuses, big corporations have started following the trends with more sustainable food options and using recyclable and sustainable materials. Straws are only the start, as reusable shopping bags, packaging and more are being introduced.

4. SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

What would our food be without delicious and exotic spices? This year even more Middle Eastern and North African spices will be incorporated into dishes for flavour experimentation. Think za’atar, harissa and sumac.

5. FROM THE SEA

Going green takes on a whole new meaning this year, with sea greens being incorporated more and more into daily snacks and meals. Think seaweed crisps and kelp jerky! You may be sceptical, but they’re quickly proving to be healthier and greener alternatives.

Image: Unsplash

The post Here are our top 5 food trend predictions for 2019 appeared first on MyKitchen.

Confession time: I’m not the biggest fan of food trends. I think food is best when left out of the trend scope and kept simple, yet delicious. Hey, that’s just me. But when the UK’s Independent announced a food trend on the horizon for 2016, it got my attention…

Chocolate cake is the hottest new food for breakfast. Yup, let’s say that again. Chocolate cake for breakfast.

I have a few questions. But first, let’s learn more.

According to Liz Moscow, culinary director at Sterling-Rice Group, an advertising firm based in Colorado, US, chocolate cake will be showing up as an amuse-bouche on breakfast menus. Not only that; restaurants serving brunch and breakfast will soon introduce dessert menus too.  Music to my ears, as a self-confessed chocoholic.

So, my first question: why is this a trend now? I mean, we can’t possibly even try to deny the fact that we haven’t been eating cake for breakfast for years. Well, the Independent cites two recent studies that reveal some health benefits to eating cocoa. A Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study linked the food to cognitive function, while a study conducted by Tel Aviv University found that eating chocolate for breakfast could aid weight loss because it reduces cravings throughout the day.

My second question: Does it have to be chocolate cake? Personally, I love a good slice of red velvet in the morning (there’s something special about the combination of the savoury cream cheese icing and sweet sponge cake hitting your sleepy taste buds). A wedge of carrot cake is basically like having a muffin for breakfast.   

No matter the logistics, this is one trend I can firmly get behind. I mean, theoretically, I’m away ahead of the curve already, favouring cake over eggs any day of the week…

Seeing as I’ve mentioned ‘cake’ far too many times for my taste buds to handle, I need to share with you the best-ever chocolate cake recipe, smothered in a salted-caramel sauce that will make you believe in miracles. Just trust me on this one:

The post 2017 trend alert! Chocolate cake for breakfast appeared first on MyKitchen.