CHARLOTTE – More Eco-Friendly Low-Carb Options

Lower-carb diets are predicted to remain a steady trend in 2022; however, many low-carb dieters are opting for foods that have less of a negative impact on the planet and that support animal welfare by purchasing grass-fed, pasture-raised, and wild-caught animal products.

Sunflower Seeds

Given the rise in nut allergies over the past couple of decades, seeds such as sunflower, pumpkin, chia, hemp, and flax have all grown in popularity as healthy, nut-free alternatives and are popping up in new products, such as protein powders, chocolates, veggie burgers, crackers, and even non-dairy cheeses.

Innovations In Indoor Farming

Practice at home: indoor farming, such as hydroponics which involves gardening without soil and instead of growing plants, such as herbs, leafy greens, veggies, fish algae, and mushrooms in a solution of water and nutrients.

Healthy Immune System–Promoting Diets

Immune system-supporting diets generally focus on increasing nutrient intake and promoting a healthy gut emphasizing a variety of leafy greens, dried and fresh berries, sea veggies and algae, herbs/spices, fermented foods, and bone broth.

More Milk Alternatives

If you are interested in lower-calorie, lower-sugar, plant-based milk alternatives, watch for new variations of a pea, oat, hemp, and macadamia milks, as well as milks featuring a mix of nut/seed/legume ingredients that may enhance the texture and taste.

Probiotic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

We’re always looking for clever new ways to avoid sugary drinks while satisfying our cravings for tasty, bubbly beverages. This year we can expect to see more options available that not only nix the added sugar and alcohol, but add beneficial ingredients such as probiotics, fruit and plant extracts such as yozu and hibiscus, prebiotics and adaptogenic botanicals which support a healthy stress response.

Cheers to 2022!