House of Pops produces ‘happiness on a stick’ – frozen treats that are healthy, free from additives, preservatives, added refined sugar and colourings – and plant-based. “We pride ourselves on delivering indulgent, tasty treats that are also healthy – so, we need to keep up with food trends'” says Marcela Sancho, Co-Founder – House of Pops
Their research suggests a few top trends to look out for next year include:
Reducetarianism
Reducetarianism is a bit of a mouthful, but it basically describes the act of reducing the amount of meat you eat. We all already know a plant-based diet is healthier for us. Statistics reveal those on a wholly plant-based diet show reduced incidences of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. As more and more food brands provide plant-based options (and in the last year, we’ve seen fresh vegan offerings from the likes of McDonald’s, KFC and Burger King), it’s never been easier to switch from meat to plants. Throw in the urgency of reducing our impact on the planet – meat production is a massive contributor to global warming – and the element of cruelty – and more and more of us, we believe, will be trying out meat-free days. Try meat-free Mondays, for example.
Turmeric and Moringa
It seems every year, the rest of the world catches up with another culture’s superfoods. I’m reminded of the meteoric rise of things like blueberries, goji berries and mushroom coffees. Next year, we predict a surge in more products containing turmeric and moringa. Food as medicine seems to be a rising trend, too.
Turmeric has a distinctive colour and is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. Indians have been using it extensively for more than 4,000 years, while in other nations, only now does it seem to be going beyond turmeric latte. In concentrated pill form, it’s been shown to relieve arthritis symptoms, best consumed with pepper and a high-fat meal.
It’s good for skin health, acid reflux (indigestion) and apparently even fights depression. Turmeric is truly up there as one of nature’s gifts to us, and we’re excited to see it being incorporated into more foods than curries and lattes!
You may have heard of moringa, described as a ‘super leaf’. It mostly comes in powdered form, and you can find it as a tea or supplement. Native to the foothills of the Himalayas, it grows across south Asia and Africa, where it’s known as the ‘miracle tree’ because of its many curative properties. Moringa certainly features many vitamins and minerals. Did you know the leaves have seven times more vitamin C than oranges and 15 times more potassium than bananas? Moringa also has calcium, protein, iron, and amino acids, which help the body heal and build muscle.
Eco Grains
We predict 2022 will see the rise of ‘eco grains’ – that is, grains that give back to the soil or have a very low impact on the environment when they grow. Grains grown using agriculture practices and farming processes that help address soil health will be trending next year.
We are talking the likes of teff, amaranth, quinoa, millet, farro and new kid on the block, the wheat-like Kernza® – which holds some exciting promise as a new perennial grain developed by The Land Institute that has a sweet, nutty flavour.
Amaranth, an ancient grain, is packed full of protein and nutrients. It’s incredibly resilient, requires little water and can grow in any soil conditions.
You mostly find teff in delicious Ethiopian injera bread, so it’s no surprise to discover it’s native to the African nation and is rich in protein, fibre and minerals. Teff flour is a popular gluten-free alternative to wheat flour and is increasingly grown worldwide.
Yuzu
As a producer of sweet frozen treats, yuzu is exciting for us. It’s a naturally-occurring flavour with all the benefits of citrus, commonly used in Japan, Korea and China. There’s a long list of health benefits to this fruit, including that it’s nutritionally dense and packed with vitamins and minerals.
These little tree fruits contain potent antioxidants, improve blood flow, hold anti-cancer properties, and even improve memory and protect the brain from diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds need more light shone on them as a hero ingredient. They’re a powerhouse of nutrition and increasingly popular among those with nut allergies. We are seeing them used more in vegan cheese and alternative spreads, crackers and even ice creams. Packed with protein and unsaturated fats, the tiny seeds offer several health benefits, including lowering the risk of developing high blood pressure or heart disease. The nutrients they contain can support your immune system and boost energy levels.
