Predictions on 2016 food trends

From soups to spuds – no matter how you slice the new year's health trends – all wellness roads lead to the produce aisle. Trend-spotters at Frieda's Specialty Produce predict the following healthy food movements will send shoppers to the produce department in 2016, looking for specific produce items.

"Good carbs," or complex carbohydrates, are back on the menu. Sweet potatoes are more popular than ever, especially those in vivid hues like Frieda's Stokes Purple® variety. Potatoes in general are making a comeback, so be sure to stock a variety of specialties like fingerling potatoes and multicolor packs like Frieda's Star Spangled Spuds. As many retailers are already stocking up for Potato Lover's Month in February, it's the perfect time to power up the specialty potato offerings.

Meals in a bowl have evolved from breakfast açai and fresh-fruit smoothie bowls to main entrée lunch and dinner fare. "Power bowls" and vegan "Buddha bowls" often include a base of quinoa or brown rice topped with a lean protein, lots of colorful vegetables, and a fruit or two. Popular power bowl ingredients include nutrient-dense citrus and tropical fruits like starfruit and dragon fruit, plus vegetables like fennel, baby beets, watermelon radishes, colored cauliflower, and Romanesco, or even slices of baked sweet potato. Wellness-junkie shoppers will be perusing your produce aisles for something new and colorful to add to their next bowl, so offer them variety.

Soups are the new smoothie. Comforting and packed full of nutrients, your health-conscious shoppers are adding more home-cooked soups to their menus with a broader range of ingredients than just carrots and celery. On-trend ingredients include colored cauliflower, sweet potatoes, root vegetables like Sunchokes® and celery root, and flavor boosters like ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, and fresh chile peppers.

For more information:

Oakley Boren

+1 714 733 7660