Food. We’re obsessed with it and not just because it meets our daily caloric needs. It can be tempting, captivating, and even adventurous. In fact, culinary novelties are popping up everywhere.
Remember when balsamic vinegar was all the rage? Here are some new gastronomic trends for you to explore.
1. Sun-flower Seeds
This salty snack isn’t just good at the ballgame. Chomping on these seeds will fill you up with protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E. Even better: the phytosterols in the seeds can lower your cholesterol.
Tip: Instead of opting for candy from a vending machine, power up with seeds. The high fiber will keep you feeling full longer.
2. Cake Bites
While the recipe is rumored to have originated in the South, these amalgams of cake, frosting, and chocolate are quickly rolling their way across the county. Cupcakes be warned: your days as a top trend may be numbered.
Tip: Put your willpower on alert—these little babies are 124 calories a pop and hard to resist.
3. Flat-Bread
Although flatbread sales are rising, this trend might not be the greatest thing since sliced bread. Bite for bite, flatbread can have more calories and carbs than your average slice of fluffy white.
Tip: Compare nutritional info before you spread on the mayo; you might be surprised at what you find.
4. Artisan Ice Cream
With fresh flavors—think lavender honey and guava cinnamon—and luxurious texture, artisan ice cream makes that freezer stuff seem so last year.
Tip: Choose a gelateria that mixes its ice cream in-house. Your taste buds will thank you.
5. Rice Balls
Instead of munching on sushi, pick up a rice ball when you want on-the-go Asian food. Known as onigiri, rice balls were created to be portable and contain a multitude of fresh fillings.
Tip: Look for a restaurant that prepares bento boxes with rice balls—you’ll have the coolest lunch in the office.
6. Deluxe Water
The pop craze may have fizzled, but fancy water is picking up steam. It’s no wonder consumers spend more than $1.5 billion a year on the stuff—it’s flavorful and chock full of electrolytes.
Tip: Check the number of servings, amount of sugar, and the calorie count before you guzzle. Some contain more sugar than a can of soda.
7. BPA-free
It’s time to recycle that plastic bottle on your desk. While the scientific data isn’t yet conclusive, many experts have linked BPA, a chemical commonly used in bottle manufacturing, to cancer. Opt for a BPA-free bottle and drink up.
Tip: Look for a stainless steel container—it’s the safest and most durable choice on the market.
8. Bacon as Dessert
Whether it’s a maple bar topped with bacon or chocolates infused with pork fat, salty meat is popping up all over dessert menus.
Tip: While the sweet and savory combo may have piqued your curiosity, this is one trend to skip if you want to avoid cardiac arrest.
9. Greek Yogurt
Say good-bye to bland, fruit-on-the-bottom flavor. Greek yogurt is strained to ensure an ultra tangy taste and rich texture. As an added plus, it packs a nutritional punch with twice the protein of traditional yogurt.
Tip: Mix in a tablespoon of honey and top with fresh berries for a healthy treat.
Sources: (1) National Sunflower Assn., (2) Salon.com, (4) New York Times, (6) abcnews.go.com
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Article written by Megan Bingham
