Food trends for 2021

In 2020, the world has been preoccupied with the coronavirus, US elections, bush fires, heat waves, forest fires, Brexit deals (or lack thereof), lockdowns, murder hornets, hurricanes, and other manmade and natural disasters. Some – maybe most – of us are afraid to look forward to what 2021 might bring. But the world keeps spinning and we keep cooking, so Whole Foods decided to look into its crystal ball to predict the food trends that will take hold in the coming year.

Naturally the pandemic plays heavily into the forecast. As we continue to move in and out of lockdown and work from home, we will continue the trend of cooking more than eating out. In that regard, Whole Foods sees a focus on “epic breakfasts” as people look for ways to move beyond the basics. They envision things like weekday pancakes, sous vide egg bites, and imaginative egg substitutes.

Along with increased time in the kitchen, home cooks will be looking to expand their horizons when it comes to pantry staples. Whole Foods predicts that items like pasta, sauces, and spices “will never be boring again. Get ready for reimagined classics like hearts of palm pasta, applewood-smoked salt and “meaty” vegan soup,” says the retailer.

Whole Foods also sees us swapping our regular cooking oils for something new like pumpkin seed oil, walnut oil, and sunflower oil. One recent trend that will continue to be in vogue for 2021 will be kombucha – although it will become boozy, say the Whole Foods pundits. Chickpeas will also keep riding their wave, and will be found in everything from pasta to breakfast cereal.