|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Choosing all-natural ingredients & becoming more eco-friendly is priority
|
|
Wednesday, 28 September, 2022, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Chirag Kenia
|
Food for Thought
Food is the fuel that nourishes our bodies and brings people together. We spend a lot of time planning meals, choosing the best ingredients, attempting new recipes, and relishing delicacies. With technological advancements over the years, food has evolved. It has transcended geographical boundaries and truly become global. Lesser known cuisines are now tried and tested in many kitchens. Experimenting with newer dishes is no longer an agonising experience. Instead, it is a welcome change. Food blogs, innovative recipes, miracle ingredients, the latest diet regimes, and a handful of other trending topics can be easily found on social media. Some of these trends quickly translate into rare ingredients becoming a common sight in the grocery store aisles.
The Conscious Consumer
With increasing awareness, consumers are now involved in discussions such as sustainability, transparency, responsible sourcing, food waste, and regenerative agriculture. The way consumers approach food is rapidly evolving. Choosing all-natural ingredients and becoming more eco-friendly is a priority. Labels are scanned to ensure ethically sourced ingredients are used. Food manufacturers are using packaging in ingenious ways as a communication tool. Catering to needs such as casein-free diets for lactose-intolerant consumers is now a priority for the food industry.
Consumers are scrutinising food choices more than ever. They expect freshness and flavour along with nutrients from the food they consume. Authenticity and functionality are driving innovation in the food industry. Upcycled ingredients are found more appealing by consumers concerned with sustainability. Consumers have realised that they play an essential role in preserving the climate with manufacturers and producers. Foods having a positive climate impact are finding their way into their grocery baskets. The conscious consumer is open-minded while evaluating global trends. Simultaneously, the benefits of local food are considered.
Globalisation and Localisation
Globalisation has resulted in expanding the choices for consumers. Efficient food production practices, farming techniques, machinery, and technology, are shared much more amongst nations. Chinese, Italian, Mexican, American, Thai, Indian, and French cuisines are famous across the globe. Quality ingredients are in huge demand. Consumers are ready to obtain them at a premium. Elements that only chefs knew of have found their way to kitchens everywhere. Olive oil is gaining popularity as edible oil. Muesli and granola are preferred cereals. Protein bars and healthy snacking are catching up fast. Globalisation has received adequate support, and local communities are also reinforced.
Culinary traditions across the world are constantly evolving. Significant variations empower small and medium local players who can cater to these demands due to familiarity with markets and local food habits. Consumers are also displaying a preference for nutritious food. Convenient long-storage food options are ubiquitous. Fast food chains have expanded, and packaged food has found acceptance. The ready-to-eat segment is growing by leaps and bounds. Specialty and high-value processed or packaged foods that meet consumer expectations are flourishing. Multinational food companies are expanding. They are customising their approach to fit the local environments. Thus, globalisation has emerged as a strategy to overcome cultural barriers.
Think Healthy
In the wake of the pandemic, more and more people are committed to fitness. Health is no longer considered a mere absence of disease. It is a way of living characterised by healthy food choices. While diet trends have been around for a while, it is tough to choose what works best. There are multiple sources to gather information regarding diets. Not limited to friendly advice, consulting a nutritionist, listening to your trainer, or rummaging the Internet. Before you commit to a diet plan, it is essential to understand that it needs to be healthy and sustainable to work for you.
Many famous diets have created a sensation on the Internet. The first one that comes to mind is the Ketogenic diet, commonly referred to as Keto. It is a low-carb and high-fat diet. It prompts the body’s fat-burning system to rely on fat instead of sugar for energy needs. An essential aspect of these diets also concerns sourcing the required ingredients. Health-conscious people are ready to go the extra mile to lay their hands on the best quality foods. Gourmet food stores stock hard-to-find ingredients that inspire healthy diet plans. They curate an excellent selection of the finest products that connoisseurs can discover.
A diet that can be continued for a long time is the Mediterranean diet. It includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, potatoes, and extra virgin oil. Moderate amounts of lean fish, poultry, dairy, seafood, and eggs are included in this diet. However, fried foods, sweets, red meat, and refined flour products are strictly avoidable. Another technique for healthy eating aimed at lowering blood pressure is the DASH diet. It refers to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Foods that are rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium are included in this diet. It limits foods with high sodium content, saturated fats, and added sugars.
The Paleo diet resembles the food that human hunter-gatherers ate centuries ago. It constitutes vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, eggs, seeds, herbs, spices, healthy fats, and oils. With an emphasis on avoiding processed foods, sugar, soft drinks, dairy, and trans fats, among others, it aims at combating lifestyle diseases. A fad diet that eliminates sugar, grains, dairy, and alcohol and recommends whole foods is the Whole30 diet. The foods these diet advocates for us to shun negatively affect hormones and gut health. They cause inflammation and promote cravings. The intermittent fasting diet plan enforces a regular schedule based on switching between fasting and eating. It is known for weight management and is effective in preventing or reversing certain diseases. It permits healthy foods like whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. During the fasting intervals, you can consume low-calorie beverages.
The Food Horizon
Irrespective of your current food philosophy, it is advisable to expand the horizon constantly. The food industry has witnessed a complex journey over thousands of years. Food preparation and presentation have undergone tremendous changes. Technology has also influenced the food industry in several ways. It has been an enabler in new product development, improved quality control, and establishing sustainable supply chain models.
World cuisine is now available on a platter. Traditional and regional dishes from cultures over the world are being unearthed. Lesser known dishes are becoming household staples. Social media is flooded with new food challenges. Healthy choices dominate meal plans. The food industry will continue progressing. Trends and fads come and go, but healthy food is definitely here to stay for a long time.
(The author is founder and CEO, Urban Platter)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|