Food Trends That Rocked 2018: A Year in Review

Hello, food enthusiasts! Buckle up as we embark on a delicious journey through the food trends of 2018. We're talking about the hottest ingredients, cooking techniques, and dining experiences that had our taste buds tingling all year long. So, grab a snack and let's dive right in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and food trends of 2018.

Plant-Based Power

2018 was the year of the plants, folks!

Veganism and plant-based diets skyrocketed in popularity, with even the most die-hard meat-lovers giving plant-based alternatives a try. Plant-based meat substitutes, like the Impossible Burger and Beyond Meat, were making waves in the fast-food industry, with some people struggling to tell the difference between the real and the fake. Plant-based milks, like almond, oat, and soy, also continued to dominate the dairy-free scene.

But it wasn't just about meat substitutes; vegetables took center stage. We saw an explosion of root-to-stem cooking, where every part of the vegetable is used to minimize waste. Think broccoli stalk salads and carrot top pesto. And let's not forget jackfruit, the humble fruit that became a star ingredient in pulled pork sandwiches and curries.

Fermentation Nation

2018 was the year we fell in love with all things fermented.

Kombucha, that tangy, fizzy tea drink, became the go-to beverage for health-conscious consumers. It was popping up on menus everywhere, from trendy cafes to sports stadiums. But kombucha wasn't the only fermented food having its moment. Sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir also made appearances on our plates and in our smoothies.

And then there was sourdough. This ancient bread-making technique suddenly became the darling of the artisanal baking scene. Every bakery worth its salt was churning out loaves with beautiful, bubbly crumb and crispy, tangy crust.

Middle Eastern Mezze

2018 was the year we fell head over heels for Middle Eastern cuisine.

Mezze platters filled with hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh were all the rage. We were drizzling tahini on everything from smoothies to ice cream. And pita bread? It was the ultimate vessel for scooping up all those delicious dips and spreads.

But it wasn't just about the food; Middle Eastern cafe culture also made its mark. Cozy, inviting spaces with plush cushions, low tables, and steaming cups of Turkish coffee or mint tea became the new brunch spot.

Sustainability Takes Center Stage

2018 was the year we started thinking more about where our food comes from and how it's made.

Zero-waste restaurants and cafes popped up, serving food in reusable containers and composting food scraps. Locally-sourced ingredients became a priority, with chefs and home cooks alike embracing the farm-to-table movement.

And sustainable seafood was a hot topic. We were learning to love lesser-known fish like sardines and anchovies, and saying no to overfished species like tuna and salmon.

CBD: The New Superfood

2018 was the year cannabis-derived products went mainstream.

CBD, or cannabidiol, was added to everything from smoothies to face masks, promising a host of health benefits. While it's still early days, and more research is needed, CBD-infused products were flying off the shelves.

The Rise of the Home Cook

2018 was the year we all became chefs.

Thanks to social media and cooking shows, home cooks were trying their hand at everything from sushi-making to bread-baking. Meal kits and subscription services made it easier than ever to cook like a pro at home.

And speaking of cooking, air fryers were the kitchen gadget of the year. These countertop appliances promised crispy, golden food with a fraction of the oil, making them a hit with health-conscious cooks.

The Year in Review

So there you have it, folks! The food trends of 2018 that had us cooking, eating, and talking about food all year long. As we step into 2019, we can't wait to see what culinary adventures await us. Happy cooking!