Signal Fall 2019 Newsletter

WebsiteCompass 3 What’s hot in food these days? Here are some current trends to follow: Here’s a Taste of 2019’s Food Trends QUICK TIP: Find tips for eating thoughtfully and living joyfully at Food52 (food52.com ) . Meat Substitutes For everything from main dishes to snacks, meat alternatives are gaining popularity, especially those made with plant-based protein. Sources include wheat, coconut oil, and potato. While not especially high in protein, mushrooms are another popular source for a healthy alternative that offers a meaty texture and umami flavor. (What’s umami? It’s a category of taste in food—other than sweet, sour, salty, and bitter—that cor- responds to the flavor of glutamates, especially monosodium glutamate.) Ugly Foods Plants grow in all kinds of interesting configurations, but you won’t see many of them at the grocery store. Instead, only the most perfect specimens are typically displayed, which results in food waste. But ugly food tastes just as good and is just as nutritious. Retailers are increasingly making these unattract- ive options available in the produce department, so keep your eyes out for them where you shop. Oat Milk It used to be there was just one kind of milk. Now there are many varieties including cow, goat, almond, and soy. Another milk is also gaining popularity: oat milk. Its creamy texture and protein- and-fiber-rich nutritional value make it a desirable choice for vegans, those with certain food allergies, or folks who simply like the taste. Sea Vegetable Snacks Think one step beyond kale chips. Sea vegetables have become a popular ingredient for snacks, taking the place of those loaded with meat and carbs. These crunchy treats may not have the same flavors or colors as corn or potato chips, but they’re nutritious and just as easy to grab-and-go as a can of Pringles. Less Sugar With a new FDA regulation that starts in 2020, food manufacturers will have to label their products with the amount of sugar they’ve added (not just the amount of total sugar, whether natural or added). This upcoming change has prompted some packaged food makers to reduce the amount of added sugar in their offerings. Most Popular Foods from the Past Foods can be just as trendy as fashion or home décor, and different decades had their favorites. The website Insider has identified the most popular foods in every decade since 1910. Take a look at these highlights and enjoy a blast from the past: 1910s | Cracker Jack. Snack foods haven’t always been a thing, and Cracker Jack was the very first. 1930s | Casseroles. During the Great Depression, women started working more but still maintained traditional roles. Easy, fast casseroles helped them be efficient with their time. 1950s | TV Dinners. These super- convenient meals were the perfect accompaniment to the emerging trend of TVs in the home. 1960s | Beef Wellington. This meat and pastry combo was a hit at dinner parties. 1970s | Smoothies. After entering the mall scene, smoothies became a common snack or meal substitute. 1990s | Lunchables . Packing kids’ lunches was a breeze with these uber-convenient kits. 2000s | Cupcakes. This trend led to the TV baking competition CupcakeWars . 2010s | Kale. During this decade, the super-healthy veggie went from garnish to main dish.