Another year, another set of trends. The Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council (GLNC) predicts the following 5 food trends predicted will be big this year.

1. Digestive wellness
Gluten-free is still a massive trend, but it’s 5 food trends predicted to take a broader stance falling under the umbrella of digestive wellness as consumers are on the hunt for products that will be good for their digestive health. According to the GLNC, emerging research connects the digestive system to health issues such as anxiety, depression, weight management and diabetes, and consumers are paying more attention to how specific foods make them feel. Many identify gluten- and lactose-free products as good for digestive health and, whether this is accurate or not, it indicates these products are sticking around. It could also see a bolster in popularity for non-wheat-based flours such as chickpea and lentil flour.

2. Plant-based diets
You’ve heard or vegetarian and vegan, but you may not have heard of a ‘flexitarian’ – someone who follows a mostly plant-based or vegetarian approach, while also including small amounts of plant-based products. With the health benefits that come with eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, this trend comes as no surprise.

3. Anti-inflammatory foods
A recent area of focus in the world of healthy eating, inflammation is rising as one of the next big foodie trends. Inflammation is linked to a wide range of ailments such as chronic disease to managing stress. Foods with anti-inflammatory foods include tomatoes, olive oil, leafy vegetables, nuts, fatty fish and certain fruits, as well as the star of the show: turmeric. We’ve seen turmeric lattes already and there’s plenty of space in the baking industry for experimentation and creating.

4. Good and bad carbs
Carbs have been given a bad name, but now things are starting to turn. Following consumers’ increased love of grains, people are turning towards ‘healthier’ forms of carbs, such as pasta alternatives made from quinoa, as well as chickpea and rice flours.

5. Snacking
According to the GLNC, Australians are snacking four-times as much as they were 10 years ago, and of course, snacks that are perceived to be healthy are taking the cake. Things that are plant-based with no added sugar, and are sources of protein, are hard-hitters.