We could soon be saying goodbye to doughnuts, ‘freakshakes’ and skyscraper burgers with the latest insights into consumer trends showing healthy food eating and social and environmental responsibility are driving Australian food consumption.

An AUSVEG study conducted by research Agency Colmar Brunton, has identified key food trends that may emerge over the next year – and consumers’ increasing emotional involvement with what they’re eating is a key factor.

According to AUSVEG spokesperson Dimi Kyriakou, consumers are emotionally invested in their food, and what their food choices say about them.

“With social media channels like Instagram allowing consumers to quickly and easily share their food – both self-prepared meals and food they’ve bought – this analysis suggests they’ll increasingly turn to fresh vegetables to add a lively, vibrant look to their meals, as well as for the health benefits,” she said.

She used the example of smoothie bowls taking over the smoothie trend, as they combine fresh ingredients into a full meal, creating a visual appeal.

The study also revealed there is expected to be increasing interest in where food comes from, how it was grown and how to get the most out of food purchases.

“As many Australians move away from overly processed and sweetened foods and towards unprocessed or raw options, they want more knowledge about their food purchases,” Dimi said.

Information that is becoming more pertinent to consumers includes knowing where their healthy food is from, knowing how it was grown and knowing whether it’s in season.

With fresh, high-quality vegetables grown across the country, Dimi said Australian consumers who are concerned about the provenance of their produce are in a great position to buy local and support Australian growers.