When the pandemic storm has passed, will we all be more health-conscious eaters?
Restaurant industry trendwatchers think so. Consumers are becoming more mindful, says the Mintel 2021 Global Food and Drink Trends report, and seeking foods that nourish their physical and emotional health. 
Immunity, to no one’s surprise, is a hot topic. At the end of 2020, Tastewise reported a:
- 23% increase, month over month, in consumer interest in immune-boosting food and beverages
- 7% increase in interest in vitamin and prebiotic-rich foods and drinks
- 5 % increase in interest in gut health (with a significant 40 percent boost in the last year)
Here’s a look at three ways this intensifying interest in health may be reflected in food menus in the year to come.
Fresh Microgreens
Peppery, zesty radish and arugula. Sweet, mild alfalfa and borage. Pretty, purple orach and cabbage.
Itty-bitty microgreens are seeing a surge in popularity. Not only do they add visual appeal and fresh flavor, but they’re nutrient powerhouses: “A 2012 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry looked at 25 commercially available microgreens and found they contained nutrient levels up to 40 times higher than more mature leaves. Other research also has shown microgreens contain a wider variety of antioxidants and micronutrients called polyphenols,” reports U.S. News.
Did you know you can use the PrimaVac™ commercial vacuum sealer to revive wilted greens — even the most delicate? Place greens in a wide, shallow container. Cover them with paper towels, then add ice and cold water. Run the vacuum cycle twice, which removes air from the greens and forces in cold water. The leaves will once again be crisp and fresh.
Postbiotics and Fermented Foods
You probably already know that probiotics are live microorganisms that reside in the gut and improve digestion and overall health. Prebiotics are fibrous foods that nourish these little guys, and postbiotics are the healthful byproducts they produce. “When you take prebiotics or probiotics, people don’t realize that at the end of the day, the hope is to get some postbiotics. The entire point is about postbiotics,” gastroenterologist Will Bulsiewicz, MD, tells Well+Good.
You can’t sprinkle postbiotics on a dish; however, trend-watchers are predicting increased consumer interest in foods that support digestive health. Expect continued demand for kombucha (including in cocktails), kimchi, and pickled vegetables. The next big thing in this space, according to Bloomberg, is branded, proprietary bacterial cultures.
Immunity-Boosting Beverages
Adding vitamins and supplements to beverages has proved a winning strategy for several chains.
Juice It Up!, a juice, smoothie and açaí bowl chain launched 25 years ago in southern California, saw record sales in 2020, This success was based in part, the chain says, on its healthy shots line — wheatgrass, ginger and the “Mighty-C Immunity Shot” and portfolio of immunity-boosting ingredients.
Smoothie King, the world’s largest smoothie brand, also saw record growth globally in 2020. Not only do smoothies easily adapt to an online ordering, pickup and delivery model, said CEO Wan Kim, but “there’s also an incomparable emotional attachment to a brand that genuinely cares and supports guests’ healthy lifestyles.”
In April 2020, Smoothie King introduced its Immune Builder® Veggie Superfood Smoothie, a combination of organic spinach, kale, carrots, bananas and dates; an electrolyte blend, juice and the chain’s signature Immune Support Enhancer with vitamin C, zinc, iron and calcium. The enhancer could be added to any smoothie for free through the Healthy Rewards App — an offer seized by 170,000+ customers in just three weeks.
If you’re considering adding smoothies, fresh juice or wheatgrass juice to your menu, Hamilton Beach Commercial equipment makes it easy.
Our line of durable, affordable bar blenders was recently revamped to deliver even more power, with Wave~Action® for smooth and creamy drinks. The FreshMark™ family of commercial juicers is designed to maximize juice yield while being supremely simple to use.
Discover Hamilton Beach Commercial’s full line of foodservice equipment solutions for smoothie shops and juicing operations.
