Summer foods trend
NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - It’s summer and many of us know it can be a challenge to look our best when we’re also tempted to eat our hearts out. So can we do both?
"Consumers are more concerned and more educated about what they're eating and what they're putting in their bodies so we find better for you alternatives are a trend,” said Denise Purcell with the Specialty Food Association. Her organization runs the Fancy Food Show every year at the Javits Center. She tells us first about functional drinks.
“Functional beverages are a big trend that we're seeing at this show, and what I mean by that are beverages with some kind of added ingredient that makes it like a health benefit or something like that. So there are waters that have crushed fruit in them but also probiotics added,’ said Purcell.
Suja is one company in on this trend. It makes drinks like kombucha and milk made with plant protein.
"Every single ingredient, whether it's a fruit or a vegetable or probiotics or antioxidants serve a purpose in our products," said Suja employee, Bella Tumini.
Another trend in food world right now— believe it or not— is charcoal. When you think of charcoal you probably think of the barbecue, but right now charcoal is being used as an ingredient to eliminate toxins from the body.
Charcoal is part of what’s being called the “goth” trend. Foods that are black - which make them visually impactful in a world where people are always snapping photos of what they eat.
Another trend — upcycled food – which is another way of saying recycled food.
"This is our brownie made with our flour. Our flour is upcycled from the malted barley that has already been used by the beers, so we dehydrate it and throw a process we turn it into a flour that has high fiber, high protein and low carbs," said one vendor we spoke to.
So if you’re health conscious - this is the perfect time for you. If you’re not into eating black and upcycled foods - remember, it’s just a trend.