Purple pizzas and lupin beans among food trends to watch in 2018

Lupin beans, turmeric and purple pizza are among the food trends set to take the UK by storm in 2018, according to one industry expert.

 

Jason Bull, sales director of West Yorkshire-based food importer Eurostar Commodities and healthy snack producer Bite UK, has shared his predictions of what will inspire foodies over the next 12 months.

 

1. As Brexit negotiations rumble on Bull expects to see more products from outside the EU on supermarket shelves.

 

He said: "Instead of Seville oranges expect to see oranges from South Africa, and perhaps other citrus which will be new to us, for example kumquat and the calamondin which has fruit like tiny oranges and is very decorative.

 

"Their primary use is ornamental as the fruit is sour, although the skin and flesh are good in marmalades."

 

2. The sales director predicts vegan proteins will overtake organic produce in food markets in 2018 with more casual dining outlets opening vegetarian only branches.

 

Bull said: "Vegan will continue to grow and mainstream brands like Pret A Manger will continue to roll out veggie stores meaning foodie brands will continue to include vegan as a pillar in new product development."

 

3. Bull predicts that lupin or lupini beans, traditionally eaten in the Mediterranean basin and Latin America, will be a superfood of choice for 2018.

 

He explained: "Lupin ‘significantly' lowers blood pressure and improves insulin sensitivity.

 

"Lupin-enriched foods help with appetite control. A study at the University of Western Australia found people who had lupin bread for breakfast ate up to 20% less for lunch than people who ate white bread for breakfast."

 

4. The health benefits of turmeric are expected to see the spice cupboard staple come to the fore in 2018.

 

Bull said: "It contains curcuminoid compounds with medicinal properties that have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant."

 

5. Bull predicts the popularity of healthy snack foods will continue into 2018 as new products are launched to meet demand.

 

He said: "The British public is wise to hidden sugars and salts and wants to eat different formats and healthier ingredients (avoiding refined sugars and binders in favour of chicory and fibres).

 

"Healthy snacks catering for specialist diets are going to come into the mainstream because texture and taste has improved significantly."

 

6. Health conscious Brits could also see green and purple pizzas become a food trend in 2018.

 

Bull explained: "Pizza bases made from vegetable flours will grow and feature strongly, tying in with the gluten-free trend that will continue to grow using natural ingredients.

 

"These alternative flours are made from beetroot and spinach creating a stand-out purple or green pizza base which tastes delicious and will satisfy the most discerning healthy eater and hungry kids alike."

 

7. Brown rice has seen a boom in popularity that Bull expects to spread into mainstream food markets in 2018.

 

The sales director explained: "People are turning to brown rice as a healthy carbohydrate to serve with virtually any meal.

 

"Watch it start appearing on restaurant menus, in your sushi rolls and many more options on the supermarket shelf."

 

8. The Eurostar Commodities expert also expects Asian fusion cooking to see growth in 2018.

 

Bull explained: "The combination of great flavour, consumers looking for healthier dinner options and the ready availability of core Asian ingredients on the high street will bring these more exotic dishes into people's homes for Tuesday night tea.

 

"Expect to see people making their own sushi with pho (Vietnamese) noodles entering everyday lexicon."

 

9. Bull expects pizza to become a breakfast option for Brits in 2018. If he's right, cafés could soon be offering small portions holding cold toppings.

 

Bull explained: "What's the most important nutritional value within a pizza? Carbohydrates! So there is no better time than breakfast to enjoy a good pizza!

 

"The key point relies on creating a pizza that offers the right nutrition levels that are required at breakfast time."

 

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