Nutrition

Plate up! The foods you’ll want to eat more of in 2024

21 December, 2023 . 0

From soups and fermented products to options that help fight inflammation, here are the food trends to look out for in 2024.

Most of us constantly seek new tips and tricks to take our health and wellbeing to the next level.

The coming year will serve up some new food trends, along with a few wholesome and helpful habits, so here’s what to expect on your plate.

6 food trends to look out for in 2024

Food trend #1: More plant-based options

Vegetarian and vegan eating have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the plant-based food market is tipped to reach new highs.

“Plant-based eating is definitely continuing to be popular,” Nutrition Australia dietitian Leanne Elliston says.

“I always recommend steering away from highly processed plant-based alternatives to meat, as these often have extra additives and lots of the nutrients stripped out.”

Instead, Leanne says anyone opting for a more plant-based diet should stick to natural ingredients.

“Legumes are an extremely underrated source of protein… Chickpeas, kidney beans, cannellini beans – these can be used easily in meals, whether we add them to dishes or make them the hero,” she suggests.

Food trend #2: Affordability focus

With interest rates and inflation hitting households hard, our hip pockets will have a big impact on our eating habits.

“We know that people put their budget before health, but there are ways to access healthy foods on the cheap,” Leanne says.

“We are already seeing more people use things like food pantries, that rescue fresh produce from being sent to landfill, where the fruit and vegetables may have some marks, or are funny shapes.

“People can also buy the things that there is a glut of because they’re in season, and then store them for later use – like berries, which can be bought in bulk when they are in season and cheap, (and) can be frozen.”

Leanne adds that people will also choose cheaper protein alternatives, such as tinned fish to get their Omega-3 boost, tofu and eggs.

Food trend #3: Anti-inflammatory foods

According to TheNutritionist dietitian Mark Surdut, foods that help fight inflammation will also be on people’s radar.

Mark says chronic inflammation not only impacts your physical health but is also “looking like it’s connected to mental illness” – but eating the right foods can reduce your risk.

So, more of us will be gobbling up anti-inflammatory foods such as non-starchy vegetables, especially cruciferous veggies, berries, green tea and dark chocolate.

Food trend #4: Soups

Bone broth, minestrone, pumpkin, laksa – whatever your favourite consistency or flavour, soups are on trend, according to the What ’s Hot Culinary Forecast for 2024.

Soups are also a great option for getting rid of old vegetables in the fridge, Leanne adds.

Food trend #5: Reducing salt intake

The World Health Organisation is pushing people to reduce the amount of sodium in their diets, and salt intake will be front and centre in the coming months.

“We’ve got to move away from the idea that some salts are somehow good for us, like Himalayan rock salt,” Leanne says.

“Salt is salt and when always added to food, will be harmful to our bodies.”

Food trend #6: Fermented products

Foods designed to support and improve the gut microbiome have become big business and will remain a hot topic.

“The evidence is mounting, and fermented foods, including dairy, veggies and other products, are likely to gain popularity,” Mark says.

“While probiotics have been well marketed for years, it may be better to increase levels of good bugs in the gut through dietary sources like tempeh, yoghurt, kimchi, kombucha.”

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