5 strange foods you might eat in 2018

Whole Foods Market's announced its 10 most anticipated food trends for 2018 Monday.

But if you’re not a regular Whole Foods shopper or eater of organic or vegan foods, some of these might seem strange.

Here are five of their predicted trends for 2018:

Floral flavors 

Whole Foods said to look for flowers such as elderflower, lavender, hibiscus and rose to be used like herbs in things like lattés, hot and iced teas and cocktails.

Mushroom-infused coffee and chocolate

Functional mushrooms are used in dietary supplements to support wellness and strengthen the immune system. Next year, functional mushroom varieties such as eishi, chaga, cordyceps and lion’s mane could infuse your coffee, tea, chocolate, broths and smoothies. Whole Foods said they will also be used in body care products such as soap and shampoo.

Hi-tech plant-based foods

New techniques are being used to manipulate plant-based ingredients to taste like meat such as “bleeding” vegan burgers, sushi-grade “not-tuna” made from tomatoes and improved dairy free desserts.

Root-to-stem

Don’t like wasting food? Root-to-stem cooking uses the entire fruit or vegetable, including the less-eaten stems and leaves.  Pickled watermelon rinds and beet-green pesto are examples.

Super powders

You may have had protein powder shakes or smoothies, but next year you may be seeing powders made from spirulina, kale, herbs and roots.  Ground turmeric is expected to increase in popularity and powders like matcha, maca root and cacao can be used in drinks as an energy boost or as an alternative to coffee.

Other trends include new varieties of sparkling waters and seltzers beyond LaCroix, reimagined tacos, puffed and popped snacks, Middle Eastern cuisine and more transparency in product labels.

Cox Media Group