The trends that will be driving the food industry in 2020

2019 saw a massive explosion of interest in plant-based foods, ingredients and products that improve gut health, and an increased awareness in functional foods and ingredients to improve health and wellbeing. What's in store for 2020? We've collected some insight from across the food industry to find out.

Meat-alternatives continue to go mainstream

Jeanette Mellinger, head of Uber Eats user research, tells Business Insider, "Over the last year, we've seen how important it is for people to feel good about what they eat and order, driving an even greater increase in socially conscious and health-conscious dining. What started as a trend last year has become even more mainstream, with milk and meat substitutes gaining in popularity, and eaters looking to enjoy foods that contain added health benefits — like collagen.

"And while it's always fun to see those eye-pleasing items — like starfruit and squid ink — take center stage, we've noticed a few veggie favorites are here to stay. Our customers continue to enjoy cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts, and given this healthful eating trend globally, we don't expect those to go anywhere anytime soon."

A move towards alternative flours

Chef, author and presenter Maunika Gowardhan told the BBC that alternative flours will be popular in 2020. “Recipes that use a wide variety of flours, including coconut flour and chickpea flour, (will be popular), and adding wholemeal flour or ‘atta’, which is used in Indian cooking and is high in fibre," will also be on the increase.

“Flours such as almond, coconut and cassava are on the rise, and there may even be new introductions, such as cauliflower, green banana and cashew flour,” say Annabel Wray and Victoria Knight. “Our clients love vegetable and fruit flours, as they opt for low-carb and grain-free diets in line with their nutritional goals. Food suppliers will also be looking to launch new products containing these alternative flours.”

Embracing more international flavours

Whole Foods Market predicts that adventurous consumers, with an eye on sustainability, will be looking to introduce more new international flavours into their diet. They told CNN, "Lesser-known superfoods and earthy flavors are becoming more popular—and many of them are traditionally West African foods and ingredients. Food brands are finding inspiration from West Africa by using ingredients like moringa, tamarind, fonio, teff, millet, sorghum and more."

Pea protein replacing whey and collagen

Delish sees a collision of plant-based eating and wellbeing in 2020, with alternative proteins supplanting not just meat but also animal derivative proteins like whey. They say, "As the worlds of meal-worthy smoothies and plant-based lifestyles collide, you're going to see pea protein offered up in place of powders like whey and collagen, both of which are derived from animal sources. But the concept of peas as protein source doesn't stop there. More and more brands will take a cue from trendsetters like Beyond Meat and add the protein powerhouse to faux meat alternatives and vegan cheeses."

More low-alcohol drinks

Sticking with Delish, they're also predicting that more people will be reducing their alcohol consumption in 2020, saying, "According to Nielsen data, 66% of millennials are making efforts to reduce their alcohol consumption. Some say the "youth" is drinking less because they're smoking more (the phenomenon's been dubbed Cali sober). Others chalk up the decline in boozy nights to a rise in Goop-y lifestyles. Regardless, beverage brands are leaning in. New companies offer alcohol-free tipples that look pretty enough to pour in a glass and still feel fancy."