Seltzer

I heard the other day that a well-known craft brewer was selling more seltzer than beer. Fact or fiction, there is no doubt that this alcoholic fizzy water seems to be the next best thing.

Seltzers can be naturally fermented or made from a carbonated mix of water and alcohol. The result is a low-carb, low-calorie, low sugar beverage. Natural flavours and the lack of additives produce a tasty drink that is far healthier than alcopop alternatives.

Plant-Based Burgers

On a recent visit to MONA in Hobart, I was impressed with the small burger offering on the green. After my son ordered his burger, he read the “meat-free” note on the menu.

He thought nothing of it as he demolished the Beyond Beef burger with vegan bacon. A pinnacle of human achievement, this burger was guilt-free and tasty.

A word of caution, not all Plant-Based Burgers are made equal, this particular one was a ”Beyond Beef” burger, and I would recommend novices start here.

Sure there is plenty of debate around meat substitutes; however, meat consumption is declining, and health values are growing. I think we will continue to see more and better version of this.

Mental Health Foods

The importance of mental health has been gathering more attention in recent years; we now see a natural progression from physical health to mental health.

Several superfoods and ingredients can soothe anxiety, boost your mood, counter depression and enhance your mental health. Foods such as colourful fruits and vegetables, wholegrain foods, fermented foods and fish have all been shown to support mental health.

These perfectly instagrammable ingredients will continue to gain popularity as we start to look after our mental health a little bit better.

Carb Alternatives

Carbs have suffered a blow as a result of the popular Atkins and Keto diets. The desire for carb alternatives continues to grow with more accessible options making it easier to stay on low carb diets.

Cauliflower, almond meal, coconut flour are leading the charge as key ingredients that replace rice and flour in everyday recipes.

There are some great low carb bread options now appearing in supermarkets. Aldi offers a low carb loaf, which is popular with those in the know

Veganism and Vegetarianism

The number of people joining the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle continues to grow. Concerns about environmental impacts, welfare and wellness, are driving people to give up animal products and reduce meat intake.

There is no doubt the world is a better place because of this. The eco-friendly outcomes of the lifestyle is also a key motivation for people.

Whilst the actual number of people embracing a true vegan lifestyle is relatively low, they make up for it with very vocal and enthusiastic communications. This community is connected and passionate about their choices.