Floral will be a top food trend for 2018

Fans of floral flavours have a lot to look forward to in 2018, according to Whole Foods Market’s annual trend report. From sparkling elderflower beverages to lavender lattes, edible petals are at the top of its list of food trends for the coming year.

The organics-oriented chain, acquired by Amazon this summer, looked to its international team of buyers and experts for the forecast. The panel includes a range of specialists, including a master sommelier, global food buyer and seafood authority. Here’s a look at a few trends that they predict you’ll be munching and sipping next year.

FLORAL FLAVOURS

Rose water has long been an integral component in Persian and Middle Eastern cooking, particularly in sweets. For 2018, Whole Foods is predicting “rose-flavoured everything,” vibrant hibiscus teas (hot and iced), and elderflower as the “new MVP (most valuable petal) of cocktails and bubbly drinks.” Expect to see edible flowers used as liberally as fresh herbs in savoury cooking, sweets and cocktails, according to the report.

ROOT-TO-STEM

In the spirit of noseto-tail butchery and reducing food waste, Whole Foods is predicting a rise in root-to-stem cookery in 2018. From broccoli-stem slaw to traditional canned items such as pickled watermelon rind and root vegetable top pesto, get ready to re-consider your fruit and vegetable trimmings.

HIGH-TECH GOES PLANT-FORWARD

From the Leonardo DiCaprio-backed Beyond Burger to fish-free “sushi” and pea-protein milk, food startups are behind a boom of innovative plantbased products.

“By using science to advance recipes,” plantbased foods will continue to dominate in 2018, Whole Foods says.

“Dairy-free indulgences like vegan frosting, brownies, ice cream, brioche and crème brûlée are getting so delicious, nonvegans won’t know the difference — or they might choose them anyway.”

Visit Whole Foods for the full top 10 list.