Cape Times

5 vegan food trends to look out for this year

- LUTHO PASIYA lutho.pasiya@inl.co.za

THE vegan and vegetarian diets have grown over the years, as more people started opting for a healthier lifestyle and better eating habits.

Speaking about the meat-free industry, health expert Vanessa Ascencao said a vegan diet is considered more than a diet but rather a way of life that excludes any form of animal exploitati­on or cruelty for food, clothing, or anything else.

Ascencao said new research shows that a predominan­tly plantbased diet may cut death from heart disease by a third – and help combat climate change.

She added that a largely plantbased diet, rich in nutrition, is not only good for heart health but may also counter obesity – one of South Africa's biggest health threats.

If you have been thinking about going vegan but have yet to commit, now is your time to shine – because 2021 is about to get lit up with exciting vegan developmen­ts.

Founder of African Vegan on a Budget and pioneering vegan chef, Nicola Kagoro, spoke about the five vegan food trends to watch out for.

Non-vegan brands are creating vegan products. You can see this by more traditiona­l meat brands creating vegan products. They are also working with vegan brands and chefs to promote their products.

There is more use of indigenous and traditiona­l ingredient­s. There is a growing interest in trying to find more sources of nutritiona­l benefits in the vegan meal plan. People are also growing more traditiona­l vegetables and fruits.

There are more vegan food options on menus. Fast-food chains like Burger King, McDonald's, and more are creating menu options for plant-based individual­s.

Social media such as TikTok is presenting more opportunit­ies to market vegan brands.

Small food entreprene­urs are booming more in monetary ways.

 ??  ?? VEGAN and vegetarian diets have grown over the years, as more and more people opt for a healthier lifestyle and better eating habits.
VEGAN and vegetarian diets have grown over the years, as more and more people opt for a healthier lifestyle and better eating habits.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from South Africa