Hubert Cormier’s Top Food Trends

New on-trend grains: millet and sorghum
Although quinoa and chickpea have been popular over the last few years, millet and sorghum are now set to steal the show.  Millet is a cereal grown in many regions of the world, especially in Africa, Asia and Europe.  This cereal can be eaten as whole grains, flour or flakes, and can be used in a variety of dishes such as soups, salads, bread, pancakes and desserts.  Millet has a mild and delicate taste with a slightly “nutty” flavour.

Sorghum is a nutrient-rich cereal grain, especially high in fibre, proteins, vitamins and minerals.  It is also rich in compounds that provide health benefits, such as antioxidants, polyphenols and tannins.  Sorghum can be used in cooking to make a variety of dishes such as porridge, pancakes, pastries, and soups.  It is drought-resistant and can be grown in some arid and semi-arid regions. 

These two grains can be found in Bon Matin^® La mie Bio™ 22 Grains and Seeds Bread.

Adaptogenic Drinks
Drinks that contain functional ingredients will become increasingly popular on the shelves of convenience stores and supermarkets.  Sodas infused with botanical extracts, antioxidants, prebiotics or even supplemented with various adaptogens will become an increasingly common sight. 

Often used in traditional medicine or holistic nutrition, adaptogens can be used to care for well-being or to manage stress.  Some adaptogens are much better known, such as curcuma, ginseng, CBD and hemp, whereas others are less familiar including the likes of rhodiola, ashwagandha, eleutherococcus or schisandra.  Several companies have already started adding them to their carbonated waters or smoothies. 

Ube
Ube, also known as purple yam, is a rapidly growing trend, especially on social media where it is commonly used to make amazing cakes, smoothies, ice creams, cookies, etc. This vegetable’s striking purple colour certainly catches the eye. 

In addition to its colour, its sweet nutty taste is fairly unique for a tuber.  This makes it the go-to tuber for making sweet dishes.  For example, grated yams can be cooked and transformed into a preserve or jelly.  Alternatively, ube is sold as a fine, purple-coloured powder.  In this form, it is often used in dessert recipes such as cakes, ice cream, doughnuts, crepes, and many other types of pastries to give them a showstopping violet/purple colour.

Lastly, the nutritional value of purple yam makes it highly appealing as it is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

The ‘90s
The comfort food of my childhood is back with a bang in 2023, as well as some other popular brands that we thought had disappeared.  These products are back in their classic version or a new and improved version, as current regulations have changed in the intervening 25 years.  Cereals, mac and cheese and other snacks will no doubt offer a taste bud trip down memory lane.  In short, the big nostalgia trend we see everywhere in fashion is now starting to cross over to the food sector.

The new generation of “plant-based” milks
New grains or oilseeds such as sesame seed or pistachio are used to create delicious plant-based drinks.  Pistachio lattes are all the rage in major coffee shop chains.  As well as these two new additions, you’ll find plant-based drinks made using a blend of ingredients carefully crafted to reproduce the taste and texture of cow’s milk!  These new versions tend to have a higher protein content to bring them closer to the nutritional values of cow’s milk or soy drinks. 

Espresso Martini
The espresso martini is a cocktail that combines the strong flavour of espresso with the sweetness of sugar and the alcohol of vodka.  This blend creates a unique and complex flavour that appeals to a range of palates.  Served in pretty glasses, this cocktail topped with creamy foam, a few coffee beans or chocolate sprinkles, is a sure-fire winner with its sophistication and visual appeal.  The espresso martini can also be served as an apéritif or digestif, making it a highly versatile and popular choice for all occasions.  Some will prefer it sweeter (with simple syrup or maple syrup) evoking the sweet caffeine drinks served in cafés!

Mushrooms
Mushrooms have a unique texture and taste and can be used to enhance the taste and texture of some dishes.  They are perfectly suited to a variety of cuisines and meals as a meat substitute, making them a hit with vegetarians and vegans.  The umami taste, which is highly prized in cooking, is naturally found in mushrooms.  For example, dried mushrooms, such as shiitake, can also be used to add umami flavor to dishes such as soups, stews, and stir-fries.

They can also be grown sustainably and can even help to decompose certain organic materials, making them an environmentally friendly choice.  A win-win situation!

To sum up, there are more than a few trends to look out for in 2023.  All right!  Let’s make a bet.  Which will be the most popular?