The world of gastronomy has expanded significantly in the last two decades, introducing foods that were unfamiliar to us during our upbringing. Bland salads and casseroles are no longer the norm as the global community embraces diverse cultural flavors. Let’s explore twenty foods that were not on our radar 20 years ago.
Kimchi
This spicy fermented cabbage is a staple in Korean cuisine that is now consumed in abundance in the U.S. Figures seen by The Korean Economic Daily show that the Kimchi brand Jongga celebrated a 270% revenue growth from 2019 to 2022.
Açai Bowls
Pronounced ah-sigh-EE, these colorful breakfast bowls are packed with antioxidants, which is one reason they’re found in coffee shops and smoothie bars throughout the U.S. You can top acai bowls with granola, fruit, and nut butter, so there are endless ways to keep them feeling fresh.
Avocado Toast
There’s not a trendy brunch place in the U.S. without avocado on the menu. The simple yet trendy dish of avocado on toast once considered a millennial extravagance, is now a breakfast (and sometimes brunch) staple for many.
Jackfruit
Until recently, jackfruit was a staple food in Southeast Asian cuisine but has gained popularity worldwide due to its popularity among vegans. Unripe jackfruit possesses a neutral flavor and a meaty texture when cooked, making it a versatile substitute for meat in various dishes, such as pulled jackfruit buns.
Edamame
These green soybeans, once a niche Asian import, are now enjoyed in various ways. Whether roasted, steamed, or even shelled and sprinkled on salads, Americans can’t get enough of edamame beans.
Unicorn Frappuccinos
Frappuccinos first gained popularity in the 1990s with simple coffee and mocha flavors. Fast-forward to 2024, and you can now buy them in dozens of flavors, including the vibrantly colored unicorn frappuccino. Creating limited-edition coffee creations with unusual flavors and toppings keeps the coffee industry fresh and customers excited for new experiences.
Plant-Based Burgers
According to the Plant-Based Foods Association, the U.S. plant-based food business is worth 7.4 million. Plant-based burgers are realistic alternatives that give traditional beef a run for its money in a world where people are conscious about how their food impacts the environment.
Dragonfruit
This vibrant pink fruit with black-speckled flesh has exploded in popularity recently, mainly due to the rise in juice and smoothie bars. The fruit can be eaten independently but is often blended into smoothies for its mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Sushi Burritos
Sushi burritos are an example of the ongoing rise of fusion food. Fusion foods combine the best of both worlds and, in this case, offer sushi fillings like salmon and avocado wrapped in a convenient burrito format.
Cricket Flour
People are looking for a sustainable and protein-packed alternative to meat, where insects come in. Crickets require significantly less land and water than traditional livestock for protein production, which is why they are used as ingredients in even Michelin Star cuisine. Cricket flour is made from ground crickets and finds its way into everything from protein bars to pasta.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower has been around for a very long time, but never has it been more popular. From rice alternatives to pizza crusts, cauliflower has become a versatile, low-carb, low-calorie ingredient for health-conscious foodies.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a fine, black powder produced by heating natural materials like wood, bamboo, or coconut shells. It is believed to be a natural way to detoxify the body and is consumed in everything from lattes to ice cream.
Kombucha
This fermented tea drink has a slightly fizzy and tart flavor and has become a popular alternative to sugary sodas. Although the drink is expensive to buy, health-conscious people are brewing their own to save money and improve their health.
Poke Bowls
Hailing from Hawaii, these deconstructed sushi bowls feature diced raw fish, vegetables, and sauces over rice. They are popular lunchtime dishes, with poke bowl cafes popping up near workplaces across America.
Matcha
Match is a green tea powder with a distinctive taste that has gone viral. In addition to seeing tea places pop up in towns and cities, matches can be found in lattes, baked goods, and even beauty products.
Bone Broth
This long-simmered broth made from bones and vegetables is said to be packed with nutrients and gut-healing properties. The broth has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, moving from a traditional dish in many cultures to a trendy health and wellness drink.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is a rich and creamy alternative to dairy used in coffee shops around the world. It is popular with vegans and people with nut or dairy allergies as it offers a safe alternative.
Nutritional Yeast
This deactivated yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavor to vegan dishes. The flavor offers a satisfying cheesy fix without the dairy and is even found in some parts of popcorn.
Freekeh
Freekeh is an ancient grain made from roasted durum wheat. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture add variety to salads and grain bowls when people are tired of their usual ingredients.
Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin spice blends warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes ginger. These spices have experienced a phenomenal rise in popularity, especially in the fall when people are looking for a comforting addition to their soups and coffee.
15 Nostalgic Dinners from the Past That Are Rarely Seen Today
The scent of a family meal cooking can bring back memories, especially if it’s a childhood favorite we don’t often have as adults. This article showcases 18 classic dinners that provided convenience and budget-friendliness for parents and are worthy of a revival. These traditional dinners from the past trigger nostalgic memories and are worth rediscovering.
15 Nostalgic Dinners from the Past That Are Rarely Seen Today
18 Foods You Should Eat Every Day
There are many foods, such as leafy greens, berries, and whole grains, which are full of things like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help your body function at its best. Experts recommend you should eat these 18 foods every day to live a healthier life.
Read: 18 Foods You Should Eat Every Day
15 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat After 50
Age is just a number, but not regarding eating habits. The older you grow, the more your body needs nutritious food to stay fit and healthy. While there are many things you’re encouraged to eat, when you cross 50, your go-to foods can’t look the same as they once were. Your body is changing, and so should your eating habits.
