Food Fashions of the Decade

Açai Bowls

Words by Catarina Vicente

The first time I had a├ºai, it was served to me in a plain bowl, topped with chia seeds, granola and coconut flakes; if not for its presentation, IÔÇÖd never have predicted the food item had been such a hot topic years ago. A├ºai bowls are originally from Brazil, a blend of a├ºai pulp and banana: its rise in popularity was concurrent with the growing prominence of ÔÇÿsuperfoodsÔÇÖ (nutrient-rich foods especially beneficial for health) and ÔÇÿaesthetic foodÔÇÖ (food that is meant to be pleasing to the eye). Its popularity highlights the heightened importance of presentation and health in the food industry.

Meat Substitutes

Words by Pui Kuan Cheah

Within the past decade, we have seen a surge in the number of people turning to veganism as a diet choice, whether for environmental or health reasons. In line with consumer trends, several companies have capitalised on this and created a multi-million-dollar industry out of plant-based meat alternatives. These have been engineered carefully to replicate the texture and taste of meat, utilising a variety of ingredients, including soy protein, pea protein, and mycoprotein ÔÇô a protein obtained from fungi, suitable for human consumption.

Due to the growing demand for meat alternatives, some restaurants and cafes are adding the option to their menus, and products are on sale at local supermarkets. YouÔÇÖve likely come across the Impossible Burger or GreggsÔÇÖ Vegan Sausage Roll, and brands like Quorn and Tofurkey during your weekly food shop. However, only time will tell if meat alternatives will eventually become mainstream and not just another, albeit long-lasting, food fad.

Kombucha

Words by Hannah Penwright

ÔÇÿFermented teaÔÇÖ might not sound the most likely drink to rise in popularity over recent years, but people just canÔÇÖt seem to get enough of kombucha. This naturally fizzy, slightly sour drink has become a popular choice for people wanting to drink less alcohol or those wanting to reap the health benefits. Popular flavours of the probiotic drink include raspberry, ginger and lemon, and passionfruit, but if you fancy something else then why not have a go at making it yourself?

Although kombucha has only become fashionable here recently, it has been around for over 2,000 years. The exact origins of the drink are disputed but many claim it originated in Northeast China, where, according to myth, it was called the ÔÇÿtea of immortalityÔÇÖ. So, if you fancy mixing up your usual drink order and trying something new, why not give kombucha a go- it might become your new favourite.

The Flour Shift

Words by Muskan Arora

A decade is a very significant chunk of time in which our lives progress; the 2010s saw us finish school and start university, definitely ticking a few things off our bucket lists along the way. But for all the foodies out there, this last decade has also significantly changed the course of our eating habits. Whilst some of our favourites have made it to 2020, others have vanished within the last ten years.

The biggest change noted by the food industry is the shift from flour to wheat, representing the more general shift in the journey towards healthy eating.┬á Delicious bakery products such as bread and cookies are now being made with wholemeal flour, or ÔÇ£AttaÔÇØ, rather than traditional wheat flour. Special wholewheat-based products can also be found in multiple caf├®s all around Cardiff which cater to a more health-conscious community.

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