Col’Cacchio has scanned international food trends, which enhance the focus on healthy ingredients and unusual combinations, and shared these in a recent newsletter:

1.  No Grain, no Gain:  grain products will make a comeback, especially traditional types such as quinoa, chia, and spelt.

2.  Home Grown Goodness:  locally grown food sourced from environmentally-conscious suppliers from close by is the focus

3.   Fresh, fresh, fresh:   fresh foods in preference to pre-packaged supermarket foods are the focus. with more made-to-order purchases.

4.   Exotic meats: new cuts and artisanal meats in general will be the focus

5.   Unusual Combos:  creative combinations of ingredients will add fun to food, e.g. dessert pizzas and ice cream sandwiches, which Col’Cacchio plans to introduce.

6.  Ethnic Inspirations:  food favorites from different cultures will be combined to make meals more interesting, e.g. chorizo scrambled eggs and coconut milk pancakes.

7.   Oodles of noodles:  the wheat trend will influence pasta too, now made from quinoa,buckwheat, and rice.

8.   Snack Attack:   anti-pasta platters will become the new snack in restaurants and at home.

9.  Signature Drinks:  exciting developments are forecast, including gluten-free beer, edible glasses, herb-infused ice cubes, and more food and wine pairings.

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com   Twitter: WhaleCottage