Eurostar Commodities’ 2020 food manufacturing and ingredients trends

Eurostar Commodities, UK based ingredients supplier, has announced its forecast of the biggest trends in food manufacturing and ingredients for 2020.

“We have been impressed at the level of interest sustained in gluten free and premium ‘healthy’ flour options that have just from gone strength to strength in 2019, and look to continue to do so throughout 2020,” said Philip Bull, Eurostar Commodities MD.

“There are obvious challenges relating to Brexit that are unresolved and will still be relevant in 2020. Although it is likely to have some resolution in the coming year, this is very important as the UK imports many of the ingredients that we rely on.

“There have been various events impacting rice production in 2019 so we may well see some minimal price increases during 2020 as a result. We are subject to the weather so having very wet weather at the start and end of the growing season in Europe has affected some produce – namely Italian short grain rice used in sushi.

“Overall, these are exciting times especially for quality and health which are showing as big trends again this coming year, and indicate positivity and pride for the UK in what we eat.”

2020’s top 10 trends, according to the Eurostar Commodities report

1. Bringing sushi home

Combined with smaller yield higher quality crop of sushi rice in Europe (caused by wet conditions in Northern Italy where the UK’s supply of sushi rice is predominantly grown) and a rise in popularity, we are going to see people eating higher quality sushi much more frequently. We predict that it is going to become a weekly favourite (rather than a treat) throughout the country with large numbers of people learning to prepare sushi at home.          

2. High quality gluten free    

Gluten free is going to step up a gear in terms of quality. Until now, people have had to put up with lots of second-rate products which do not taste as good as their glutinous alternatives. We are now starting to see high quality core product come through which will influence the flavour, consistency and texture of gluten free baked good throughout the sector.       

3. Plant-based flour (vegetable and legumes)  

We continue to watch the vegan trend move into the mainstream. As a result, we are seeing lots of innovation into non-animal protein. One important way of incorporating additional plant-based protein into a vegan diet is through flours made from legumes and vegetables. Plant based flour is made from 100 percent ground vegetables (or legumes) and is used as a primary ingredient in breads, pizza bases, pancakes, cakes and much more.

4. Manitoba

Manitoba flour is made by grinding the soft wheat cultivated in the fields between northern America and southern Canada. It is arguably the very highest quality flour in the world and with a price tag to match. It is used for special breads and in slow leavening pizza doughs. With a very high protein content it creates delicious well-structured products and we expect to see a clear labelling of products using Manitoba.

5. Semolina bread

We think that following the popularity of sourdough artisanal bakers will experiment with Semolina as a key ingredient. Semolina adds structure and is rich in protein, fibre, and B vitamins. It may support weight loss, heart health, and digestion.  Semolina is the coarse pale-yellow flour ground from hard durum wheat, and it is used to make traditional pasta and cous cous. It can also be used to make pizza, bread and biscuit doughs as well as gnocchi.

6. Signature pizza (personalized pizza)

As pizza chefs continue to push the boundaries of creativity innovating in the traditional Neapolitan, we expect to see chefs putting their own personal take on signature pizza. Typical of this style is the addition of gastronomic elements such as sides, or sauces you that you pour on yourself after serving.

7. Jasmine rice   

Cambodian rice production is changing and focusing more on growing jasmine and organic rice. Cambodia produces large volumes of this high-quality rice. Jasmine rice is well known for its fragrance, the sweet aroma of jasmine rice highly resembles the scent of pandan leaves. When cooked, jasmine rice is stickier than other long-grain rice. It also has a distinct soft, moist texture and a slightly sweet flavour. It is also a much more price competitive option compared to the Hom Mali Jasmine rice grown in Thailand.

8. Chapati

2020 is going to be the year of the chapati. We are all eating wraps and tortilla instead of bread-based sandwiches, and we have forgotten the versatility and tastiness of the traditional Chapati or Roti. This is especially true now you can get healthier versions made with high quality gluten free flour or whole-wheat flour. Outstanding chapati has the softness and flexibility to pair with lots of meals, snacking and eating occasions.

9. Protein snacks

There has been a 32 percent increase in high protein snacks in 2019. We expect this to continue with new convenient products like Pure Bite Snacks ticking the high protein box as well as other specific health benefits (such as gluten free, vegan, low fat, low salt). Major retailers are now fully on board so the protein revolution will continue into 2020.      

10. Noodles

Noodles will mark the resurgence of a return to Chinese food but with a healthy slant. Particular varieties are going to stand out for their combination of versatility, flavour and health benefits. Soba is the Japanese name for buckwheat and soba noodles made from buckwheat flour, or a combination of buckwheat and wheat flours. They are served either chilled with a dipping sauce, or in hot broth as a noodle soup. Similarly, the Konjac noodle is made from the Konjac root vegetable and is super low calorie. Used in stir fry Konjac noodles are an awesome addition to a low calories diet.