Year-ender 2017: 14 food and drink trends that rocked the year
Every year, a number of food trends hit the global scene. Some are delicious or healthy, and some are just too out there. Here's a food flashback of 2017, with a closer look at the major trends of the year.
CHEESE TEA
Cheese tea is actually made of iced tea topped with cream cheese (salty or sweet). Invented in China, Malaysia and Taiwan, the drink reached the USA this year--and of course, foodies there went totally gaga over it. This trend is yet to hit the Indian food scene, so we can all sigh with relief till it does.
Take a look at other such pointless food trends, here.
COFFEE IN A CONE
When Dayne Levinrad coined the term, and the drink, the world was taken by storm. If your favourite coffee is served in a waffle-cone, wouldn't you like to indulge in it as well? A number of varieties are now available around the world, and the ones topped with whipped cream or chocolate are quite the rage.
Take a look at other amazing food trends, here.
CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST
From actress Huma Qureshi to every other health-freak foodie out there, this innovative pizza crust came as quite a relief this year. You can actually indulge in a delicious pizza with a crispy crust, without adding too many calories to your diet--and who wouldn't want a treat like this?
For the recipe for Cauliflower Pizza Crust, click here.
ART COFFEE
Do you like the art on top of your coffee? Of course you do. But when coffee enthusiasts started painting everything from The Scream by Edward Munch to The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh on top of coffee with edible paint, we must admit that the world went a little too overboard. Coffee art is fine, but this trend is perhaps a little too much, right?
Take a look at other such pointless food trends, here.
COOKIE FRIES
Some food trends just make sense, and make you wonder why nobody thought of it before. Cookie Fries definitely belong in that genre. Instead of baking cookies in their regular round shape, bakers in the US started turning them into fries with ridges. This wasn't just delicious, but also made scooping up extra chocolate sauce so much easier.
Take a look at other amazing food trends, here.
AVOCADO LATTE
This weird latte was invented by Australian students after a millionaire passed negative comments about their lifestyle. To make Avocado Latte, the flesh is scooped off avocado halves, and filled with latte. Yes, this food trend is quite expensive, and just as much pointless, despite originating as a form of student protest.
Take a look at other such weird latte trends, here.
PURPLE FOOD
Singer Mariah Carey has been promoting this extremely healthy diet for years now, but it was in 2017 that it finally hit India. The Purple Food trend is all about indulging in nature's purple-coloured gifts--from cabbage to beets and figs--because eating those is really good for you. What's more, Purple Food always manages to look good on any plate!
For more on Purple Food in India, click here.
KANTHAL OR JACKFRUIT
This trend was predicted last year, when vegans and vegetarians turned to this ingredient for both nutrients and flavour. Meaty and chock full of protein, potassium and other minerals, kanthal has been cooked in Indian homes for ages now. This year, however, it made a place for itself in trendy restaurants and cafes as well.
Take a look at other amazing food trends, here.
CHARCOAL LATTE
Yes, activated charcoal is a brilliant antioxidant. But does it deserve to be mixed with coffee and turned into this weird concoction? Of course not, but that's exactly what has happened worldwide. Charcoal Latte, which is quite an expensive cuppa, is now served in cafes and baristas across the world.
Take a look at other such weird latte trends, here.
Photo Credit : Instagram/bevccafe
UBE
Before you throw up, allow us to tell you that Ube is apparently quite delicious, even if it's a far cry from being an ideal dish in the Purple Food trend. Ube is a purple root veggie found in the Philippines, and it has found favour with Americans this year. Many restaurants and cafes have now started selling pancakes slathered with Ube instead of maple syrup or whipped cream.
Take a look at other such pointless food trends, here.
FREAKSHAKES OR LOADED DESSERTS
There was once something called a milkshake. Then somebody decided to top it with ice cream and sprinkles. And then came along the genius who decided to load up a milkshake with everything sweet and salty, and delicious of course. Thus, the freakshake was born, and is now available at some eateries in Mumbai! Now, who are we kidding? Freakshakes are just extremely Loaded Desserts, aren't they?
Take a look at other amazing food trends, here.
UNICORN
No, they're not just imaginary creatures any more. Unicorn is actually a full-fledged food trend that has taken over the world. Pale pink and other rainbow, edible colours are mixed with dishes--from sandwiches to milkshakes--to create Unicorn food! While we're sure they taste amazing, the look of these dishes just don't appeal to everyone.
Take a look at other such pointless food trends, here.
CANDYFLOSS OR COTTON CANDY
Call them buddhi ke baal or Dilli ka laddoo if you will, but there's a time and place for candyfloss. It's a delight to have on picnics and outings, but do you really want it served on top of cakes, cupcakes and shakes? Well, some people apparently do, because Cotton Candy on top of desserts was definitely one of the major trends this year.
Take a look at other such pointless food trends, here.
ZUCCHINI PASTA OR ZOODLES
They look brilliant, taste even better, and are SO healthy. Zucchini Pasta or Zoodles made for one of the healthiest food trends this year. It made pasta and noodles available for health-freak foodies once again. And what's more, cafes and restaurants across India were quick to adapt them in their menus as well.
Take a look at other amazing food trends, here.