6 Food & Health Trends 2023

Maitake mushrooms will become the most preferred mushroom variety in 2023. Find out which mushroom variety they’re overtaking, as well as 5 more projected food & health trends for the year ahead.

With 2022 coming to a close, many in the food and health industries are already looking forward, making projections about what we can expect in the new year. These projections provide a bit of insight into what is important to consumers, also giving you a glimpse of the exciting new changes that likely lie ahead.

What are some of the anticipated food and health trends for 2023?

Here are several to consider!

1. Maitakes Become Most Preferred Mushroom Variety

Portobello mushrooms are known for being hearty, making them a good alternative for people who are looking for a meatless protein source. Yet, in the 15th annual Hospitality Trends Report, af&co. and Carbonate project that maitake mushrooms will overtake portobellos as the most preferred variety of dietary fungus. (1)

Also known as hen-of-the-woods, one cup of diced maitakes provide just 21.7 calories and 1.36 grams of protein, along with supplying important nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, vitamin D, and several of the B vitamins. (2)

2. Increased Demand for Filipino and Nigerian Foods

The Hospitality Trends Report also names Filipino food as the 2023 cuisine of the year, further projecting that Nigerian foods will continue to grow in popularity. The reason behind Filipino cuisine becoming so hot, in part, is the rising Filipino American population. This has prompted stores specializing in these foods to plan the launch of hundreds of new locations in the near future.

Nigerian and West African foods are anticipated to be in greater demand as more chefs are providing menus with these foods, offering consumers greater access to traditional meals from these regions while also educating them about their culture.

3. Pumpkin Spice is Replaced by Salted Egg Yolk

There are two types of people: those who look forward to pumpkin-spiced everything during the holiday season and those who despise this flavor and can’t wait for it to go away. For those that fall in the latter group, af&co. and Carbonate project that salted egg yolks will replace pumpkin spice as the most desired drink flavoring.

If you’ve never had it, some say that salt-cured egg yolks taste like cheese while others describe them as being savory, sweet, or buttery. In addition to this type of drink tantalizing your taste buds, it may even help increase your intake of antioxidants. (3)

4. More Produce-Based Pasta Options

Whole Foods Market has a few forecasted food trends for 2023 too, one of which includes a wider variety of pasta made from fruits and vegetables. (4) Some of the upcoming produce-based pasta include those made from spaghetti squash, hearts of palm, and green bananas.

These can be good options for people who follow a plant-based diet or those who are simply looking to reduce their intake of white flour. Making this switch can be good for your health since white flour is traditionally lower in fiber and less nutritious. (5)

5. Dates Re-Emerge as a Natural Sweetener

Whole Foods also reports that while dates went viral in early 2022 as a natural sweetener after being promoted on Tik Tok in a “Snickers-like recipe,” this fruit’s sweet taste has made it a favorite for thousands of years—and this health trend is expected to continue in 2023.

Like salted egg yolks, dates are high in antioxidants while also having anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and cholesterol-lowering properties. (6) This makes dates a healthier replacement for sugar.

You can add them to your morning simple smoothie for a sweeter taste, and they’re also good in oatmeal, baked goods, and more.

6. A Continued Focus on the Environment and Animal Welfare

Over the past several years, more consumers are making food choices based on how they impact both the environment and the animals from which the food products are derived. This is not expected to change according to Whole Foods Market predictions, with the welfare of chickens being a top animal-focused priority in the year ahead.

As far as the environment is concerned, kelp is expected to grow in popularity in 2023. This is partly due to it promoting climate consciousness since it absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. Kelp also grows without needing added nutrients or fresh water, which is helpful as well.

Planning for Improved Health in 2023

When planning how you will look after your own health in 2023, you may decide to partake in some of these upcoming food-based health trends.

Supplements can also help support your nutritional needs, sometimes even filling gaps that exist due to your regular dietary choices.

Natural Wellness offers a variety of supplements designed to help promote your health. Check them out and together we can make 2023 our healthiest year yet!