6 Food Trends for 2021 From Save A Lot

Save A Lot and its registered dietitian and nutritionist, Holly Faivre, have identified six food trends it expects to hit shelves this year.

By analyzing nutrition ideals and using existing third-party information, the Earth City, Mo.-based discount grocery chain, which has 1,000 stores in 33 states, is “seeing consumers making more conscious decisions of what they’re consuming and choosing healthier options when grocery shopping,” Faivre said.

From an uptick in yogurt to a pantry stacked with chickpeas, click through for Save A Lot’s 2021 food trends, as well as a few recipes bound to add versatility to cooking at home.

Yogurt in 2021 is expected to satisfy a lot more meal needs—breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snacks—whether consumers are spooning it, drinking it or adding it to marinades, dressings, sauces and dips. Illustrating yogurt’s diversity, Save A Lot offers several recipes on its website, including Fruit and Yogurt Pops, Berry Breakfast Parfait and Caramelized Onion Dip.

The versatility of chickpeas and beans beyond hummus and baked beans will shine through in the new year. Packed with protein and fiber, legumes are a healthy way to enjoy sweet or savor snacks and meals without breaking the calorie bank. Save A Lot suggests trying a Black Bean Burger or Bean Soup, as well as a Chickpea Salad or Italian Lentil Salad.

Save A Lot expects more consumers than ever to experiment with plant-based eating in 2021, learning how to combine complimentary plant proteins for more nutritionally complete dishes. Pairing suggestions include complementing beans with grains, nuts or seeds; grains with legumes; nut and seeds with legumes; vegetables with grains, nuts or seeds; and corn with legumes.

Recipe that put these pairings in action include a Roasted Veggie and Hummus Naanwich, Three Sisters Tacos and a Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich.  

• Greensboro, N.C.-based The Fresh Market, which named 10 trends in specialty food for 2021, also expects plant-based to reach new heights in the new year.    

Free-standing appliances such as air fryers, Instant Pots and slow cookers help make cooking meals faster and easier—helpful traits as more people continue to cook at home amid the pandemic. These appliances can also produce healthier and crispier results. Save A Lot offers several recipes using these methods, including Air-Fried Potato Chip Chicken Strips, Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs and Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli.

With at-home meal consumption still on the rise, consumers are looking for more convenient and healthy ways to feed their families. They especially will seek hacks to help them spend less time and money on meals in 2021, said Save A Lot.

Health was at the forefront last year, and Save A Lot expects that to continue as more people look for ways to improve their eating habits. Because of this, consumers will likely seek out lean meats and fishes, lots of vegetables and foods with lower carbs and sugar. Save A Lot suggests trying Tuna & Avocado Bowls, Lemon Grilled Chicken Breasts or Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa.

• Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co. and Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market also expect health to be front and center this year, especially foods that support the immune system and stress management.