1. New plant-based proteins
Following tofu and tempeh, new plant-based proteins will be popping up on your plates. One example is chikanda, a rather firm dough made from orchid tubers, which can be sliced or cubed. It’s a common protein from Zambia, in Africa, and is available here through the Chika company.
Pea protein is also something to watch out for. It’s a textured vegetable protein that isn’t soy based, making it stand out. It has a high protein content and boasts a texture similar to ground meat. It can be used in spaghetti sauces, tacos, etc. Grounded offers pre-seasoned blends that can simply be simmered in water.
2. Promoting local products
Shopping local has been on everyone’s lips lately, and it makes sense given that there are plenty of locally grown products that still aren’t well known but are gaining popularity.
Did you know that nuts can be grown in Quebec? The company Au jardin des noix grows black walnuts and hazelnuts, among others, which they also use to make seasoning mixes and oils.
The haskap berry, a small Nordic fruit that’s increasingly used in cooking, is highlighted in jellies, jams, syrups and barbecue sauces by La Survoltée, in the Côte-Nord.
Jam and sweet spreads
Haskap Berry Compote
Radishes are a staple of Quebec gardens, and they can now be enjoyed year-round thanks to greenhouse cultivation by Leciel, which also makes a delicious radish relish.
3. Freeze-dried snacks
Freeze-drying involves freezing a fruit or vegetable and then dehydrating it to remove its water content. The result is dried products that are crunchy and very light. They can be eaten, for example, as a snack or used as a topping for salads or oatmeal, using products by Lyo et Co. There are also pineapple chips by Neo Chips, as well as vegan meals by Sly.
4. Vegan ready-to-eat meals
More and more vegan ready-to-eat meals are popping up on grocery store shelves; just heat and enjoy. Among the new products include veggie fast food by Green Brothers, konjac noodles by NuPasta, and fried hummus sticks by Chickumi.
5. Adaptogenic foods
These are plants or mushrooms, like chaga or reishi, that can be incorporated into foods, beauty products or supplements, and are said to help reduce stress. The company Mani Wake makes gummies that boast a potent dose of adaptogenic ingredients.
6. Drinks for all
A large number of beverages are flooding the food market. There’s sparkling lemonade (we tasted at least four during our visit!) like the ones made by Flirt, naturally sweetened drinks like the Bizz Bizz Bizz lemonade by Miel & Co. or lemon iced tea sweetened with maple syrup by Lyla Tea.
Ready-to-drink mocktails remain trendy. We were impressed by the margarita by Nasdrow, which tastes just like tequila despite being completely free of alcohol.
Refreshing matcha tea-based drinks are also in demand. They come in cans, either sparkling or still, as sold by Wabisabi and Seta.
To stay on top of all the latest food trends, be sure to consult our series of articles: