After a gradual build-up over the last couple of years, the health food craze is going to take the world by storm in 2017. From exotic spices to meatless innovations, check out the biggest food trends we expect to see throughout the year.

Story by Andrea Cos

Illustrations by Linda Li

Fresh Turmeric Root

Turmeric is a South Asian yellow spice classified as part of the ginger family. It is said to have tremendous health benefits, with anti-inflammatory properties being among its most notable. This exotic root will undoubtedly be the rising star of this year’s health movement, according to a article from the Food Network in December. Health enthusiasts and cooks all over the United States have already embraced it, creating dishes that incorporate delicious flavors with this healthy spice. A particularly popular dish is the golden milk latte, a latte infused with turmeric.

Sweet Potato Toast

Move aside avocado toast, this year is all about embracing this new and photogenic “toast” trend. It is quickly becoming a favorite on social media and food blogs alike, providing a delicious twist on a breakfast classic. Aside from being nutritious (sweet potatoes are a terrific source of fiber and vitamins), this “toast” is also very easy to prepare. All you have to do is cut a sweet potato into ¼ -inch slices, place them in a toaster until they’re tender, and prepare them with either sweet or savory toppings. For a sweet treat, try using almond butter, honey and toasted coconut flakes. And for a savory delicacy, try chicken salad, bacon and sliced avocado as a topping.

Buddha Bowls

2017 is also the year of the Buddha bowl, according to a recent article published by the Huffington Post. This dish has gained national recognition because it is both aesthetically pleasing and versatile—not to mention tasty. In essence, Buddha bowls are composed of grains, veggies, your choice of protein, leafy greens and seeds, all mixed together with your choice of either a classic salad dressing or a homemade vinaigrette. According to the Daily Burn, this way of eating is thought to be “ideal” for reducing toxins in the body and lowering the risk of chronic disease. A Buddha bowl can be prepared in so many different ways, and that’s what makes this colorful dish so appealing in the year of healthy versatility.

Food Waste Reduction

Since the new year began, the problem of food waste has come to the forefront of the nation’s attention. It is a problem that has persisted throughout the years, leading businesses and restaurants to embrace the concept of zero food waste. This movement will spread as a number of restaurants, chefs and home cooks creating scrumptious dishes with foods that would normally end up in the trash. Ultimately, this zero food waste trend may gain enough momentum to become a worldwide movement.

Jackfruit

This South Asian fruit is bound to lead 2017’s meatless trend. With a tropical taste similar to that of the mango but with a striking resemblance to the texture of pulled pork, vegans and vegetarians alike create meatless dishes with this exotic fruit. It is also an excellent source of protein, potassium, calcium and iron. The jackfruit offers a great opportunity to creatively explore a plant-based diet while maintaining the familiarity and the nutritional benefits of meat.

Expect 2017 to be filled with healthy versatility. These are only a couple of the most prominent food trends we can expect to see throughout the year. They are a culmination of growing trends that have made it to the forefront of the foodie world. Prepare your Instagram feeds, this year is bound to be a colorful one.