Shoppers are looking for functional foods and authentic flavors
LOS ALAMITOS, CA (May 2016) – Turmeric and authentic ethnic dishes are on top of the trending searches in the U.S., according to the recent “Think with Google: Food Trends 2016” report. Other produce on the list of trending items are jackfruit, bitter melon, daikon radishes, and cauliflower.
The report pulled top search information from January 2014 to February 2016 to pinpoint rising and falling trends in food.
In the “Food with Function” category, people are searching for information on food with nutritional benefits such as being a pre- or probiotic, an anti-inflammatory, or an immunity booster. Turmeric reigns the category as Americans are learning more about this “it” spice from its health benefits to how to consume it.
Also listed in this category are jackfruit, bitter melon, daikon radishes, and cauliflower “rice”—chopped up cauliflower used as a low-carb substitute for rice.
“Traveling Through Taste” is a search for the authentic flavors of ethnic dishes, many of which are produce-centric. Pho—Vietnamese noodle soup with garnish of bean sprouts, jalapeno or other chile peppers, Thai basil, white onion, cilantro, and lime—come out on top of other searches including Bibimbap (Korean rice bowls topped with assorted vegetables) and Elote (Mexican corn on the cob).
Cauliflower makes an appearance again in “Bite-sized Snacks” as Buffalo Cauliflower Bites.
Interested retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice distributors can contact Frieda’s account managers to explore its new branding and discover trending products and to access its extended resources library which include a cauliflower rice bibimbap recipe and how to open a jackfruit video.
About Frieda’s Inc.
Frieda’s Specialty Produce celebrates a 54-year legacy of inspiring new food experiences for friends, family, and food lovers everywhere. Credited with introducing more than 200 specialty fruits and vegetables to U.S. supermarkets, Frieda’s has helped launch unique items like kiwi fruits, Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes, habanero peppers, Sunchokes®, and organic finger limes. Founded in 1962 by produce industry icon Dr. Frieda Rapoport Caplan, subject of the 2015 documentary “Fear No Fruit,” the family company is now owned and operated by Frieda’s daughters, Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins, in Orange County, California. Find Frieda’s on Facebook, @FriedasProduce, and Friedas.com. Inspire. Taste. Love.