What started as a ‘trend’ has now paved the way for a more planet-friendly way of eating. With more options for meat-lovers, mock meats have taken the world by storm.

Since then, it’s been a roller coaster of discoveries and inventions of new foods that may help us create a healthy ecosystem in which to sustain our eating habits.

Join us to examine some of the emerging trends in food that are good for you AND the planet!

Cell-grown meat

History was made in 2013 when people got to taste lab-grown meat, developed in The Netherlands by the Maastricht University. Stem cells from animal meat proliferate and are then turned into muscle or fat cells. Ultimately, bypassing the need for animal slaughter itself. Not only does this save animals but may also be a saving grace for humanity. With the world population expected to grow past 9 billion by 2050 and with meat being a contributor to global warming, lab-grown meat may just be the saviour we need. It is estimated that this meat will have a significantly smaller footprint than traditional meat. 
 

Plant-based Seafood

Singapore consumed 22 kgs of seafood per person – 2 kgs more than the global average (20 kgs), and the WWF observed that 75% of the seafood served in Singapore is unsustainable. 

Plant-based meat creators are working hard to create seafood replacements, which are free from alliums, trans-fat, cholesterol, mercury, hormones, MSG, artificial colour, antibiotics, or preservatives. With fish filets, tuna and crab cakes already on the market, companies are investing in plant-based shrimp, squid and crab using chickpea protein. 

Potato Milk

When the Veg of Lund, a Swedish brand came up with the shelf-stable alternative milk called ‘Dug’, made from Potatoes, many had opinions. And rightly so. 

Made with the humble potato, this one-of-a-kind milk is allergen friendly, made with vegan ingredients, and requires less water and farmland. They can be produced across different weather and seasonal conditions, and are packed with fiber, vitamins, and complex carbohydrates. 

Reviews range from good to not-so-good, but hey – what’s life without adventure, right?

Sea Moss 

Typically harvested for its thickening properties when added to dairy products, this red algae/Irish moss is also revered as a superfood. With heart-healthy, gut-supportive, and immunity-boosting benefits alongside a plethora of other benefits like high iodine content and aids in building muscle & workout recovery – it’s also claimed to promote weight loss. 

It’s been turned into gummies, gels, pills, and gummies. If you’re looking to add fiber to your diet, this just may be what you need. With higher fiber content than vegetables and its ability to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, sea moss is turning out to be the new spirulina 😉

Fermented Foods

The rise of the importance of gut health with health foods like kombucha gaining traction, and the global domination of K-pop have spiked the demand for fermented foods like Kimchi. If you’re unsure of what fermentation is, it’s the process in which bacteria and yeast break down sugars in food. Fermented foods promote healthy bacteria, or probiotics, in the gut.

Associated with improved digestion, higher immune support and even increased weight loss, fermented foods have been around for a long time but are gaining popularity in mainstream media. Here’s some foods that will aid in digestion and overall health: 
 

• Kefir
• Tempeh
• Miso 
• Sauerkraut
• Natto
• Kombucha 
• Kimchi
• Probiotic Yoghurt

If probiotics weren’t enough, prebiotics and postbiotics are also gaining speed in the health industry!

The million-dollar question though, is – how do we shift to these foods that are better for us, and even better for the planet? 

Don’t let your eating habits, budgets, or hesitation to try new things stop you experiencing these sustainable alternatives. We believe the benefits far outweigh any concerns.
As we move towards sustainable habits, practices, and economies, it’s time for all of us to reach a little outside our comfort zone and try these new foods. Whether they’re substitutes for seafood, or just plant-based alternatives to certain animal-derived foods: we say don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! 

 
And that’s where Adva comes in. With recommendations vetted to be good, for both you and the planet – you can explore a wide variety of curated products that help you along your journey of sustainability and health.