Hot Trends at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2012

Earlier this week, Washington DC played host to the Summer Fancy Food Show 2012 – featuring the latest in snacks, spices, natural and organic foods, and more. With more than 180,000 products on display, the exhibit offers a look at some emerging trends in foodservice and manufacturing. Fortunately, many of these hot new flavors and products are gluten-free friendly! Look to see more of these on store shelves and menus soon:

Ginger

If there was one overarching theme at the Summer Fancy Food Show, it was ginger. Its fresh, biting flavor has been captured in everything from candy to ice cream to beverages. Here are a few gluten-free standouts:

• Heavenly Organics Honey Pattie in Chocolate Ginger has the gooey, sweet inside of a caramel but the refreshing bite of a peppermint patty.
• Coconut Bliss makes of coconut milk ice cream called Ginger Cookie Caramel that, despite the name, is actually gluten-free. How so? They use a popular brand of gluten-free cookies in the mix, according to a representative at the booth.
• Fresh Ginger’s Unfiltered Ginger Ale has a powerful bite when you take a sip, and you can even see the bites of fresh ginger floating in the bottle. For extra flavor, there are varieties like Pomegranate and Passion Fruit with Turmeric.

Ethnic Foods

Thai-inspired products have been rising in popularity for years, but expect to see other ethnic foods like African and Filipino cuisine to work their way into the market. Taste of Ethiopia just launched a line of tasty meals that use naturally gluten-free ingredients. Even their flatbread – an Ethiopian staple called “Injera” – uses teff flour, so it’s gluten-free. Kusina nu Maria is a new line of Filipino-inspired meal kits – several of which can be made gluten-free.

The Anti-Soda

Beverages are going back to basics – using natural sweeteners and fresh ingredients like lemon juice and ginger. You’ll also notice a lot more herbs and spices in those brews. The brand new Q Kola uses kola nut, cinnamon and nutmeg instead of caramel coloring, while Ayala’s Herbal Water uses a variety of spices like lavender and cardamom to add flavor to its still and sparkling beverages.

Preserved Foods

That’s “preserved,” not preservatives. This includes everything from homemade jams to make-your-own pickle kits. You’ll need to be careful about what goes into those pickling liquids and canned fruits, but in many cases, these shelf-ready products are gluten-free. Bonnie’s Jams, for example, doesn’t even use pectin – just fruit, sugar and lemon juice. Spread on a gluten-free cracker or (my favorite) a wedge of cheese, and enjoy!

More Nutritious Gluten-Free Foods

While having any type of gluten-free alternative used to be a luxury, now celiac and gluten sensitive consumers (and their dietitians) are calling for gluten-free foods that aren’t just good, but good for you, too. Judging by some of the products at the Summer Fancy Food Show, manufacturers are taking note. There were chips made from chickpeas and lentils, a gluten-free gelato packed with protein, and even a line of gluten-free baking mixes that incorporate chia seeds.

Stay tuned for more Gluten-Free Hot Products updates from the Summer Fancy Food Show 2012. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• New Gluten-Free Products from NFCA Sponsors
• Coolest Gluten-Free Products at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2012

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