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GASTRO WORDS Martina Murray Protein With Purpose
From plant-powered snacks to proteinpacked meals and drinks, protein is king as 2026 pushes the vital macronutrient beloved by gym bunnies into everyday eating. Interest in plant based milk fortified with calcium for bone health or electrolytes for hydration is expected to surge even further this year, as these drinks become increasingly appealing to those who regard dairy alternatives as healthy snacks. Plant-based proteins also look set to continue their evolution, moving beyond meat mimics to emphasize the benefits of the many natural proteins to be found in lentils, oats and peas. For texture and versatility that’s both indulgent and nourishing, think hearty stews, bold vegan snacks and meat-alternatives that don’t compromise on flavour. WHAT’S COOKING? Ten Food and Drink Trends Forecast For 2026 As a new year dawns, we’re told that 2026 promises a food and drink scene that’s as thoughtful as it is indulgent. Experts tell us that food and beverage trends are shifting more towards balance, experiential indulgence and nostalgia, underpinned by a collective desire for healthy, joyful eating and emotional comfort in a world of increasing uncertainty. Even at this early stage it is clear that the key emerging trends include functional nutrition, global flavours with a comforting twist, and bevvies prioritising wellness and creativity. As a result, home cooking is likely to focus on nourishment and quick nutrition fixes, while restaurant-goers can look forward to an uptick in menus grounded in provenance and wellbeing, with plenty of flair and a dash or two of creativity. Whether you’re after better gut-health, hungry for bold flavours, or just chasing a great pint, there are plenty of innovations in texture and taste to toast in the new year. Here’s a quick overview of some of the food and drink trends we can all expect to see more of as the year progresses. From Swicy To Swavory Sweet, spicy, savoury, tangy — the swicy flavour mashups we first spotted on the food trend orbit a couple of years back are definitely here to stay. With examples such as sumac in lemonade, dark chocolate cake with a chili-salt caramel drizzle, and basil-lime ice cream, its fans reckon this food trend is ‘bold, a little bonkers, and a lot of delicious’. We’re still wondering if it might just be the adult version of playing with your food. Sustainable, Women-Led Sourcing 2026 has been designated the UN’s International Year of the Woman Farmer, aiming to raise awareness of the role of women in agrifood systems and the challenges they face around the world. We’re looking forward to seeing the spotlight on products from femaleled initiatives emphasising the links between sustainability, eco-impact and community ties. Hopefully we’ll also gain a better understanding of the work of female entrepreneurs engaged in areas as diverse as fair-trade moringa, Arctic Salmon, Regenerative Agriculture in wines, and local farm-to-table sourcing. Bitter is The New Sweet In the world of flavours bitterness is the new umami, in a tangy renaissance that extends to pickled fruits and smoked citrus. The year ahead sees a taste of indulgence balanced with perceived health benefits in the guise of Radicchio Salads, more liberal use of herbs such as Fenugreek, and drinks including Campari Spritzes and Negronis. Functional Drinks, Teas and Tonics Ranging from gut-friendly tonics to moodboosting beverages and adaptogen blends, recent years have seen drinks becoming increasingly holistic. 2026 sees the traditional thirst quencher go beyond hydrating the body, to soothing the mind and boosting overall wellbeing. As the sober-curious movement continues its upward trajectory, tea-based tonics such as Matcha, Bubble-Tea, and Sparkling Tonics are finding favour amongst those eschewing old school alcohol in bars. Mocktails made with herbal or tea bases are likely to be bang on trend this summer, with the popular Elderflower and Mint Spritz perfect for those looking for a spot of ritual with zero-alc refreshment when the weather obliges. Anyone for tennis? 28