Summer 2021 Food Trends: Nutrient-packed Ingredients, Elevated Options and Purposeful Snacks

The world is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and life hasn’t exactly returned to normal, but this summer is still vastly better than the one we experienced last year. There is a palpable sense of gratitude as more people are able to cautiously enjoy vacations, outings and outdoor gatherings with family and friends.

Pandemic life has also influenced what everyone is eating this summer. From fresh, in-season herbs and produce to sizzling meats on the grill, the season’s culinary delights are getting bolstered with bold and versatile, nutrient-rich ingredients. To find out what flavors, foods and formats are trending as people come together this summer, we talked to John Stephanian, vice president of global culinary and innovation at ADM. Here’s what we learned...

5 Ingredients to Put on Your Radar This Summer

Many consumers became hyper-focused on health and wellbeing during the pandemic, which drove interest in fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients and thoughtful food pairings — and Stephanian expects this consumer trend is here to stay. Lengthy lockdowns and extended sheltering in place also prompted many people to try cooking with unique global ingredients, start shopping at local farmers markets and take up home gardening.[1] [2] As a result, a lot of consumers are excited to get creative in the kitchen and use the bounty of fresh ingredients they have on hand. For home cooks eager to explore new flavors and embrace new culinary adventures, Stephanian called out five dynamic, powerhouse ingredients making waves this summer:

1. Serrano Peppers — These versatile chiles are not too spicy and not too mild and have become popular for their ability to wear a lot of hats. Their balanced heat makes them delicious in a wide range of dishes and drinks, from chimichurri sauce to tequila cocktails. If you’re looking for a fresh and light summer meal, Stephanian recommends adding thinly sliced serrano peppers to a salad of a dinosaur kale marinated in lemon and olive oil and mixed with Parmigiana Reggiano and toasted pine nuts.

2. Labneh — This soft cheese is made from strained yogurt, and it has a texture similar to whipped cream cheese. It’s rich, decadent and useful in a plethora of sweet or savory recipes. Stephanian says cooks are loving labneh right now because it’s perfect for cutting hot and spicy foods in the summertime and is particularly tasty as a flatbread spread or dip for grilled, skewered meats.

3. Cape Gooseberries — Stephanian has seen an increase in consumers seeking out exotic flavors and unique varietals of familiar foods, which is driving interest in these plump berries, that eat like a cherry tomato but have a sweet and sour flavor that’s akin to a tropical fruit. Cape gooseberries are a fantastic swap for cherry tomatoes in sauces and salads and they’re also great in desserts like a scrumptious gooseberry curd cheesecake.

4. Fermented Garlic Honey — Fermenting garlic in honey is an age-old technique that came back into vogue during the pandemic as consumers sought to bolster their diet with nutrient-rich ingredients. Fermented garlic honey has a bold, sweet flavor that makes a great addition to a diverse array of recipes. You can drizzle it on pizza and vegetables, use it as a glaze for delectable crispy fried chicken or spread it on avocado toast for added sweetness and zing.

5. Mastiha — This tree resin is said to be the world’s first chewing gum and can only be found in one place of the world — Chios, Greece. It is rich in antioxidants and has long been used as a natural breath freshener and digestive aid. Consumer interest in Mediterranean cuisine is booming, due to its focus on fresh, simple ingredients. Mastiha’s sweet and earthy licorice-like flavor is surprisingly versatile. It’s ideal in citrusy summer cocktails, sweet pastries and aromatic meat rubs and marinades.