Trend in Using Vegetables as a Substitute for Bad Carbs

Recently, the National Restaurant Association conducted a survey among the American Culinary Federation members which constitutes about 700 professional chefs. The survey was focused on the hottest food concepts and trends for the year 2018. Apparently, there are 109 food trends listed, and among them is the vegetable carb substitutes. In the final report, vegetable carb substitutes have been ranked 7th out of the top 20 trends.

Many people in the food industry are considering to invest in the trend. It is a given that health-conscious individuals will embrace this movement since it focuses on the overall health and wellness of consumers. The trend is leading people to be more responsible eaters without limiting their options.

Here are some of the top vegetable carb substitutes that make up the trend.

Cauliflower rice

Driven by the consumer’s desire to have a healthy alternative to gluten-filled grains and white rice, the demand for cauliflower rice has increased steadily.  In 2016 alone, there has been a steep climb to its demand. The U.S farmers have sold cauliflowers worth $390 million.

Vegetable suppliers and grocery stores have paid attention to this demand as they expand their lines to innovative products involving cauliflowers. The most popular innovation is the cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice is a grainy substance accumulated through pulsing the florets of a cauliflower inside the food processor. It is lightly cooked in oil.

Just recently, one of the popular grocery stores in the U.S. has introduced an organic riced cauliflower in its freezer section. The product now ranks 4th in the top 10 frozen vegetables in their store.

The popularity of cauliflower can be partly traced to the recent trends in the low-carb diet. Cauliflower rice, in general, has less than 1/8 the calories of brown or white rice and has about 1/9 the carbs.  Relatively, it is packed with folate and Vitamins C, B6, and K. The small head of cauliflower contains vitamins C of more than 125 mg, which has doubled the amount found in a medium orange.

Zucchini noodles

Zucchini noodles, otherwise known as Zoodles, is popular partly due to the reduced carbs and gluten-free trends. Basically, you can substitute zoodles with any pasta dish. By doing so, you will be able to eat more without acquiring too much of calories. Furthermore, zoodles offers a good deal of fiber which provides proper digestion routine and fast repletion

Zoodles is a great source of essential nutrients. Its consumption can lead to the increase of overall vegetable intake. A medium-sized zucchini is abundant in riboflavin, potassium, and Vitamins C, A, B6. In comparison to the regular pasta, zoodles provide a smaller amount of protein, but the minerals and vitamins it offers are at a substantial amount.

Lettuce wraps

They have been widely known as a traditional vegetable substitute and a crowd pleaser. Lettuce wraps can be filled with almost anything from quinoa, meat, or grilled veggies, and many more. These are a great substitute for tacos. Comparably, lettuce wraps are much more fresh tasting and healthier. Lettuce wraps also contain little amount of calories; thus, they can work in different types of diet. 

Final thought

By choosing vegetable carb substitutes, you will be able to acquire more complex carbohydrates. This ensures that you are consuming more whole foods with greater nutritional value.