Food trends are always changing, from Veganuary to milk alternatives. These trends are often inspired by the latest nutrition research and can shift like trends in the fashion industry. Some of these fads aren’t worth investing in, but others are well worth a try. Whether they just taste good or are good for you, here are some foods that are more than a passing trend. 

Before making big changes to your diet, it could be worth speaking to the best dietitian to see what would work best for you. 

1. Gluten-free flours. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For many people, gluten can be a struggle to digest. Gluten-free flours were developed for those with gluten intolerance. As gluten-free choices become more popular, there are more and more of these flours available for you to experiment with, whether you can eat gluten or not. These flours are simple to make part of your diet, as you can use them in baking or sauces. 

2. Kale. Kale is a nutritionally dense leafy green and is part of the cabbage family. Kale is an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, C, and B6, as well as magnesium, calcium, and more. It’s also crammed full with antioxidants which can protect you from heart disease and other health issues. You can use kale in salad, roast it to make chips, or blend it into a smoothie.

3. Quinoa. Quinoa is a seed that has a nutty taste and is very nutritious. Just one cup of quinoa contains eight grams of protein, five grams of fiber, and vitamins and minerals. You can throw quinoa into a salad, side dish, or granola bars. 

4. Coconut oil. Coconut oil is often overlooked by health food fans as it is quite high in fat. However, it is also a medium-chain fatty acid. This means that that the acid is broken down in a different way to long-chain fatty acids. It is metabolized as ketones, which is a source of energy for the brain. You can use coconut oil to cook with, instead of butter, or as a hair mask, skin cream, or even polish for wood. 

5. Chia seeds. Chia seeds are a source of sustainable energy. They’re high in protein and fiber and reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and other issues. Add chia seeds into smoothies, desserts, and face masks. 

6. Flax seeds. Flax seeds are worth eating, whether you add them into a smoothie, sprinkle them on yogurt, or bake with them. The seeds are rich in antioxidants, high in fiber, and high in Omega-3 fatty acids. This reduces your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. 

7. Hemp seeds. Hemp seeds come from the hemp plant and are packed with lots of health benefits. Hemp seeds are high in protein, which helps you to feel full. They’re also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You can eat hemp seeds raw, roast them as a salad ingredient, or use them in baking.