The 10 Biggest Food Breakthroughs of 2017
While we're still years away from developing guilt-free cheesecake, and a hangover-proof wine probably won't hit the shelves any time soon, 2017 has given us plenty of culinary creations worth their weight in gold. From all-in-one appliances that will save serious counter space to eco-friendly packaging that might just save the whole planet, these food breakthroughs from 2017 definitely live up to the hype. Keep reading to see in which ways these food innovations are total game-changers, and then when you're ready to start planning those New Year's resolutions, make sure to include the 100 Healthiest Foods of 2017 on your menu!
The Impossible Burger
Chomping into a juicy burger is a pleasure generally lost for those who eschew animal products, but 2017 may have changed that for good. It was in 2017 that Impossible Foods, a Silicon Valley startup, created the Impossible Burger, an entirely plant-based burger that looks, tastes, and even "bleeds" like real meat. This sustainable alternative to ground beef is not only better for your body, it's also better for the planet, using just a fraction of the water and land needed for cattle farming, and producing just one-eighth the amount of greenhouse gases. For more ways to increase your protein intake without turning to meat, give these plant-based protein bars a whirl.
Multi-Function Appliances
For anyone with cozy living quarters, finding adequate space for appliances can be like a game of culinary Tetris. Fortunately, one company has a solution. Tovala, a countertop machine that hit the market in June 2017, combines an oven, toaster, steamer, and broiler, making it easy for cooks with limited space to create healthy meals at home.
Edible Water Bottles
38 billion plastic water bottles make their way into American landfills each year. Billions more are tossed out around the globe, polluting our water and mortgaging the future of our planet in the process. The good news? One clever company may have found the solution this year. The Ooho, an edible, biodegradable, plant-based water container that requires significantly fewer resources to produce than a typical bottle might just be the solution to our overflowing landfills.
Non-Browning Apples
While the safety of GMOs is a hotly-debated topic, an apple that doesn't brown does sound pretty good. Enter Arctic Apples, a genetically-modified fruit that stays firm and flawless, even after slicing.
3D Printed Cheese
If you think that 3D printers are only good for making spare Lego parts, think again. In 2017, researchers at Ireland's University College, Cork said so long to filament, opting instead to print with cheese. While the result largely yielded melted cheese in interesting shapes, their dedication to the cause was truly inspiring.
Cricket Flour Bread
Healthy bread got a brand-new look in 2017. This year, Finnish company Fazer Bakeries created a loaf of bread made from cricket flour, a product that's been touted as a more sustainable alternative to mammal-based protein sources. While the bread doesn't look significantly different than what you're used to, you'll be getting 70 vitamin-rich ground crickets in every loaf.
Traveling Farms
Food deserts are a very real issue and are often cited as a major cause of obesity, diabetes, and other health problems throughout America. Fortunately, 2017 saw a potential solution emerge. Freight Farms, a Boston-based startup, has created the Leafy Green Machine, a vertical hydroponic farm built inside a shipping container that can transport healthy food to places where farms and fresh food are few and far between.
Oral Care Drinks
See ya, seltzer. Making your dentist proud got a whole lot easier this year. In 2017, inventor Ted Jin developed qīī, a drink that promises to neutralize acidity, kill bacteria, and freshen breath, keeping those cavities at bay.
Plant-Protecting Clay
Each year, an incalculable amount of food is lost on farms due to disease and pestilence. Luckily, the solution to this issue might be closer than we think. A team of scientists at Australia's University of Queensland has developed BioClay, a sustainable, biodegradable clay that can protect plants without the need for chemical pesticides.
Inexpensive Brandless Food
As food prices continue to rise around the world, food security plummets. Enter Brandless. This non-brand brand offers kitchen staples delivered to your door at just $3 a pop, making it easier for anyone on a budget to enjoy a healthy, filling meal. When you want to slash your food bills even further, try mastering these 50 Cheap and Easy Slow Cooker Recipes!
