New York - Many chefs, producers of kosher foods and food writers seem to agree that kosher consumers will be seeing many more healthy foods in 2016. In interviews with Kosher Today, the experts agreed that kosher consumers as a group were eating healthier. They expect sales of items like kale, quinoa, avocado and gluten-free items to reach new highs, which is also the case in the general food market. Many of these foods that will be made into packaged goods like avocado oil and frozen kale require kosher certification, according to kashrus experts. Major retailers like Whole Foods list expected trends in 2016 to include canned wine, dehydrated vegetables, and "sophisticated" jerkies made of salmon, bison, and chicken. The kosher experts say that in the past three years, most of the expansion has come from line extension, rather than new and innovative products. They cited such items as health beverages, Mediterranean salads, and health snacks as items that are likely to continue to expand in 2016. Amongst the new product winners at Kosherfest 2015 was Jack’s BBQ Pulled Beef Brisket (won Best in Show), Matzolah Matzo Granola, Double Ale Cheddar, Le Veneziane Pasta, Cocoart pastries, Shay’s Popcorn, Paskesz Oodles, Tuscanini Pizza, Brianna’s Salad Dressings, Vegan and Soy-Free Chocolate Chips, Falafel and Tahini Sauces from Mikee, Froozer all natural pops, and Hazelnut Chocolate Macaroons from Manischewitz. Many of these products will become part of the kosher trend for 2016.
