The food, nutrition and wellness trends that are in for 2022

21 Sept 02:40 Key points summarised by AI

The pandemic has drastically shifted consumer behavior, making health, sustainability, food safety, and animal welfare primary drivers for food choices in 2022.
Low-sugar and low-carb diets will dominate, driven by health concerns and a focus on healthier snacks and fiber-rich options to combat sedentary lifestyles.
Plant-based foods, including meat and milk alternatives, are set for significant growth due to increasing awareness of health, environmental impact, and animal welfare.
Demand for functional and herbal drinks, such as fortified juices, probiotics, and immunity-boosting beverages like krachai, will continue to rise.
Cannabis-infused food and beverages are emerging as a new trend following legalization, with companies already introducing a variety of such products.

The Buddha Comes Home

Today 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Chong Para is a vibrant annual festival of the Shan (Tai Yai) people in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, celebrating the Buddha's return from Tavatimsa heaven after Buddhist Lent.
The festival's centerpiece involves families constructing intricate miniature palaces, also called Chong Para, from bamboo, paper, and lights, placed outside homes and temples as offerings.
For three days and nights, the quiet mountain town comes alive with folk music, traditional dances like the Shan bird dance, religious ceremonies, and community gatherings, showcasing deep-rooted Shan culture.
Beyond the celebrations, Chong Para reinforces family bonds, preserves traditional crafts, and offers visitors an authentic immersion into the unique cultural heritage of Mae Hong Son.