Seven Foods That May Go Extinct, And What To Eat Instead

Upon getting wind of the news that seven of our favorite foods are on the brink of extinction, we were keen on finding alternatives that would most closely resemble them, regardless of the form in which they would be consumed. And while it may be difficult to emulate our favorites, in both flavor and taste, to a T, we found a handful of plug-ins that could do. Take a look!

Maple Syrup

Pancakes topped with a heavy-handed drizzle of maple syrup make for a pairing we have no desire in altering. Due to climate change threatening the cultivation of the maple tree, substitutions are in order. From berry compotes and syrups to honey, rice syrup, and even brown sugar, there are a handful of ways to get around this one. Take this Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Syrup recipe, which makes quite the case for subbing out maple syrup.

Avocado

Life without avocados is not only hard to imagine, but just downright implausible. Be it a shortage or plain extinction, finding alternatives for our favorite avocado-centric dishes is of upmost importance. At the forefront of it all: guacamole. While it’s hard to find something that closely resembles it in taste, there are a number of amended dips that can come close – for when desperate times call for desperate measures.

Mashed beans, typically green peas or edamame, can double as surprisingly delicious (and visually similar) back-ups. Standing in for the cult-classic avocado toast, try a ricotta spread paired with thinly sliced crudites and an herb garnish. Craving the fruit for its nutty flavors? Almonds or pistachio feature subtly similar flavor notes that just might hit the spot.

10 alternatives to avocado toast to try asap!

Coffee

It’s hard to fathom the thought of going a day sans coffee, especially for those of us who require it to wake up in the mornings. Luckily, there are alternative methods for getting that much-needed boost of caffeine. From the broad range of teas to the recent matcha craze that has been sweeping the nation, we’re taking solace in the fact that our caffeine needs can still be met.

Looking for a more natural stimulant or pick-me-up? Coconut water is known for its low calorie, high potassium, and electrolyte-rich qualities, which propel the drink to the top of our list of health-friendly caffeine alternatives.

Try this Matcha Latte recipe in lieu of your go-to morning coffee!

Chickpeas

Chickpeas, or Garbanzo beans, are often considered a salad staple, an excellent source of protein, and the backbone for dietary staple: hummus. For as versatile as they are, chickpeas can be indulged in a number of ways – raw, roasted, canned, you name it! When it comes to salads, swap in lima or kidney beans for a texturally similar taste, or mash up Great Northern beans to indulge in dip form. Substitute crispy chickpeas, a healthy snack essential, with spicy wasabi peas!

Peanuts

With peanut allergies on the rise and global warming threatening the growth of the plants, finding a replacement for peanuts is of the essence. Nut butters, from almond to cashew and hazelnut, have filtered the market as healthier alternatives to peanut butter, featuring similarities in both texture and taste. One of our favorites comes in the form of cookie butter, a European cookie spread that’s good enough to eat straight from the jar!

Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids top the list when it comes to the many health benefits of consuming fish. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternative ways to reap in Omega-3s. Walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, and cooked spinach contain some of the highest concentrations of the fatty acids, mimicking the same health benefits. Sadly, when it comes to sushi, the vegetable variety may just be the only way to go.

Chocolate

Say it isn’t so! Due to the exponential rise of chocolate consumption, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to meet the ever-growing demand. With environmental factors threatening production, there may soon come a time where chocolate is not as readily available. One of the most widely accepted substitutes for chocolate is

carob

, a plant which can be consumed in a variety of forms similar to that of cocoa itself, including powder and chips.

And while we love to consume chocolate in its hot, milk-blended form, we’re open to experimenting with various stand-ins such this Cardamom and Rose Ice Latte.