It’s a new year, which means it’s time to welcome new foods and ingredients that are taking center stage in your kitchens ad restaurants. Take a look at some ingredients growing in popularity, how they can impact your health, and how to use them at home.

Aloe (a.k.a. Aloe Vera)

Aloe has been a popular ingredient in skin care products, and its popularity is now translating into food and wellness.

For your health: Aloe has been known as a key ingredient in many beauty products to boost skin health because it is high in antioxidants, is hydrating, and may help accelerate healing of minor wounds and scars. Aloe is also being consumed for its antioxidants, vitamin C, and potential gut health benefits. However, most of this research has been done by animals, and some research suggests high daily consumption of aloe vera may create gut discomfort such as diarrhea.

In the kitchen: Aloe is becoming easier to find in grocery stores, though some may need to venture to stores that specialize in international ingredients. When buying from a store, it’s most commonly purchased in bottled beverages that could be used to mix into smoothies or other drinks. Some companies are also beginning to expand their product lines and offer dried aloe vera snacks.

Chickpea Flour

Almond flour and oat flour have become staples for those following a gluten-free diet. Chickpea flour is now entering people’s kitchens too, though it has been used globally in many traditional recipes such as France’s savory pancake, socca, and India’s thin spices crepes, pudla.

For your health: Made from a legume, chickpea flour has higher amounts of protein and fiber per serving, when compared to other flour alternatives: about 5 grams of fiber per ¼ cup.

In the kitchen: Chickpea flour is a great ingredient for savory dishes and can be easily be used as a binder for homemade patties, gluten-free pizza crusts, bread, and baked goods. Compared to other flours, chickpea flour creates more density in foods, which can mean that a small amount can go a long way in feeling full and satisfied.