Amongst other things, 2020 saw the rise of some pretty significant food trends. It seems that this is the year that everyone became either that much more conscious of what they were eating, or took it all with a grain of salt (sometimes, literally) and indulged in their own ways, eliminating any 'rules' they had prior. Regardless of which side of the fence you were on - or even if you fell somewhere between indulgence and moderation - the trends were there.

If it weren't for social media, we might not have known about any of 2020's trending foodie lifestyles. And as for 2021, well... There are some trends that experts are predicting will outshine the rest, and they all make perfect sense.

Low Or No Alcoholic Bevies: Surprisingly, for many, 2020 became the year where drinking took a backseat to mostly everything. It could have been due to the lack of going out and celebrating but overall, adult beverages decreased substantially among the younger crowd. Part of this could have been due to the overall acceptance of a healthier lifestyle as many became more self-aware, or simply due to the fact that what was once popular years ago is no longer part of socializing today.

Lasagna: That's right, lasagna has been on the rise since the pandemic started. It's easy, quick, and great comfort food, but according to Delish, this is something that was consistently trending throughout the year. It could also be thanks to the wide array of gluten-free noodles that are available along with new additions to the vegan cheese world, making lasagne once again accessible for everyone.

Related: Brownie Sandwiches And Sushi Burritos: Yay Or Nay To These (Unusual) Food Trends?

Fast-Food Breakfast Options: This was a big one as was reflected by nearly every fast-food chain offering their own breakfast specials. It helps to have something to look forward to in the morning and if that something is food, well, then sign us up. Between pit stops for coffee in the morning and the need for something slightly greasy, comforting, and altogether unhealthy, this isn't a big shocker.

Charcuterie Boards That Aren't Charcuterie Boards: This trend will likely carry on into 2021 since more non-charcuterie charcuterie boards are now being created. The past year gave rise to the charcuterie chalet and the most recent addition has been the hot cocoa charcuterie board and, even before that, Halloween gave way to candy and cheese boards. It's a slightly off-kilter world we're living in, and all of these edible boards only make it better.

Food Rich In Immune-Boosting Properties As Well As Foods Beneficial To Mental Health: If there was anything we learned in 2020, it's that we need to focus more on mental health and on taking care of ourselves, period. This year became a big one in the name of self-care and with it, knowing what's good for you and what's not. Food has become a big part of mental health and many people are now doing research to determine what will help them both physically as well as mentally, incorporating foods that are high in B vitamins, core nutrients and minerals, and antioxidants, as well as calming and healing agents such as CBD.

Locally-Grown Or Sourced Foods: Buying local is something that has been gaining momentum for some time now but 2020 gave rise to a whole new level of support. It became imperative that small business and agriculture gains support from the community, and people showed up in order to do so. Whether it was through food shares, visiting the farmer's market, or ordering online from local businesses, purchasing locally became more of a movement than a trend. This is something that's predicted to continue being on the upswing into 2021 as more people realize what's available within their own communities.

Related: Cheese And Candy Pairings Are In This Season, So Move Aside, Wine

Environmentally-Friendly Eating: What was once spoken about by Al Gore is now coming to fruition as many are realizing that we can't save the planet with the lifestyles we've been living. This year, it wasn't just the people who were taking to the fight against climate change - many companies and businesses were aiding in the fight, as well. On a personal level, many sought change through their own food lifestyles and that's something that will continue as a long-term commitment.

Purchasing From Small Business Food Companies: In the same vein as buying locally, it became evident in 2020 that discovering our own communities was something that was worth investing the time in. Many small businesses emerged with their own food lines, specific to certain lifestyles or nutrient-rich foods, and this is something that will be ongoing for years to come. As people seek small, family-owned, or independent businesses to support, they'll keep providing high-quality food products.

Next: How To Build An Incredible Wine & Cheese Board That Will Make You Feel Like You're Abroad