Food trends are continually evolving and changing due to a variety of factors – cultural influences, new technologies, health and wellness concerns, and the rise of new cuisines. In the 1950s, Jell-O salads were a surprisingly fashionable food trend. These salads consisted of Jell-O combined with various ingredients such as fruit, vegetables, and sometimes even marshmallows.
Modern trends can range from ingredient-focused, like the popularity of avocado toast or kale, to cooking methods like sous vide or pressure cooking. Consumer preferences and tastes are also shifting, leading to the rise of these trendy foods in 2023:
Butter boards
Butter boards are re-envisioned charcuterie boards, where cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and berries are replaced by soft butter with condiments. Food reviewer Caleb Chen says the rise in popularity has to do with accessibility, as anyone can elevate the board by producing infused butter with herbs, spices, garlic, and honey.
Fermented foods
The increasing focus on gut health and wellness has put fermented foods in the spotlight. Fermented foods, such as kimchi, kefir, and kombucha, are rich in probiotics, which have been shown to have a positive impact on gut health and immunity. Additionally, fermented foods can provide a more complex flavor profile than their non-fermented counterparts.
Alternative proteins
The alternative protein market has seen significant growth in recent years, with a range of new products made from plant-based ingredients, such as soy, peas, and mushrooms. The trend towards alternative proteins is expected to continue onwards. Cell-based meats made from animal cells grown in a lab are also entering the market.
Alternative chocolates
Alternative chocolates come in a variety of forms, including dark chocolate, raw chocolate, and vegan chocolate, and are made with alternative sweeteners and alternative milk sources. As consumers continue to look for innovative and sustainable food options, alternative chocolates are likely to be a fashionable and in-demand food category in 2023.
Plant-based pasta
Plant-based pasta is made from ingredients such as legumes, grains, and vegetables. It is often fortified with additional nutrients to provide a more complete source of protein and other essential vitamins and minerals. This also has to do with the increasing focus on wellness and sustainability.
Non-alcoholic spirits
As people look for healthier and more responsible drinking options, the rise of the non-alcoholic category isn’t out of nowhere. The growth is driven by the desire for an alternative to alcohol that still offers the flavors and rituals of traditional spirits.
Nostalgic foods
Nostalgic foods often feature classic recipes and ingredients that were popular in the past, such as mac and cheese, PB&J sandwiches, and homemade cookies. These foods have a warm and comforting appeal and can provide a sense of comfort and stability in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.
Sources:
We predict these will be the biggest food trends of 2023, Delish
How will we eat in 2023? Here are 10 predictions, The New York Times