Author: Coach Sumo | Founder & CEO of KnowYourMealsBlog.com
I started Know Your Meals to introduce the world to my unique, self-taught style of cooking, and to motivate everyday people to become food entrepreneurs. This post features food and drink trends in 2023 that will shake up the industry in 2024. Although 2023 is introducing many of these trends, I want to provide you with the latest information and insights into what I believe will be the most significant food and drink trends for the coming year. My goal is to help you stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions about the products you consume and the restaurants you visit. And if you’re a future food entrepreneur. this article, and my research, may help inform your upcoming business ventures.
The Culinary Colleges of TikTok and Instagram
This writer has found a massive audience of food lovers and aspiring food entrepreneurs on TikTok and Instagram. In my restaurants and street food carts I can only serve so many people, but my recipes have been tried by thousands of people on my various social media accounts, like my TikTok page. And although I have plans for recipe books and educational food industry books, I am delighted to be a part of the scores of food influencers who have found lucrative semi-passive incomes and millions of supporters on social media. TikTok and Instagram have become colleges of sorts, and all of the culinary courses at these new-age universities are packed with enthusiastic students.
Plant-based Proteins
Plant-based proteins have been on the rise for several years, and I believe they will continue to be a significant trend in 2024. As people become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, there is a growing demand for meat alternatives that are just as satisfying and flavorful as traditional meat-based dishes. Plant-based proteins are not only better for the environment, but they are also a healthier choice as they are generally lower in saturated fats and calories.
One of the latest trends in plant-based proteins is the use of pea protein. Pea protein has a similar nutritional profile to whey protein, making it an excellent choice for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. Some companies are also using algae-based proteins to create meat substitutes that have a similar texture and taste to real meat.
Sustainable Eating
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important issue for consumers, and I believe it will be a significant trend in 2024. People are more conscious of their impact on the environment and are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Sustainable eating involves choosing foods that are grown and produced in a way that is kinder to the planet. This means consuming less meat, choosing locally sourced and organic produce, and avoiding foods that require a lot of resources to produce.
Restaurants and food companies are also making sustainability a priority. Some restaurants are using more plant-based ingredients in their menus, while others are focusing on reducing food waste. Some food companies are also adopting more sustainable packaging, such as compostable containers made from plant-based materials.
Technology in the Kitchen
Advances in technology are changing the way we cook and eat, and I believe this trend will continue in 2024. Smart appliances, such as refrigerators that can monitor food inventory and suggest recipes based on the ingredients you have, are becoming more popular. There are also apps that can help you plan meals, create grocery lists, and even order food from local restaurants.
Some restaurants are also embracing technology. For example, some establishments use artificial intelligence to personalize the dining experience for each customer. By analyzing data such as past orders and food preferences, restaurants can create customized menus and suggest dishes that customers are likely to enjoy.
Zero-Proof Drinks
Alcohol-free drinks, also known as zero-proof drinks, are becoming increasingly popular as people look for alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. Zero-proof drinks are typically made from a combination of fruit juices, herbal infusions, and other natural ingredients. They provide a refreshing alternative to alcoholic drinks without the negative effects of alcohol.
Some restaurants are also incorporating zero-proof drinks into their menus, offering creative and flavorful options that are just as satisfying as traditional cocktails. Some of the latest trends in zero-proof drinks include drinks made from exotic fruits, herbal infusions, and vegetable-based mixers.
Creative Food Pairings
Another trend I anticipate for 2024 is creative food pairings. People are becoming more adventurous with their taste buds and are looking for unique flavor combinations. This trend involves pairing unexpected flavors to create a new and exciting culinary experience. Some examples of creative food pairings include combining sweet and savory flavors, pairing spicy and sweet flavors, and mixing different cultural cuisines.
Chefs and restaurants are also embracing this trend, experimenting with unique flavor combinations and incorporating global ingredients into their dishes. Creative food pairings can add a fun and exciting twist to traditional dishes, making dining experiences more memorable and enjoyable.
Locally Sourced Ingredients
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of buying locally sourced ingredients. This trend is all about supporting local farmers and businesses and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. Locally sourced ingredients are also fresher and more flavorful, as they do not have to travel as far to reach the consumer.
Restaurants and food companies are also jumping on this trend, featuring locally sourced ingredients in their menus and products. This trend can also create a stronger connection between the consumer and the food they eat, as they know where the ingredients came from and who grew them.
Innovative Cooking Techniques
Innovative cooking techniques are also on the rise, as chefs and food enthusiasts look for new and exciting ways to prepare food. Some of the latest techniques include sous vide cooking, molecular gastronomy, and fermentation. These techniques can produce unique textures and flavors that are not possible with traditional cooking methods.
Sous vide cooking involves vacuum-sealing food and cooking it in a water bath at a precise temperature. This technique results in perfectly cooked meat and fish with a tender and juicy texture. Molecular gastronomy involves using scientific methods to create new textures and flavor combinations, such as foams and gels. Fermentation involves using bacteria to transform foods, such as cabbage into sauerkraut, creating new and complex flavors.
The Rise of Ethnic Cuisines
I also anticipate the continued growth of ethnic cuisines in 2024. As people become more global-minded, they are increasingly interested in exploring foods and flavors from different cultures. This trend involves incorporating traditional ingredients and cooking techniques from different parts of the world, such as Korean, Vietnamese, or Nigerian cuisine.
Ethnic cuisines can add a unique and exciting dimension to the culinary world, as well as reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of people around the world. Restaurants and food companies are also embracing this trend, featuring diverse menus and ethnic ingredients in their products.
Healthier Snacks
Snacking is becoming an increasingly important part of people’s diets, and I believe that healthier snack options will be a significant trend in 2024. As people become more health-conscious, they are looking for snacks that are both satisfying and nutritious. Healthy snack options include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, as well as snacks that are low in sugar and high in protein.
Food companies are also responding to this trend by offering a wider range of healthy snack options, such as protein bars, dried fruit snacks, and vegetable chips. These snacks can provide sustained energy throughout the day, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
Food Waste Reduction
I believe that food waste reduction will be a significant trend in 2024. As people become more environmentally aware, they are looking for ways to reduce food waste and use food more efficiently. This trend involves using every part of the food, such as using vegetable scraps to make broth, and minimizing food waste in the cooking process.
Restaurants and food companies are also responding to this trend by reducing food waste in their kitchens and creating products that use sustainable packaging materials. This trend can have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a more sustainable food system.
The Importance of Transparency
Transparency is becoming increasingly important in the food and beverage industry, and I anticipate that it will continue to be a significant trend in 2024. Consumers are looking for more information about the ingredients and production processes of the foods they consume, and they want to be able to trust the brands they choose.
This trend involves providing clear and accurate information about the ingredients, sourcing, and production processes of food and beverage products. This can include labeling that clearly identifies allergens, additives, and other ingredients, as well as providing information about where the product was sourced and how it was produced.
Food and beverage companies are also responding to this trend by adopting more transparent practices. Some companies are using blockchain technology to track the journey of their products from farm to table, providing consumers with a complete picture of the product’s origin and production.
Hyper-Local Ingredients
Hyper-local ingredients, or ingredients that are sourced from within a specific geographic area, are also a growing trend in the food and beverage industry. This trend involves using ingredients that are grown or produced in the same region as the restaurant or food company, creating a stronger connection between the consumer and the food they eat.
Hyper-local ingredients can provide fresher and more flavorful food, as they do not have to travel as far to reach the consumer. They can also support local farmers and businesses, creating a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Innovative Beverage Options
Beverages are also evolving to meet the changing preferences of consumers, and I believe that innovative beverage options will be a significant trend in 2024. This trend involves creating new and exciting beverage options, such as plant-based milk alternatives, functional beverages that provide specific health benefits, and artisanal sodas made with unique flavor combinations.
Beverage companies are also responding to this trend by incorporating sustainable and health-conscious ingredients into their products. For example, some companies are using natural sweeteners, such as stevia or monk fruit, instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners.
As we approach 2024, the food and beverage industry is evolving to meet the changing preferences of consumers. From transparency and hyper-local ingredients to innovative beverage options, these trends reflect a growing interest in sustainability, health-consciousness, and personalized food and beverage choices. By embracing these trends, we can make informed decisions about the products we consume and the brands we support.