Staying up to date with food trends in this current climate is no longer just an option – it is essential.
From viral TikTok videos and Instagram snaps, to informed diners and clued-up critics, those in the food industry need to be ahead of the game in 2024 and pave the way in upcoming trends.
Keeping up to date with the latest trends ensures that restaurants and food businesses can cater to the expectations of their consumers and encourage positive word-of-mouth via online snaps and foodie hashtags.
Here we take a look at some of the trends that could be big in dining in 2024…
Lab-grown animal products: Cultivated or lab-grown meat, refers to meat that has been developed from animal cell culture – not through traditional raising and slaughtering of live animals. Whilst it is not an imitation of meat made with plant-based alternatives, those who are looking for meat alternatives are taking interest due to the positive environmental impact lab-grown meat looks to achieve.
Non-flour pastas: Another potential food trend in 2024 is alternative pastas. Pasta is a quick, easy, and extremely versatile meal that we all know and love. Although it is a fan favourite, people are looking for alternatives to pasta to elevate their dishes. A popular example for alternative pasta is to use lentils instead of traditional wheat pasta. Lentil pasta makes for an excellent alternative as it is high in fibre and protein.
Energy Saving Food – With energy prices soaring, we’re noticing more people turning towards energy-efficient ways of preparing meals. Tea-time classics such as roast dinners are dropping in popularity due to the vast amount of energy used with having your cooker on for extended periods of time, and microwaveable meals are increasing in popularity as they are quick and convenient.
Reducing Food Waste - Reducing food waste has become a top priority for foodservice operators, businesses, and individuals alike. Meal prepping and batch cooking have become a leading trend following the cost-of-living crisis. Tips and tricks on how to your meals last longer are often trending and plant-based alternatives with longer shelf stability are increasing in popularity.
Sustainable packaging - Recyclable packaging is a big hit, with more and more companies turning their backs on single use plastic packaging and moving towards packaging made from recycled bottles or cardboard for example. A recent study by Food Dive has found that Millennials are more likely to buy products with sustainable packaging than other generations, while Gen Z are willing to spend more for products that meet their sustainability standards.
Meals on boards – Charcuterie boards have been a huge trend in 2023, with the search volume for “charcuterie board” jumping more than 800% in the past five years. We expect this trend to continue growing into 2024, as many consumers are taking to social media to show off their creations and share inspirations. Another recent trend that has taken social media by storm is “butter boards” which is the process of layering softened butter onto a wooden tray and sprinkling with seasoning such as garlic, spices and herbs on top and serving with bread.
As we look ahead to 2024, we are looking at trends that combine tradition with innovation. Expected food trends suggest a mix of sustainability, health consciousness and global inspiration. Next year’s menu looks to be an exciting step towards a sustainable future.
With our extensive knowledge and insights into food trends, Bluestorm can help keep your company stay in the loop and ahead of trends. To enquire about our services and find out more on how we can help you, contact us today.