As society changes, so does the food we eat. Lately the emphasis has been on healthier and fresher foods. Of course, fast foods are still there because convenience and price continue to be attractive, but more are beginning to realize that health is even more important. In the years to come there will most likely be a continued drive toward healthier over price and convenience. But for the near future here are some of the food trends some experts are watching for.
Botanicals, which are plants and flowers are beginning to show up in foods and beverages. The trend is based on consumers becoming familiar with the potential healing properties found in these plants. Things like lavender, curcumin and the leaves of the moringa oleifera tree are being packaged for busy consumers who want to use the fresh ingredients in their meals.
There’s a preference towards greater transparency in packaging. Consumers increasingly prefer presentation, packaging and marketing that tell a story about the product. Consumers feel more comfortable about a product when they know how it was produced and by whom it was produced. They want to know how the environment was affected.
Ethnic cuisine is coming on strong as more consumers are seeking new and intriguing items beyond the well-known. Asian and Middle Eastern flavors have struck a cord with the more adventurous. Millennials and growing Hispanic and Asian populations are certainly part of the cause behind this trend.
With all the emphasis on health it is surprising that comfort foods containing butter, lard and other fats and oils are back in style. Stressing about the economy or the weather lead some shoppers to reach for indulgent treats such as premium chocolate, pizza or mac and cheese. For some these foods remind them of simpler happier times when they didn’t have so many things to think about.
Changing times bring about some interesting patterns and trends in the foods we eat.
