We humans are a fickle lot, jumping on the latest taste and flavor bandwagon when it comes to food and beverage choices.  So, what’s on the horizon for 2024?  Where does the industry think our taste buds and habits are heading?  I’ve scoured the internet for multiple clues (so you don’t have to) and come up with a few trends that the pundits say are in store for us in the coming year.

Plant Based Choices – More and More of Them

The “meatless” movement continues to grow in popularity, and the choices in the health food aisles are getting more and more robust.  While meat “substitutes” continue to get better and better (my family can no longer tell the difference when I substitute plant-based ground beef in dishes), the industry is continuing to offer choices that don’t try to “mimic” other foods and can stand on their own taste merit.  If you haven’t looked in the meatless aisle at your local grocery store lately, you may be surprised at what is readily available.  The cost of these products also continues to come down, making them more competitive with “real” red and white meat options.

The Brunch Crowd is Expanding

More and more diners are discovering the decedent luxury of a good brunch.  Restaurants are offering increasingly extravagant choices (outside the obligatory mimosa/Bloody Mary bar) and brunch entrees are getting more elaborate, hearty – and expensive.  Restaurants are also expanding their brunch options into their weekday offerings.

Late-Night Dining is Growing

The younger generation is increasingly utilizing carry-out and delivery services to satisfy their after-hour cravings.  The choices for food between midnight and 6 A.M. continues to grow (beyond just a visit to the local “Waffle House”), and restaurants and convenience stores are offering more ready-made food options for all of those hungry night owls.

“Hot and Spicy” Options Are on the Rise

Spurred on by popular internet food programs like “Hot Ones” (celebrity guests are interviewed while sampling increasingly hot chicken wings), the public’s palate for increasingly sizzling seasonings and condiments is on the rise.  While sales of well-known staples such as Sriracha and chili oils continue to increase, more adventurous shoppers are looking to other geographies to get their flavor “kick”.  Discerning diners are also exploring deeper and more complex flavors, rather than just “blow-your-head-off” heat.  Look for Korean Gochujang, heat-filled ramens, and African inspired spice mixes to increase their presence on your local supermarket shelves and dining menus.

“Mocktails” are Getting More Innovative – and Popular

Spurred on by trends like “Dry January”, the nonalcoholic beverage industry is taking note, offering increasing varieties of booze-free wines, spritzes, and seltzers.  Bartenders are adding regional and floral flavorings to their mixology creations, as well as experimenting with flavored ices and infused fruits in their concoctions.  The designated driver is no longer relegated to a diet soda or a glass of water when out on the town with friends.

What food and beverage trends are you most looking forward to in 2024?  Is there a taste or product you just can’t get enough of?  Drop me a line in the comment section below!