Welcome to 2019, so what’s going to be hot in the specialty food and beverage world this year? Working in the food industry gives us an inside glimpse into what food trends may be staying center plate in the new year. So far, we are hoping that Functional Foods, Mocktails, Plant-Based Foods, Cannabis-Infused Foods, and Alternative Sugars will be trends that are here to stay. Here’s our last two trend toppers that we are looking forward to seeing more of in 2019. Happy New Year!
#6 Global meets Local.
Consumers will continue to be adventurous eaters in 2019. The expanded palette is something that we’ve been seeing for the past few years and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. African and Middle Eastern flavors continue to heat up consumer’s taste buds. In the new year, look for the combination of local favorites—like tomato jam—matched with global cuisine.
#7 Convenience with a Side of Tofu?
Consumers value convenience as one of the top tiers of what’s important to their buying and dining habits. But do you think you could utter this phrase in the new year, “I’d like ahi tuna on my salad… right after I finish filling my gas tank?” Finding trendy food in a gas station convenience store isn’t usually the case, but in 2019 that could start to change as more convenience stores try to meet consumer demand for healthy and flavorful food options. According to Food Business Magazine, gas station stores may start to experiment with current food trends on their menus to appeal to consumers looking for more healthy options on-the-go. Could we see meatless burgers on the menu at convenience stores? Perhaps, but we think that more mainstream items like veggie burgers or turkey burgers could show up in 2019.
According to the Specialty Food Association panel of food experts, bloggers and chefs, a few more trends will be popping up in the 2019. Look for “more comfort-food classics with unexpected ingredients,” “lard and cooking with real fat will get more respect,” and “people will be less afraid to dig in and cook.” In our book, those are all great trends to kick off a healthy New Year! Cheers to 2019!
Food Trends 2019 Blog References:
Food Business News, Food Service Trends at Convenience Stores, October 15, 2018
https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/12689-food-service-trends-at-convenience-stores
Specialty Food News, Simplicity with a Twist Among 2019 Trend Predictions, October 10, 2018
Specialty Food News, Consumers Interested in Cannabis-Infused Food, Drink, October 12, 2018