There is no hard and fast rule as to where you can pick up food trends from. But since you are asking, it is either at the Summer (or Winter) Fancy Food Show, the enormous gastronomic food expo that is annually held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York (which just completed its 67th year in June 2023 with more than 2000 vendors) or ‘FoodTok’. Yes, you heard it right.
Apparently, foodtok (watertok’s counterpart), is responsible for creating an entire breed of food content creators who either ride on the latest food trends or have the rest of the world hop on their trends. The pandemic is when TikTok became a platform that promoted food trends. But most of the cooking trends that were discovered during the time were segregated into the ones that made the final cut and the ones that simmered away. The Dalgona Coffee trend that came into existence during the pandemic was able to capture the zeitgeist.
Every big change in how we eat starts as a fad. Mainly as a shared moment between diners and cooks. And now food bloggers too. While some of these trends don’t live to see the day, others implode with all their might, like turmeric lattes or the pink sauce that blew up like an atomic bomb on TikTok (excuse my overworking of ‘Oppenheimer’ references). Some food trends, however, stand the test of time and make a long-lasting impression.
It is interesting to be in the know about the food trends not only because it is entertaining but because it also acts as a barometer that keeps tabs on the direction in which the world of food is heading. Food aisles at Walmart or Tesco, for example, will invariably attempt to cash in on the popular trends. The only way that you will be able to fully appreciate the current food trends that are making an appearance from all corners of the virtual and physical world is if you shelve the preconceived notions you have of new fusion recipes that put Oreo and fried rice in a wok.
In-cider information on the latest food trends
Not surprisingly, the plant-based revolution continues to make headlines as more people opt for sustainable and compassionate eating. What was once considered a niche has now become a mainstream movement, with chefs and food enthusiasts creatively concocting dishes that celebrate vegetables as the stars. The evolution of plant-based eating is reflected aptly through the vegan food trends of 2023. So much so that meatatarian haunts like KFC, Burger King and Taco Bell are offering vegan options. They have embraced the demand for vegan options, revolutionising the accessibility of vegan food for people on the move.
One standout in the realm of vegan fast food is the Impossible Whopper; a creation of Burger King. This plant-based burger mirrors the taste and texture of traditional beef, providing a deeply satisfying choice for individuals seeking vegan options in fast-food outlets. KFC has joined the movement with its vegan chicken sandwich, while Taco Bell caters to vegan preferences with its vegan Crunchwrap Supreme.
A re-iteration of the current fame that plant-based food trends have gained was done by the ‘National Restaurant Association Show’ which took place in Chicago in May 2023. International analysts at Euromonitor International, who were present at the event, wrote in an article about the large number of food outlets that were present and showed a keen interest in prioritising plant-based options.
The same article mentioned how more than 60 companies specialising in plant-based and animal-free products showcased innovative products that represented the next stage of this evolving field. Alongside popular items like burgers and nuggets, brands like NotCo demonstrated nutritional advantages and delightful flavours. The spotlight also shone on plant-based egg alternatives, with emerging players like Zero Egg and Yo Foods introducing novel textures and experiences. Innovations had extended to new areas, notably in seafood substitutes as well where some companies presented dishes like plant-based shrimp, making a shift from the previous focus which was solely on fish replication.
Food trends in 2023 that stole the spotlight were more or less concerned about healthy eating. Taking after the irresistible urge for vegetables is the viral trend of modernised comfort food. As demonstrated by ‘The Unilever Food Solutions Future Menu Trends Report 2023’, we all search for a sense of familiarity and comfort in our meals and therefore the craving for home-style flavours remains in high demand. Yet, amidst this desire for the familiar, consumers are also seeking a touch of innovation. Unilever captures Chef Giuseppe Buscicchio, Executive Lead Country Chef of Italy’s thoughts on why comfort food is on the menus. He says: “Diners love to rediscover those dishes they know well in a new guise that keeps faith with the past but with the reinterpretation of possible ingredient combinations, cooking methods and above all presentation”.
Many believe that this trend of seeking modernised comfort food is already growing and will continue to grow in the years to come.
What is cooking on ‘FoodTok’?
As opposed to conceptual trends such as veganism and modernised comfort food, one of the sensations that have become viral again on TikTok is butter boards.
Netizens say that butter boards are wooden platters generously covered with a rich layer of butter, onto which an array of toppings is added. The possibilities for flavour pairings are nearly limitless, catering to individual preferences. Culinary experts suggest opting for premium salted butter sourced from grass-fed cows for the most delightful taste. After customising the butter with your chosen toppings, spread it onto items like French bread, crostini, challah, or crackers. Your wish is your command with these butterboards.
The reason that I brought up butter boards is not because it made its debut in 2023, but because it has made a comeback. Christmas of 2023 is looking forward to making social media-inspired grazing a part of their festive meal and it sure looks like ‘tis the season to be jolly.
Cara Houlton, writing for ‘Grocery Gazette’ on ‘Christmas 2023: The Festive Food and Drink Trends The (UK) Supermarkets Are Backing’, speaks of how various types of food boards, including grazing boards, Charcuterie boards, and even butter boards have gained immense popularity. The hashtag #bringaboardtonight has been circulating on TikTok, further fuelling this trend.
She says that on TikTok alone, the term ‘graze boards’ has amassed over 57.5 million views, while ‘charcuterie’ boasts of an astonishing 2.3 billion views.
Recognising this trend, Asda, a supermarket in the U.K. has seized the opportunity by introducing an Extra Specialty Cheese Board. This ready-to-serve offering comes on a slate, and they have also launched a Charcuterie Ultimate Grazing Platter to cater to this growing trend.
Apart from butter boards, a trend that has all of us saying ‘Thank you TikTok’ in unison is the hash-browns-as-a-toast trend. This is a sensational viral breakfast recipe that swaps out ordinary toast for a crunchy golden hash brown. You can whip up these treats for snacking, appetisers, and all occasions in between. Even Though this was a trend that was introduced in 2020, it has resurged with its variants in 2023 where everyone is giving it a go.
Food trends are fascinating because they give us a glimpse of how vibrant and dynamic the realm is. On one hand, traditions are merging with innovation to give us flavours that know no bounds. On the other, social media apps are driving food trends that we would not have thought of even in our wildest dreams. Both blend together to add colour to the world of food. As we continue to explore plant-based delights, savour local bounties and embrace technology, it is evident that the palate’s journey is an exciting and ever-evolving one. All in all, to leave you with a final thought, while there are trends being cooked up in every corner of the world, globally, one of the most popular trends in Southeast Asian cuisine. People are going bananas over it and I am here for it.
(Sandunlekha Ekanayake)