Artificial meat, products with cannabidiol, insects and weeds - the range of food products is becoming more diverse and unusual.
Industry experts from international hospitality management company Benchmark and research firm Food & Drink Resources have assessed which food and beverage trends have emerged this year.
1. Meat 2.0
Increasingly popular are products that use artificial meat, created on the basis of plant ingredients, but taste indistinguishable from the real one. For those who are not ready to give up real meat, research is underway to grow it from animal cells in the laboratory.
2. Fermented foods and drinks
There has always been a steady demand for fermented foods. They are not only tasty, but also considered very healthy. This class includes fermented milk products, cheeses, pickles, various exotic national dishes, such as kimchi or miso.
3. Various teas
Although tea is not a new trend, it will only become more popular in the near future. This drink is perceived as very useful. And the appearance on sale of numerous varieties and drinks based on tea will only contribute to the growth of its popularity.
4. CBD products
Products containing cannabidiol are becoming increasingly popular in countries where medical or recreational cannabis is legal. For example, many cafes and bars in the US offer CBD sweets to patrons. Science cannot yet give a definitive answer regarding the medicinal properties of cannabis. But the very fact that this product was recently banned draws increased attention to it.
5. Insect products
Dishes created using insects appeared in European countries not so long ago. However, this year they can expect a sharp increase in popularity. More and more chefs are looking to include this affordable source of protein in their menus. It is believed that interest in such products will only grow against the backdrop of population growth and the reduction of traditional food resources.
6. Ice cream for Instagram
Such a dessert as ice cream has always been and will always be held in high esteem. However, with the development of social networks, this product has also acquired an aesthetic value. Manufacturers from all over the world will compete for the right to be called the creator of the most unusual and delicious ice cream, the photo of which is so desirable to post on Instagram.
7. Restaurants
Despite the rapid development of all kinds of food delivery services, people will still actively visit cafes and restaurants. This is especially in demand among the generation of millennials, for whom this is not just a way to have a bite, but also a new experience, the opportunity to post new unusual photos on social networks.
8. Wild Plants
All kinds of dandelion salads and chicory products are becoming more and more popular. Plants that were previously considered weeds are increasingly on our plate in one form or another. There has also been an increase in interest in all kinds of exotic cultivated plants, such as amaranth. Consumers can also expect unusual citrus fruits to appear on the menu.
9. Products to improve memory
Recently, the so-called are becoming more and more popular. nootropics are drugs that can enhance memory, increase learning ability, and activate cognitive functions. Against this background, products with a similar effect will become more and more popular. So, it is believed that eggs, olive oil, blueberries can improve your brain function.
10. Food and charity
Yes, recently it was considered normal to simply throw away excess food. Now in the world it is considered much more correct to give unwanted products to all kinds of charitable organizations. Every year the world throws away a huge amount of food. And more and more people are beginning to oppose this vicious practice.
