2024’s Food Trends: Faux Fish & Sugar Alternatives. Just as there are annual trends for various industries, food trends are no exception. Whole Foods has recently unveiled its food trend forecast for 2024, offering shoppers a glimpse into what they can expect in the coming year.
This list was compiled by the company’s trends council, a team consisting of over 50 Whole Foods Market employees, which includes local foragers, regional and global purchasers, and culinary experts. Their predictions are founded on decades of experience in product sourcing and a deep understanding of consumer preferences.
Last year, Whole Foods accurately predicted the popularity of items such as avocado oil, climate-conscious foods, and nostalgic treats. For 2024, the food retailer foresees that grocery carts will be brimming with high-end plant-based seafood, buckwheat, spicy condiments, and more. These trends reflect the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers, offering a glimpse into the culinary landscape of the upcoming year.
Real Plant Power: The Evolution of Plant-Based Eating in 2024
Plant-based eating has enjoyed widespread popularity for several years, but in 2024, a new trend is emerging that’s all about celebrating the goodness of genuine plants.
According to Whole Foods, consumers are now shifting their focus towards filling their plates with whole, unprocessed plant foods rather than relying on meatless substitutes.
This trend is ushering in a wave of innovative protein-forward products featuring ingredients like mushrooms, walnuts, tempeh, and legumes as alternatives to complex meat substitutes.
These plant-based options not only embrace the essence of natural ingredients but also boast simplified ingredient lists. Some plant-based milk alternatives, for example, have streamlined their labels to feature just two straightforward components.
This evolution in plant-based eating reflects a desire for cleaner, less processed foods and highlights the growing emphasis on the intrinsic power of plants in our diets.
Reimagined Cacao: Transforming Cacao Pulp into Delicious Jellies and Jams .
The often overlooked by-product of cacao, known as cacao pulp, is gaining popularity as a versatile ingredient used to create delectable jellies and jams.
The introduction of cacao fruit powders is proving to be particularly advantageous for brands and consumers in search of a novel sugar substitute that maintains a delightful, aromatic sweetness. This innovative use of cacao is championed by Whole Foods, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the way we think about and consume cacao products.
Buckwheat: The Multipurpose Superfood Taking Center Stage in 2024
In 2024, Be Prepared to encounter buckwheat in a variety of forms and products as the seed becomes increasingly popular for its benefits to soil health as a cover crop.
Beyond its environmental advantages, buckwheat is a superfood packed with protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Traditionally used in soba noodles, this gluten-free ingredient is expanding its reach, finding its way into plant-based milk alternatives, granola, and other innovative culinary creations.
Fancy Faux Fish: Elevating Plant-Based Seafood to New Heights in 2024The trend of fancy fish, which gained traction with the rise of tinned fish and caviar, is poised to make waves in the plant-based community in 2024.
Whole Foods predicts a surge in plant-based seafood brands offering products with flavors and textures that can stand toe-to-toe with real fish. Expect creative substitutions such as carrots used as a stand-in for lox, trumpet mushrooms as an alternative to scallops, and the versatile root vegetable konjac making appearances in sushi rolls and poke bowls.
This trend highlights the growing demand for plant-based options that don’t compromise on taste or texture.
Elevating Water Stewardship: A Paradigm Shift in Product Production
While most of us consider water conservation in our daily routines, in 2024, the concept of water stewardship is extending far beyond individual practices.
Forward-thinking brands are now prioritizing water efficiency in their product development processes. Among the noteworthy innovations, new water brands are emerging, harnessing water from fruit by-products that would otherwise go to waste.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Lifestyle and cleaning brands are also joining the movement towards water-conscious products, offering alternatives such as dry shampoos, shampoo bars, and laundry detergent sheets. This shift towards sustainable and water-saving practices underscores the growing awareness of our environmental impact and the increasing importance of responsible water management in all aspects of our lives.
Savoring Spiciness: The Fiery Food Revolution of 2024
If you’re a fan of all things spicy, get ready for an exhilarating culinary journey in 2024.
This year promises to bring a host of specialty pepper varieties to the forefront, including the scorching Scorpion peppers and the aromatic Guajillo or Hungarian Goathorn peppers. These peppers will be available in various forms, from fresh and whole to ground and pickled, ensuring there’s a spicy option for every palate.
But that’s not all—prepare for a fresh wave of botana sauces, chili oils, and pepper-infused beverages that are set to hit the shelves across the nation.
The complex heat trend is ushering in a new era of spicy innovation, providing enthusiasts with an array of flavorful options to tantalize their taste buds. Whether you enjoy a subtle kick or a fiery explosion, 2024 is poised to offer a spicy adventure like no other.
*The information is for reference only.
