5 food trends that will change the industry next year

Each year, food trends come and go. Some have made a significant impact while some have become just a passing fad. Here are five food trends that are expected to make waves next year.

1. Transparency

People are going to care more about what the labels say on their food next year. Mintel just revealed its 2018 global food and drink trend report, and trust on food products is on top of the lists. Per Forbes, manufacturers and retailers will have their hands full making sure food labels reflect transparency and traceability.

This will help the consumers parlay fears amid increased food recalls, restaurant sanitation and uncovered elements by the media. The consumers will demand to know the process and steps of the entire food supply chain from farm to table.

2. Comfort food will become a thing again

Comfort food will make a comeback due to emotionally targeted products. Food offerings will be patterned according to the mood of the customers. Comfort food will be transformed into healthier versions and could feature vegan or gluten-free elements. Do not be surprised if chamomile, lavender and lemon balm will make their way into desserts.

3. Attack of the senses

Expect food and drinks to have more textures and layers in them. According to The Daily Star, consumers can expect chewables and crunch on their food and drinks. “In 2018, the sound, feel, and satisfaction that texture provides will become more important to companies and consumers alike,” Mintel added.

Additionally, virtual reality and Google glasses can make their presence felt next year so that consumers can have unique dining experiences by adding new dimensions to visual pleasure.

Plant-based diet will still be relevant next year, but vegans will look for other alternatives. (Source)

4. Targeted food advertisements

Technology will be deeply involved in food ads next year. As online shopping becomes more prevalent due to convenience, food advertisements will be targeted to specific consumers whose online habits are tracked. In this way, food offerings are more personalized down to labelings and packaging.

5. Engineered food

Food that can replace meat will continue to enter the mainstream in 2018. The call to reduce meat consumption will lead to the artificially produced alternative that resembles and tastes like real meat. Impossible Burger and Beyond Meat have made efforts to produce faux meat, and more nutritional content is expected to be added in 2018.

Meanwhile, when it comes to healthy food, The Art of Healthy Living suggests peas, mushroom, and activated charcoal will emerge as trendy food items. Keto diet will continue its rise in 2018. Leftovers will also be repurposed and serve in other variations to battle the growing problems of food waste.

Vegan diets will be bombarded with food offerings such as burgers and pizzas. Of course, there is no actual meat in them, but vegans are increasingly finding alternatives other than mung beans and lettuce leaves to get their source of proteins and minerals.

Avocado oil and avocado oil mayonnaise will be introduced, which is linked to keto, paleo and other plant-based diets. Under Fine Wraps notes that fermented food, dehydrated fruits and turmeric will become popular next year. Moreover, poke bowls, cassava four, seaweed, Chaga mushrooms and even insects as part of daily cuisine will make their way into the food industry.