2024 foodie scoop. Alright, folks, let’s dish about the food trends they’re saying are gonna rock 2024. Now, mind you, these predictions can be a bit like throwing spaghetti at the wall – you never know what sticks. But here’s the lowdown on what the food gurus are cookin’ up for us in the coming year.
Sussin’ Out the Labels
Megan Stanton from Mintel Food & Drink reckons we’re all becoming label detectives. We’re vibin’ with terms like “stone-ground,” “cold-pressed,” and “fermented.” If it sounds like “junk,” we’re giving it the side-eye. Expect products to flex their virtues on eco-friendly packaging, and brands might wanna remind us why we love those high-fat, sugar, and salt treats – ’cause let’s face it, we do.
Dial Down the Health Hype
Gen Z ain’t falling for the health hoopla. Buzzwords like “adaptogenics” are getting an eye roll. Brands, take note – maybe ease up on the claims that collagen ice cream will turn us into fitness gurus. On the flip side, probiotics are having a moment, and gut-friendly snacks are riding the wave. Stress from a recession and elections? Yeah, comfort food is having its time to shine.
Me Time, Luxury, and Krill Meat
Mintel suggests brands should get inspiration from the “menopausal revolution” and cater to the overlooked Gen X. They’re all about self-care and might get adventurous with krill meat or sip on “sleep drinks.” Meanwhile, Datassential thinks luxury is the game for Gen X – think premium experiences, travel, and a good ol’ drink. For the elite, $20 smoothies at Erewhon are the new flex. Exclusive platforms like Dorsia are offering high-status dining experiences. Fancy, huh?
Economic Chill: Frozen Feasts and Bargain Hunting
Reality check – the economy is giving our food habits a reality check. Rising delivery costs got some of us second-guessing our orders, and TikTok is the venting spot. Restaurants and delivery joints gotta step up their game – bigger portions and more customization might just do the trick. Craft Media spills the tea on a shift to frozen foods for budget-friendly munchin’, with shoppers playing the field for the best deals. Surprisingly, fancy cookies are winning the affordable luxury game. Fresh produce? Not so much.
Robo-Kitchen Vibes: Bots and Virtual Shopping
Say hello to your kitchen sidekick – robots. Covid-19 kicked our need for convenience into high gear. Picture public pizza vending machines, pre-made meals for lazy chefs, and apps giving us the 411 on quick meals. Virtual grocery shopping and augmented reality might be the new normal. Nearly half of U.S. consumers are down to stroll through virtual aisles. Italians are even cool with jazzing up their eating game with VR headsets.
In a nutshell, 2024 is servin’ up some label skepticism, laid-back health vibes, self-care luxury, budget-friendly indulgence, and a sprinkle of robotic kitchen help. Let’s see which predictions stick to our taste buds!
