Long Island

Emerging Food & Beverage Trends of 2024

December 21, 2023 | Daily Bite

By: Megan Robinson

With 2023 coming to an end, getting a head start on popular food and beverage trends going into the new year can help restaurants create new menus and specials. With ever changing trends, it can be hard to predict what will be popular in the next year, but we can use current trends to determine what direction we think they will go. Here are some examples of different trends we could see in 2024.

Consumers have been actively trying to find healthier alternatives to items they eat and drink in their everyday life. For example, coffee or tea is a part of a lot of people’s daily routines, so why not add something to it to make it a little healthier. A way to do so is through a popular trend of medicinal mushroom extracts, not the mushrooms we use for cooking such as shiitake or portobello. The mushrooms used in the coffees and matchas could include turkey’s tail, lion’s mane, reishi, chaga, or cordyceps. A couple proposed benefits of these drinks include reduced anxiety and improved immunity, as well as others. This is just one example, but overall consumers are interested in food items that balance both health and pleasure and promote longer lives.

Another popular trend that is likely to be prominent in 2024 is the inclusion of botanicals into both food and beverages. Aside from garnishes to enhance the appearance of a dish or drink, herbs, roots and flowers are more frequently being used as part of the item itself. The addition of these ingredients can provide complex flavor and increase healthiness. Traditionally used in teas, botanicals have been more recently seen in juices, prebiotic beverages, RTD shots, and many more. Additionally, mocktails and mixers have been found to have botanicals such as lavender and elderberry to not only add a fun twist, but also add health benefits as well.

Mocktail or cocktail, extravagant drinks are on the rise. The most recent trend we have been seeing includes sensory experiences where there are elements of presentation involved that really capture the attention of consumers. For example, a flaming drink or some dry ice giving a fun foggy experience is becoming popular. Another way to serve a fun drink is to include colors or include textures such as a fizzy or sparkling drink. Having a fun drink to sip on while enjoying a meal is an experience a lot of people have been looking for lately. From seasonal drinks to specialty cocktails, to non-alcoholic options such as mocktails, everyone is looking for new drinks to try.

One last trend that has been increasing in popularity is the use of peppers in dining experiences. Pepper infused drinks, snacks, dishes, etc. are popping up all over the place to give a kick to a classic. Sweet and spicy options such as hot honey have been all the rage as of late, people have been adding it to pizza, roasted vegetables, breakfast sandwiches, and so much more. Who doesn’t love margaritas? Try a couple slices of jalapeño in your next marg to spice it up a little. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to including peppers in dishes and beverages.

Keep an eye out for these trends in the upcoming new year. Do you have any trend predictions yourself? Let us know on our socials. Have a safe and happy New Year!

Tags:
Daily Bite