Five emerging food trends this 2024 and beyond
WHILE it’s true that trends in the food industry come and go, staying attuned to what the general public are currently craving for is still essential for both consumers and food producers.
Information about food trends allows consumers to make choices that align with their values and preferences while producers — chefs and restaurateurs alike — can use the same information to adapt their offerings and meet market demands.
Providing this kind of information is San Miguel Foods Culinary Center (SMFCC), the food creative arm of San Miguel Foods, in partnership with Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) and San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMBI). All together, they recently held the triennial event “Food Forward.”
Held every three years, Food Forward presents possible upcoming food and beverage trends for the year and beyond.
To start off the event, Llena TanArcenas, San Miguel Foods Culinary Services Manager, emphasized how technology has shaped food trends.
“In recent years, technology, including social media, has played a significant role in connecting people from all over the world. With this, culinary interests have expanded, and many of us have become food enthusiasts in search of diverse flavors. Through this event, we want to further encourage connections through food,” added Arcenas.
Arcenas and her team highlighted five key trends based on research and their participation in international food expos.
“While we focused on five specific upcoming trends, what is common and timeless to all, is an emphasis on quality and the ability of food and beverages to give delight — which are all hallmarks of San Miguel products,” Arcenas said.
Without further ado, here are the five trends that may takeover the scene this year and in the years to come.
1. Sustainable dining. As consumers realize the importance of food choices — how their preference can impact the environment — new and creative trends in sustainable dining are emerging.
Under sustainable dining is the ‘climatarian’ diet, which emphasizes low environmental impact, promotes plantforward choices, and highlights the use of local and seasonal ingredients.
Another trend involves plant-based and lab-grown food. While chicken and red meat alternatives are growing in the market, there is a notable rise in seafood alternatives that ingredients such as mushrooms, soy, seaweed, fruits, vegetable oils, and starches.
Another focus in sustainable dining is on eco-friendly packaging that meet consumer demand for regenerative and upcycled materials. More and more businesses are also trying edible food packaging made of plant-based materials. Examples include pasta straws and starch-based wrappers.
Lastly, artificial intelligence (AI) contributes to efficient and ecological food production, by predicting harvest periods and minimizing food waste.
AI can also assist chefs in recipe creation, menu planning, flavor prediction, and ingredient combination recommendations.
Consumers can expect these technologies to only improve in the near future.
2. Healthspan wellness. The United Nations predicts that by 2050, one in six people will be over 65, compared to one out of 11 in 2019. This emphasizes the need for longevity and healthspan extension or the disease-free years lived.
In response, consumers are choosing better-for-you foods with vibrant flavors and colors, offering functional benefits like energy, focus and relaxation. The trend gravitates towards a plantforward approach, featuring mushrooms, botanicals, florals, exotic fruits, tropical flavors, protein alternatives and fermented foods.
This trend also sees diverse beverage options, with alcoholic beverages having more unique flavors, emphasizing energy, and options for low-alcohol and zero-proof drinks.
Botanical ingredients will also be present to enhance presentation and taste, with low-alcohol and vegetable-forward cocktails incorporating savory elements like herbs, spices and mild cheeses.
Aligning with this trend is GSMI’s G&T (Gin & Tea) Ultralight Spirit Drink, a lowcalorie, low-proof beverage with natural ingredients. Varieties include Lemon Ginger and Apple Black Tea.
3. Borderless global flavors.
Driven by a desire for adventure and shared experiences, consumers are immersing themselves in a global culinary expedition. Highlighting different cultures and regional cuisines, among popular global trends right now are third-culture cuisine, Balkan cuisine, local ingredients going global, the spice heist, and elevated convenience.
Third culture cuisine is all about creating new dishes inspired by multiple cultures, especially by those who grew up outside their parents’ cultural backgrounds. Balkan cuisine, on the other hand, is a mix of Southeastern Europe and Western Asia influences.
Local ingredients are also gaining global popularity, with the likes of calamansi, pandan, ube, and other root vegetables. Meanwhile, the spice heist trend is evolving, introducing unique combinations like sweet-bitter and sour-umami. Trending flavors include Nashville hot, agave syrup, spicy ranch, tajin, and Italian Calabrian peppers, with an increased focus on earthy spices with functional properties for health and wellness.
The accessibility of global cuisine is growing, thanks to an increased appreciation for convenient products such as packaged mixes, sauces, starters, and other pantry items carrying regional flavors and ingredients. Restaurants, too, are starting to feature lesser-known cuisines, making access to global flavors easy without the need to travel.
4. Retro revival and ‘newstalgia.’
Especially in the wake of the pandemic, numerous individuals seek comfort, familiarity, and a sense of security by embracing trends from the past. This has led to a resurgence of retro-themed foods and flavors, allowing people to reconnect with cherished brands and comforting favorites from their childhood.
There is also a growing interest in creating new memories or nostalgic versions with updated twists. This is “newstalgia”.
The newstalgia trend extends to unconventional grilling, including cheese, fruits, and veggies. Grilling intensifies flavors and imparts a charred essence by converting the natural sugars in food.
5. Little luxe. This trend is about indulgence and self-care, exploring bold flavors and colors to bring a sense of luxury and joy. It aims to elevate everyday experiences by transforming simple ingredients into global flavors.
Popular indulgent dessert profiles will feature strawberry, vanilla and chocolate flavors. Emerging trends include caramelized fruits, glazed fruit desserts, floral and fruit-infused desserts, and sweet-savory combinations with herbs and spices like mango-habanero.
The demand for indulgent flavors with healthier formulations is also on the rise.
In baking, the trend leans towards reinventing classics such as flaky croissants with creative shapes, inclusions, and fillings.
Finally, handcrafted or artisanal treats are gaining popularity for a premium indulgence, and dessert-inspired flavors are making their way into various baked goods.