Everyone is talking trends. No doubt you’ve noticed that there’s been no shortage of 2014 food trend predictions — from restaurant consultants, market research firms and ad agencies to media, food manufacturers and gurus of all sorts. I eat this up every year, and I’ve done my best to collect these trend lists as they come out (which is earlier and earlier every year). Seems like there’s a lot that’s the same as 2013 — and some similarities between the lists. You’ll find links to all of the sources I’ve reviewed so it’s in one handy spot. Let me know if I’ve missed one of your favorites. Here’s my recap of what a variety of folks believe will be hot in 2014.
What’s the new ‘it’ food?
Freekeh is the new Quinoa
Cauliflower is the new Kale
Vegetables are the new Meat
Beans are the new Whole Grains
Whole Fish is the new Whole Hog
Midwestern is the new Southern
Shakshuka is the new Eggs Benedict
Matcha is the new Kombucha
Gochujang is the new Sriracha
Lardo is the new Pork Belly
Sumac is the new Smoked Paprika
Maple Water is the new Coconut Water
Ice Cream Sandwiches are the new Cupcakes
Sour is the new Sweet
Cast-Iron Pans are the new Plate
Snacks are the new Meal
Supermarkets are the new Culinary Schools
Real Food is the new Fast Food
Review of 2014 trend predictions:
Cuisines
Brazilian, Regional Mexican, Indian, Tasmanian, Jewish Fusion, Peruvian, High-End Asian, Fancy BBQ
Ingredients
Za’atar, Sumac, Greek Yogurt (especially savory), Gochujang, Haute Honey, Edible Trees and Firs
Vegetables
Cauliflower, Sea Beans, Bitter Greens (beyond kale), Veggie Fries (beyond potatoes), Root Vegetables, Jerusalem Artichokes
Grains
Freekeh, Kaniwa (Baby Quinoa), Buckwheat, Non-Wheat Noodles, Biscuits
Proteins
Pork, Rabbit, Game Meats, Chicken, Beef Heart, Beans, Veg-Meat Hybrids (e.g. mushroom burgers), Posh Jerkey, Trash Fish, Octopus, Fluke, Fish Cheeks, Teres Major, Tofu
Fats
Lardo, Chicken Schmaltz, Whipped Chicken Liver Butter, Chicken Skin, Exotic Oils (coconut, avocado, hazelnut, porcini, benne seed)
Desserts
Ice Cream Sandwiches, Eclairs, Parfaits, Made-to-Order Liquid Nitro Ice Cream, Retro Sweets
Drinks
Craft Sodas, Tea, Nut Milks, Cold-Pressed Juices, Infused Ice Cubes, Matcha Green Tea, Maple Water, Solid Cocktails, Gin, Barrel-Aged Cocktails
Food Prep
Fermentation, Pickling, Smoking, Craft Everything, Tableside Presentation, Upscale Comfort Food
Food Issues
Food Waste, GMOs, Gluten-Free, Food Dyes, Sustainability, Food Origins, Packaging, Food Expiration Dates, Hunger, Healthy Kids Meals
Sources of 2014 trend lists:
National Restaurant Association
The Food Channel
Food Network
Baum + Whiteman
Andrew Freeman & Co.
Technomic
Sterling-Rice Group
Innova Market Insights
Epicurious
Cooking Light
Good Housekeeping
Eating Well
Forbes Travel Guide
Forbes.com
Seattle Times
Euromonitor
McCormick’s Flavor Forecast
Campbell’s Culinary and Baking Institute
New Nutrition Business
Food Navigator
Supermarket Guru
Eatocracy
Images: Freekeh by Traveling Table on flickr; Cast-iron pan by shelly.mcgown on flickr
