Exploring the Top Food Trends of 2024
Happy Hour Playing the Role of Dinner
We’re seeing a continuous growth in happy hour popularity. Trends are showing that diners are eating dinner earlier than pre-covid times, which might be the cause of increased happy hour traffic. Or it’s the desire for deals! In the face of inflated prices, most diners are looking for ways to save. The traditional after-work ritual is transforming into a delightful dinner experience, offering a relaxed atmosphere and enticing deals on both food and drinks. Is your happy hour menu on point? Check out our dips for appetizer solutions that are crave-able and won’t drive your kitchen team nuts.
Iced Drinks are No Longer Seasonal
It used to be true that iced drink sales would dip with the outside temperatures. No longer! The next time you are at a coffee shop on a cold day, watch for how many people order iced drinks, you might be surprised. In 2024, expect to see a surge in the popularity of chilled beverages, from refreshing iced coffees to innovative iced teas. Make sure your beverage menu matches this cool trend!
Continued Rise of Global Flavors
Building on the momentum from 2023, innovative global flavors are set to maintain their stronghold on restaurant menus in 2024. We saw birria capturing taste buds worldwide the last few years. What will be next? Datassential thinks it will be shawarma. Expect to see an array of international influences, from exotic spices to specific cooking techniques, as chefs continue to push boundaries and delight diners with a diverse tapestry of flavors. Diners want to explore the world via a menu as global cuisines continue to flourish.
Flexitarians Become the Norm
Plant-based dining takes center stage as more diners embrace flexitarian lifestyles as a normal habit. In 2024, expect to see a growing demand for plant-based options and be sure your menu can cater to these diner incorporating both plant and animal-based foods. From hearty vegetable-based dishes to innovative plant-based substitutes, the culinary landscape is evolving to meet the preferences of flexitarians. Check out our beans for fully-cooked, fully-seasoned plant based protein.