In the age of social media, trends across all industries are ever-changing, including the extremely popular world of delicious food and enthusiastic foodies. From the modern movements of plant-based ‘meat’ alternatives to the return of retro favorites, there is a trend for everyone this spring. As part of our food trends and fads section, in this post, we’ll delve into some some yummy spring food trend predictions.
The new season brings a range of seasonal flavors and ingredients poised to be the ideal accompaniment for your favorite wine or the star ingredient for the perfect meal that pairs deliciously with your vape pods.
Beans & Pulses
In recent months, beans and pulses have gone from bland and uninspiring to the star ingredient of many delicious and innovative dishes. Butter beans and chickpeas are among the most popular variations flying off the shelves, and for good reason.
These types of food tick a lot of boxes in today’s economic climate. They are cheap, extremely versatile, and highly nutritious, being low in fat and high in protein. From replacing your regular storebought hummus dip for a delicious and alternative flavor punch to topping your morning toast and serving it as a quick and easy side dish with your dinner, you won’t be short of creative and tasty ways to celebrate this humble ingredient this spring season.
Watch this for an easy butter beans stew:
Faux Fish
As the world becomes more environmentally conscious and the push towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle continues to move forward quickly and steadily, the population of plant-based eaters is ever-growing. This has led to many traditional meat dishes receiving a vegan makeover, including sushi.
Plant-based eaters can expect to see an increase in vegan fish alternatives, including ‘carrot lox,’ used to replace cured salmon on bagels, and vegan pearls made with activated charcoal and a mix of seaweed and kelp to add a delicious umami flavor in place of traditional salmon roe.
Check out these vegan fish alternatives:
Clean Caffeine
As more and more people become more conscious about their health and their way of eating, many caffeine addicts are searching for new and healthier ways to boost their energy and get their days started.
Since then, many health brands have introduced the concept of ‘clean caffeine,’ launching a range of coffee alternatives like chaga mushrooms and matcha powder, to name a few, which provide similar energy-boosting advantages as coffee. Additionally, green tea has seen a resurgence in popularity as more people turn to this healthy tea alternative to kick their coffee addictions once and for all.
Lower Alcohol Wines
The recent trend for lower-alcohol drinks continues to gain popularity and momentum, with lower or no-alcohol beers and gins, in particular, hitting new heights. But retailers haven’t stopped there, introducing non-alcohol variations of whiskey, wine, Campari, and rum to satisfy all tastes.
Lower-alcohol drinks tend to lose structure and intensity, which is typically most noticeable in wines. However, this does suit some variations of blends, mainly rieslings and sauvignon blanc, compared to most red blends. This is usually because lower-alcohol wines have a sweeter taste.
Watch this video to learn more:
Fig Leaves
The simple fig leaf has become a surprising new must-have ingredient for many chefs across the world. They use leaves in everything from creamy ice cream to a hearty curry sauce. The leaf can’t be eaten raw, but its unique sweet and creamy herbaceous flavor is a wonderful addition to infused oils and dairy products.
Thanks to their immense versatility and abundance, fig leaves will soon become a standard addition to any home kitchen. Incorporate them into a tasty batch of fig leaf and white chocolate ice cream, or infuse a simple syrup to make a boozy fig leaf and butter cocktail.
Check out this fig leaf tea:
Nostalgic Favorites
The popularity of nostalgia has dominated many industries, including fashion and pop culture. But foodies have found themselves yearning for classics from the past, and 2024 is set to be the year the past favorites finally make their long-awaited comeback.
In the past year, stuffed olives and dates, candied grapes, and lemon possets have all found their way back to the limelight, building a solid foundation for many old recipes to be rediscovered this spring season.
Savory French Toast
Classic French toast is typically drenched in sweet maple syrup and topped with a generous dusting of snowy icing sugar, creating the ideal brunch meal on a casual weekend morning. But those who wouldn’t consider this sweet treat a go-to meal may be pleased to hear that a savory variation will become a hot trend for 2024.
Keep things simple with parmesan French toast with Dijon mustard and Worcester sauce, or treat yourself to the ultimate pairing of French toast topped with pan-fried mushrooms and spinach in a creamy brie sauce, with crispy onions to finish.
Check out this wacky BLT french toast recipe:
Botanics & Beverages
The popular demand for locally inspired food and drinks continues to maintain steam in 2024, as consumers show no signs of stopping their love of locally grown and sourced products. This has led to many brands and retailers looking for innovative and creative ways to combine these comforting and familiar flavors into their offerings.
To conclude…
From indigenous herbs and plants infusing local drinks brands to seasonal fruits and vegetables being championed in many delicious dishes, spring will be the season to turn your attention closer to home for exciting flavor combinations and inspiration.
