2024 Food Trend Predictions Include More Plants, Nostalgia And Tiny Treats

28.12.2023 - 17:31 / forbes.com / Andrew Zimmern / James Beard

Wonder what Americans will be eating next year? Experts who surround themselves with food have a few guesses. And, spoiler alert, it’s nothing you haven’t seen before. Expect current trends seen on social media to take full force in IRL, plenty of plants on every plate and much more diversity in culinary projects across the country.

Here’s what you’ll be eating, or really want to be eating, in 2024, thanks to these food trends.

If you’ve noticed Gilded Age era dishes trending recently, expect even more tastes from the past to grace your plate. Lobster thermidor, peach melba and more made-in-America dishes are back in fashion, often with a new twist. Chef Andrew Zimmern, chef, James Beard Award-winning TV personality, agrees, and expects dishes from up to 150 years go to “soar in popularity.”

Joe Isidori, Michelin star chef and owner of New York’s Arthur & Sons also thinks old school is back in style for 2024, including timeless red-sauce dishes, nostalgic steak shops and French bistros that emphasize simplicity and unpretentiousness.

The American supermarket may feel stale for some, especially those seeking everyday experiences, rather than the tedium of self checkout or monotony of grocery delivery. Specialty shops and contemporary grocers are popping up in cities across America, and these destination-worthy emporiums will be even more popular in 2024. “The unconventional retail spaces are becoming epicenters of culinary exploration, showcasing a diverse array of premium pantry essentials,” says Aishwarya Iyer, Founder and CEO of Brightland. “The consumer appetite for unique, high-quality products is reshaping the grocery landscape.”

Graphic design is everything, whether it’s on an olive oil bottle or takeout bag. Everything is a moment, everything is content, everything can spark joy. Expect aesthetics to be everywhere in 2024, and not just with expensive products and brands. Aishwarya has noticed a growing trend of consumers seeking delight in consumer packaged goods, prioritizing consumer taste, and the visual and tactile aspects of product presentation. Even Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, a standard pantry item, went through a rebrand.

According to Whole Foods 2024 food trend predictions, plant based cuisine will be “putting the ‘veggie’ back in your veggie burger and shrinking labels all over the plant-based category.” That is, protein-forward vegetarian and vegan products will be made with mushrooms, walnuts, tempeh and legumes instead of meat alternatives. Even at restaurants, FSR Magazine cites plant-forward menus as a top trend for 2024. Broccoli on a bun anyone?

Maximalism is in. Treat culture is very in. Little treats will be everywhere. Whether that’s splurging on an aesthetic plant-based