Discovering food trends in 2023 is an intriguing concept due to the ever-changing consumer preferences. Thanks to innovative food discoveries and global restaurant trends, there’s no shortage of appealing flavors and exciting dishes to try in the new year.
Will healthy, satisfying ingredients rule the restaurant food menu trends in 2023? Or will luxurious treats and exotic flavors become the year’s specials? Discover the list below to learn what food trends are becoming popular in restaurant menus in 2023.
Plant-based Food Produce
Increasing plant-based produce is a rising food trend in 2023 and will offer healthier dishes for restaurant menu design items. There are innovative growing methods to be discovered, from rooftops to home gardens to balconies, aside from local gardens, kitchen harvests, and home-based vertical farming. And each choice provides vital access to nutritious ingredients farmed in environmentally friendly ways.
Consumers are transitioning to more natural plant-based foods such as tofu, soy products, seitan, and black bean patties. And veggies, too, are becoming frontrunners on menus, such as cauliflower, avocado, sweet potatoes, and indigenous grain products are making big strides on international menus.
Sustainable Food Options
Sustainability will remain a vital component of several food trends in 2023, just as it did in 2022. The availability of ingredients grown responsibly using low-impact agricultural methods will significantly increase the progression.
Grains and other products developed with soil health dominate the trend, enabling farmers to continue farming. The growing interest in plant-forward dining will help to spread the concept of responsible cuisine. And the ongoing proliferation of non-meat food options will emphasize a need for sensible choices among the many food trends of 2023. Thus with the help of restaurant consultants, restaurant operators can leverage this trend by redesigning their menu design in the new year.
The Growing Popularity of Island Flavors
A ray of tropical sunshine will dominate food patterns in the new year! In 2023, there’s a fusion of classic and island flavors in most dishes and cuisines. Popular ingredients like pineapple and passionfruit, including more exotic options like coconut curries and Caribbean seasonings, will help transform simple recipes into interesting experiences. And flowery and tropical beverage flavors will make the new year feel like a vacation to paradise.
The Rise of a Reducetarian Diet
Excessive meat intake, particularly red and processed products, is harmful to our bodies and the environment. The rise of the reducetarian concept is centered on reducing the consumption of animal-based meals. Instead of adopting vegetarian or vegan diets, this 2023 food trend emphasizes mindful balance. It’s an excellent step for conscious eaters striving to adopt a more environmentally sustainable diet.
With extensive alternative meal options accessible in ready-to-eat and easy-to-make versions, changing away from animal protein sources will be a smoother and more pleasant choice.
Local Cuisines Dominating Mainstream
Sushi, poke & ceviche are fish dishes that originated in Japan, Hawaii, and Latin America respectively but have since been mixed with other cooking styles as they have gained popularity. These dishes are travel-friendly, and with off-premise dining on the rise, there may be more adaptations in the coming year. Mexican-style sushi, filled with non-Japanese ingredients like bacon, coriander, mozzarella, chipotle sauce, mangoes, and root crops, has already become a growing trend for consumers. Restaurant managers must look out for these local cuisines and try incorporating a new twist on their menu offerings to stay competitive.