new food presentation trends

• Testimonials
• The Food Envy Podcast
• The Roaring 20 Project
• | Client Access

Home » Blog

Feast your eyes: 2024 food presentation trends.

Buckle up, because the future of food is a visual feast! Forget boring plating – 2024 is bringing fresh, exciting trends straight from the kitchens of top chefs. And I have the inside scoop from my exclusive interviews on The Food Envy Podcast.

What Top Chefs Are Saying

I'll share direct quotes from my podcast interviews, where industry leaders explain these trends and how they're changing the way we experience food.

Get Ahead of the Trend

Want to wow your guests with cutting-edge food presentation? We'll provide practical tips and inspiration to incorporate these trends in your home cooking or restaurant. Subscribe to the podcast and be notified when the full trend report drops!

Subscribe here:  https://www.youtube.com/@diningfables

Food Envy Photography is a specialist in Food Photographer in Berkshire who serves clients across the UK. We create Food Envy for your clients. However, if you require another genre of photography ( commercial , Headshots , Portraits , Weddings etc) then please in touch with Luminous Photography  who will be very happy to assist you.

• {query} Search Products
• {query} Search Recipes
• {query} Search Academy
• {query} Search Other

Logging in, please wait

• Create account
• OR Facebook Login Facebook Login

You need to upgrade your browser in order to use this website. Show me how to update my browser

You need to enable JavaScript in order to use this website. Show me how to enable JavaScript

• Chef Training
• Foodservice & Hospitality Marketing
• Food Photography and Food Plating Tips & Techniques
• 8 Modern Food Plating & Presentation Styles
• Hospitality & Foodservice Marketing

8 Modern Food Plating Trends & Presentation Styles

In the restaurant business, food plating can be critical, especially when guests are ready to post and share on social media. Our chefs curated a list of the top food plating techniques that helps to elevate the guest experience.

1. Landscape Technique

Taking inspiration from landscape gardens, this linear arrangement of food is usually kept low and long. 

3. Food on organic materials Technique

Using organic materials such as wood, slate and stone as a plating device lends a more rustic and back-to-nature feel to dishes. 

5. The Nordic Look Technique

Make ribbons or chunks of vegetables and scatter herbs on a dish to garnish for seemingly effortless style. ‘Gone Fishing’ by the Danish chef and food stylist Mikkel Karstadt is a good place to look for inspiration; follow him on Instagram

7. Bathing Technique

Bathe fish in broth or sauce. For example, these tortellini with a shellfish sauce or coquilles with chicory, truffle foam, goat cheese and shrimps.

2. Free-form Technique

Like many modern paintings, free form plating may seem carelessly strewn across a plate, but each stroke and food placement is carefully thought out to create an abstract yet intriguing “painting” on a plate. 

4. Futuristic Technique

Making use of sleek materials like metal, glass and steel, futuristic plating creates a cutting edge and futuristic plating like the example below.

6. Hide and Seek Technique

Layering adds an element of playfulness and surprise to the dish. Think a puffed rice cracker covering crab meat, thinly sliced radishes hiding a yummy sea bass tartare... 

8. Super Bowl Technique

Bowl food is a massive trend, with cookbooks and restaurants to match.

Try a more elegant styled bowl; used for smaller dishes, like starter or entremets. 

FINDING THE RIGHT PLATE

Which plate you choose can make or break your dish, says South African Chef Jack Coetzee. Try to avoid symmetry, it’s not very interesting. And you need to create some height on your plate. However, if you are blatantly going for symmetry,  then you can get away with it because it’s your intention. But the plates do look very average if you’re trying to do something and you end up with it looking symmetrical. You can follow his course on plating in our UFS Academy for a more visual explanation.

Here are a couple of take-outs he shares on the different shapes of plates you can use and their possibilities to present your food. 

Rectangular or elongated plate

Using a rectangualr plate is effective if you have lots of small little garnishes that can wind their way through the length of the plate, making it look like a garden.

Square plate

This is not the easiest shape to work with. You have to use the Rule of Thirds, which is a theory dictating how an image (in this case your plate) should be composed in order to create an aesthetically pleasing result. You basically break your plate up into a grid system of 9 block and try to avoid using the bull’s eye itself because that’s a so-called dead spot. Also try not to use any of the spots in the corners.

Round plate

These are most commonly used. The same rule applies to your grid system on this plate, except you don’t have to worry about all the dead corners. Try not to get anything in the middle unless it’s deliberately in the middle. 

Additional Food Photography Articles

• Digital Marketing for Restaurant Owners & Chefs

What you'll get:

• Access to free Chef trainings
• The best recipes and tips from Chefs around the world
• The latest culinary trends

Log in to create your own personal recipe book.

• Order History
• Change Password
• Billing info
• Address and kitchen
• Dietary choices
• Create an account

Sabah Drabu

Feb 15, 2024

Elevating Your Dish: The Latest Trends in Food Plating

Table of Contents

When it comes to food, we all know that presentation is key. However, you may not have realized the immense thought and dedication that even the simplest dish requires to make it look its best. From arranging spices like a pro to understanding the essentials of modern food plating trends, this blog post has it all – no matter what level of experience you have with turning basic dishes into works of art. We’ll start by exploring the roots of food plating and discuss why it can effectively make a lasting impression at dinner parties or special events.

With some simple tips that anyone can follow and plenty of creative ideas for more experienced chefs and restaurateurs alike, you’ll soon be mastering this vital cooking skill in no time. So settle in for an enlightening ride as you learn how to plate any dish artfully.

History of Food Plating

Food plating has a rich history, originating in the French court in the 1600s when Louis XIV instructed chefs to present food in the most elegant way possible. Since then, the goal of food plating has been to create visually appealing designs that satisfy the palate. While food presentation has been a part of culinary history dating back to ancient civilizations, it wasn’t until the 19th century that French chefs like Auguste Escoffier refined and formalized food presentation, raising its importance in the culinary world.

Today, food presentation has evolved into an art form where plates are transformed into canvases, with culinary experts using various techniques to create stunning displays. This transition has made food more than just a functional necessity and has turned it into an impressive visual experience.

Thankfully, fancy food presentation is no longer exclusive to high-end restaurants, as anyone can create a visually appealing display with a few simple tips. So let’s grab a palette knife and explore the art of food plating. After all, we all eat with our eyes first.

Present-Day Trends in Food Plating

“Present-day trends in food plating have evolved significantly, making food presentation more crucial. Restaurants worldwide are taking food plating to a new level by using bold colors, unusual shapes, and unexpected fun ingredients like edible flowers, interesting herbs, and even gold leaf.

With the rise of Instagram-worthy dining experiences , contemporary cuisine offers an array of visually stunning options, from classic restaurant dishes with artfully drizzled sauce to trendy bento box designs.

As a result, diners and chefs alike are enthusiastic about experimenting with creative plating ideas. Whether arranging a stack of pancakes symmetrically, placing the chicken on a bed of vegetables, or sculpting edgy ingredients, each style highlights a distinct visual appeal. With each new style, chefs worldwide continue discovering new and exciting ways to serve meals.

If you want to add a unique touch to your next dish, explore the exciting world of food plating and let your creativity run wild.

Essential Tips for Elevating Your Dish Through Food Plating

It’s no secret that the presentation of a dish is almost (if not equally) as important as its taste. Fortunately, there are some ways to take your food plating game to the next level.

Choose the Right Dishes

The type of dish you use for plating says just as much about a dish as its ingredients. Use specific plates, bowls, or serving dishes that will enhance or contrast the colors of a dish, or pick something that complements the flavor profile. The choice of a specific dish can also be great if you’re trying to make a statement on the table – think bright colors or unique shapes.

Remember the Rule of Odd Numbers

When arranging elements on a plate, odd numbers such as 3 or 5 tend to look better than even numbers like 2 or 4. This arrangement helps create visual interest and breaks up any flat areas on the plate. Using this rule for added visual appeal, you can also mix textures (such as soft and crunchy).

Use a Variety of Shapes and Textures

Even if you’re sticking with one type of ingredient for a dish, try adding different shapes and textures for an interesting contrast in texture, shape, and color. For example, serve grilled vegetables with sliced or diced vegetables, which adds depth, variety, and visual allure to your dish.

Add Garnishes or Herbs

A few strategically placed fresh herbs can help bring out flavors in a dish while adding extra visual appeal at the same time. You can add edible garnishes such as edible flowers or slices of citrus fruits for added color and texture contrast.

Play with Colors and Contrasts

Color plays an essential role in food plating — it’s all about creating contrast between different elements on the plate so that each component stands out. Consider playing around with different colors and shades when putting together your dish, including things like contrasting sauces/dips against lighter-colored ingredients such as fish or vegetables.

Keep It Clean

Ensure your plate is clean before you serve. Even if you’ve created perfect contrasts between elements within a single dish, a dirty plate can easily detract from those efforts due to smudges or fingerprints still visible on the surface of the plate itself.

Creative Ideas to Try Out When Plate Up Your Dishes

Creating a dish that looks delicious and irresistible can be a challenge— fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get creative with plating. Whether you’re a professional chef or an amateur home cook, trying out the following ideas for plate presentation will make your dishes look irresistible.

Edible Flowers

Adding edible flowers as a garnish to your dishes can make them look more elegant and delectable. Choose blooms in season, such as roses, lilies, chamomile, lavender, or marigolds. Cut them into small pieces and sprinkle them on the dish before serving. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also add an unexpected burst of flavor and color.

Colorful Garnishes

Take advantage of the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables to create garnishes for your dishes that will make them stand out. Slice tomatoes into thin discs and arrange them around a plate; sprinkle fresh chives over a dish for a pop of green; grate carrots into ribbons for a splash of orange; or dice some mango into cubes for a hint of yellow.

Seasonal Arrangements

Incorporate seasonal ingredients into your presentation to give it an extra special touch. For example, using sprigs of rosemary or thyme during the winter months will make your dish look cozy while adding herbs like basil or parsley during the summertime will freshen up the platter.

Creative Shapes

Have fun with creating shapes when you plate up your food – use cookie cutters to cut vegetables like zucchini and squash into stars, hearts, or crescents; shape mashed potatoes into fun figures like hearts or animals; or serve the risotto in rounds with an imprinted swirl on top for an extra touch of style.

Sauces & Drizzles

Use sauces and drizzles as accents to tie all elements together on a plate – drizzle balsamic vinegar over salad greens; spoon crème fraiche onto fish dishes; add pesto sauce to rice dishes; pour melted butter over steamed vegetables; or spread mayonnaise on sandwiches.

Vertical Presentation

Elevating food off the plate can be done in many different ways – stack foods high on top of each other (like sliders); place small portions in shot glasses sitting atop larger plates; build cheese towers with multiple layers of cheese and crackers arranged on sticks; create cone-shaped mousses by freezing cream in tall shot glasses placed inside bigger ones filled with ice cubes — the possibilities are endless.

Examples of Plating Techniques and Styles

As a host, you can use several plating techniques and styles to create beautiful and delicious plates of food. In the following examples, you can find some of these techniques and styles in detail:

• Minimalist: This style of plating emphasizes simplicity and minimalism. It typically features one or two main ingredients arranged cleanly and straightforwardly on the plate. The goal is to showcase the natural beauty and flavors of the food without overwhelming the diner.
• Deconstructed: This plating style breaks down a dish into its components and presents them separately on the plate – allowing diners to experience each element of the dish individually rather than combining them.
• Landscape: This plating style involves arranging food on the plate to resemble a natural landscape or scene. For example, arrange a dish to resemble a garden or a mountain range. This style comes in very handy for dishes that feature a variety of different ingredients.
• Stack: This plating style involves stacking ingredients on top of each other to create a visually striking presentation. This technique is ideal for dishes comprising multiple layers or components.
• Color blocking: This plating style involves arranging food on the plate in blocks or stripes of different colors – creating a visually striking presentation pleasing to the eye and enhancing the dish’s flavors.
• Garnish-focused: This plating style heavily emphasizes using garnishes and other decorative elements to enhance the dish’s presentation. This garnishing can include edible flowers, herbs, or small sculptures made from food.
• Asymmetrical: This plating style involves arranging food on the plate in an asymmetrical or off-center manner. Such a plating technique can create a visually interesting presentation that draws the eye and adds a sense of movement to the dish.
• Interactive: This plating style involves presenting the food in a way that encourages interaction from the diner. For example, a dish may be presented with a small hammer and chisel to encourage diners to break open a shellfish, or you can pour sauce over a dish at the table.

The science and art of food plating have come a long way since its conception. We have shifted from the classic plating of centuries ago to today’s newer and more creative designs that would have amazed our ancestors. Whether you are plate-stacking for your next five-star meal or just trying to figure out a way to make lunch a little more appetizing, these tips can help you play with the latest trends in food plating. Throw in a splash of creativity; before you know it, you’ll turn any ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Co-Founder & CEO

Sabah Drabu is a foodie, engineer, and the Co-founder & CEO of CookinGenie. She created the platform in 2019 to connect local chefs with at-home diners, making hiring personal chefs more accessible. Sabah's idea has evolved into a service people use for parties, vacation rentals, and family gatherings.

Stay Updated with our blogs!

We’re sharing everything we know. enter your email to join the ride!

• Baby Shower
• Birthday Party
• Black Friday
• Cooking Classes
• Ingredients
• Mother's Day
• Thanksgiving
• Things to Do
• Uncategorized
• Valentine Day
• Washington DC

Book a Personal Chef for your next event.

CookinGenie chefs are perfect for birthday & dinner parties, meal prep, or small events!

The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Personal Chef in Your Neighborhood

A quick guide on how to find a chef for hire, why should you hire private chefs for small gatherings, get the cookingenie app, google play.

Sign up for the newsletter

• How it works
• Become a genie
• Refer a friend
• (833)-436-4387
• [email protected]
• Customer support

Build version: 1.0.0 | CookinGenie @2024. All rights reserved

CookinGenie @2024. All rights reserved | Privacy policy

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy

The Art and Science of Food Presentation: Elevating the Dining Experience

Discover the fusion of art and science in modern food presentation. Explore sensory experiences, molecular gastronomy, edible flowers, and color theory in this guide for restaurant owners.

Nils Bjørnsen

Introduction.

In the realm of culinary arts, food presentation has evolved into a sophisticated blend of creativity and precision. The interaction between visual aesthetics and gastronomic experiences sets the stage for a culinary journey unlike any other. As diners seek not only taste but also visual stimulation, the art of food presentation plays a pivotal role in elevating the overall dining experience. From intricate plating techniques to the use of unconventional garnishes, every element on the plate contributes to a multi-sensory adventure. This article explores the intricate dance between artistry and science in modern food presentation, delving deep into the nuances that captivate diners worldwide. Join us on a voyage into the world where culinary innovation meets artistic expression, where each dish tells a story and every bite is a brushstroke on the canvas of flavors.

The Art of Food Presentation

Food presentation is a crucial element that bridges the gap between culinary creativity and visual appeal. It is the art of transforming a dish into a masterpiece that entices not only the taste buds but also the eyes. The first impression of a dish is often formed based on its presentation, setting the stage for the entire dining experience. The art of food presentation goes beyond mere plating; it involves a careful consideration of balance, colors, textures, shapes, and overall aesthetics. Each element on the plate plays a significant role in creating a harmonious visual composition that complements the flavors and textures of the dish. Chefs leverage various techniques to elevate the presentation of their creations, from minimalist arrangements that focus on the essence of the ingredients to intricate designs that showcase culinary craftsmanship. The use of negative space, strategic positioning of components, and creative use of garnishes are all part of the artistry behind food presentation. Furthermore, cultural influences, historical references, and seasonal inspirations often serve as sources of creativity for chefs looking to excite and surprise their diners. In essence, the art of food presentation is a symphony of creativity, skill, and innovation that adds depth and dimension to the dining experience, transforming a simple meal into a memorable culinary journey.

Sensory Experience in Dining

In the realm of dining experiences, the sensory aspects play a crucial role in shaping a guest's perception and enjoyment of a meal. Beyond taste alone, the amalgamation of sight, smell, touch, and even sound can elevate a dish from mere sustenance to a multisensory journey.

Visual presentation is often the first sensory encounter a diner has with a dish. The arrangement of components on a plate, the use of colors and shapes, and the overall aesthetic appeal can spark anticipation and set the tone for the culinary experience to come. A visually striking dish can evoke emotions and build excitement before the first bite.

Moving beyond sight, the olfactory sense is a powerful tool in evoking memories and enhancing flavor perception. Aroma can enhance the dining experience by preparing the palate for the flavors that follow. Chefs strategically use fragrant elements like herbs, spices, and infusions to captivate diners from the moment a dish is presented.

When it comes to touch, the texture of food plays a significant role in creating a satisfying sensory experience. The contrast between crunchy and creamy, tender and firm, adds dimension to each bite, engaging not only the taste buds but also the tactile senses. Texture can surprise and delight, adding complexity to the overall enjoyment of a dish.

Sound, although often overlooked, can also contribute to the sensory symphony of dining. The crisp crackle of a perfectly seared steak, the gentle pop of caviar, or the sizzle of a dish being flambeed can enhance the dining experience by providing auditory cues that complement the flavors and textures on the plate.

By crafting dishes that engage multiple senses, chefs have the opportunity to create immersive dining experiences that leave a lasting impact on guests. The interplay of sight, smell, touch, and sound harmonize to elevate a meal into a sensorial masterpiece, where every element adds to the symphony of flavors and sensations.

Molecular Gastronomy Techniques

Molecular gastronomy has revolutionized the culinary world, incorporating scientific principles and innovative techniques to transform traditional dishes into captivating works of art. This avant-garde approach focuses on the chemical and physical transformations that occur during cooking, resulting in visually stunning and flavorful creations.

One prominent technique in molecular gastronomy is spherification, which involves the transformation of liquids into spheres using calcium chloride and sodium alginate. These caviar-like spheres burst with flavor upon consumption, adding a delightful textural contrast to dishes.

Another fascinating method is foams, where ingredients are aerated to create light, airy textures. Foams can range from savory to sweet, adding a whimsical touch to plates and enhancing the overall dining experience.

The use of liquid nitrogen is a hallmark of molecular gastronomy, instantly freezing ingredients to create unique textures and presentations. Flash freezing with liquid nitrogen allows chefs to experiment with textures like never before, resulting in visually striking dishes that defy traditional culinary expectations.

Furthermore, emulsifications play a crucial role in molecular gastronomy, as chefs blend ingredients that wouldn't naturally combine to create stable and visually appealing sauces and dressings. This technique opens up a world of possibilities for creating innovative flavor pairings and artistic presentations.

Overall, molecular gastronomy techniques provide chefs with a blank canvas to unleash their creativity and reinvent traditional dishes, elevating the dining experience to a multisensory journey that surprises and delights guests.

Edible Flowers as Garnishes

In the world of culinary arts, using edible flowers as garnishes is a trend that adds not only visual appeal but also a unique flavor profile to dishes. These delicate blooms are becoming increasingly popular in food presentation for their ability to elevate a dish from simple to spectacular. Edible flowers can range from subtle to vibrant in color, providing chefs with a natural palette to enhance their creations. Roses, lavender, violets, and marigolds are just a few examples of flowers that are safe for consumption and can be creatively used in garnishing. When incorporating edible flowers, it is crucial to ensure they are organic and free from pesticides. These blooms can be added to salads, desserts, cocktails, and even main dishes, offering a touch of elegance and sophistication. Not only do they contribute to the aesthetics of a dish, but they also infuse a hint of floral aroma and flavor, engaging multiple senses during the dining experience. Chefs play with textures, shapes, and colors when using edible flowers, turning each plate into a work of art. The use of edible flowers as garnishes exemplifies the harmony between nature's beauty and the culinary craftsmanship, making every meal a visual feast for patrons.

Impact of Color Theory on Perception

Color plays a crucial role in food presentation, influencing not only the visual appeal but also the perceived taste and overall dining experience. Understanding the impact of color theory on perception can help restaurants create visually stunning dishes that captivate diners.

Color Psychology : Different colors evoke specific emotions and associations. For example, red is often associated with energy and passion, while blue conveys calmness and serenity. By strategically using colors in food presentation, restaurants can evoke desired feelings in their guests.

Appetite Stimulation : Certain colors, such as red, orange, and yellow, are known to stimulate appetite. These warm colors can make dishes appear more appealing and appetizing. In contrast, cool colors like blue and green are often used to create a sense of freshness and healthfulness in food.

Plate and Background Selection : The choice of plate color and background can significantly impact how the food is perceived. Plates that contrast with food colors can make dishes stand out, while complementary colors can create a harmonious presentation. Dark plates often enhance vibrant food colors, providing a striking visual effect.

Color Combinations : Harmonizing colors on a plate is key to creating visually balanced and aesthetically pleasing presentations. Complementary colors, such as red and green or blue and orange, can create a visually striking contrast. Monochromatic schemes using varying shades of a single color can also create a sophisticated look.

Cultural Influences : Different cultures associate colors with varying meanings. It's essential for restaurants to consider cultural preferences and taboos when selecting colors for food presentation to ensure they resonate positively with diners.

In conclusion, mastering the art of color theory in food presentation is a powerful tool for restaurants to enhance the dining experience, evoke specific emotions, stimulate appetite, and create visually appealing dishes that leave a lasting impression on customers.

Case Studies of Innovative Food Presentations

In this section, we will delve into a selection of compelling case studies that showcase the ingenuity and creativity of modern food presentation techniques.

Virtual Reality Dining Experience: Imagine diners putting on VR headsets to immerse themselves in a digital world where their food is dynamically transformed into interactive art pieces that change with each course. This innovative approach stimulates not just taste but also sight and touch, creating a truly multisensory dining adventure.

Levitating Desserts: Some restaurants have taken dessert presentation to new heights by serving levitating sweet creations. Using magnetic levitation technology, desserts appear to float above the plate, mesmerizing diners and adding an element of whimsy to the dining experience.

Projection Mapping on Food: Projection mapping techniques are being used to project visually stunning animations onto dishes, turning them into moving canvases of art. From changing patterns to storytelling through visuals, this form of presentation adds an interactive and dynamic dimension to the dining table.

Interactive Plating Stations: Picture diners customizing their own plates at interactive plating stations equipped with edible paints, brushes, and garnishes. This hands-on approach empowers guests to become artists, encouraging creativity and personalization in their dining experience.

These case studies exhibit how innovative food presentations can elevate not only the visual appeal but also the overall dining experience, creating unforgettable moments that linger in the minds of guests far beyond the meal itself.

In conclusion, mastering the art and science of food presentation is a transformative journey that can elevate the overall dining experience. By intertwining creativity, precision, and an understanding of sensory perception, chefs and restaurant owners can captivate their customers in ways that go beyond taste alone. The fusion of artistic flair and gastronomic innovation not only delights the palate but also engages all the senses, creating a truly memorable meal. From molecular gastronomy techniques to the strategic use of color and the embellishment of edible flowers, every element plays a crucial role in shaping diners' perceptions. Through constant experimentation, attention to detail, and a commitment to pushing boundaries, restaurants can create visually stunning and emotionally resonant dishes that leave a lasting impact. Embracing innovation and exploring new horizons in food presentation paves the way for culinary excellence and ensures that every meal becomes a work of art in its own right.

Sign up for more like this.

• About FoodRavel
• Privacy Policy

Where food and travel meet…

More From Forbes

4 top food trends of 2023.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Now that 2022 is ending, it’s predictions time again.

Global food and restaurant consultancy Baum + Whiteman takes a deep dive in its latest food and beverage trends forecast – tapping pistachio as the nut of the year and exploring the possibilities of a potential recession.

Here are some of the report’s highlights:

SHANGHAI, CHINA - AUGUST 03: A customer uses her smartphone to make an electronic payment for her ... [+] food at Hongqiao Artificial Intelligence (AI) Restaurant on August 3, 2021 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

Trend #1: Growing impact of artificial intelligence

Beyond robot servers or cooks, look out for AI’s growing impact on dining. Presentation-wise, there’s more intrigue with how the Artificial Intelligence Image Generator creates different images and styles of food. The result is something between fantasy and reality, like these donuts by Israeli developer Omri Feinstein.

As for operations, machine-learning AIs will serve more as restaurant managers. They will perform tasks such as determining the quantity of produce to chop based on the day’s weather, fielding phone calls, and shifting a dishwasher to the veg prep station.

Trend #2: Rise of private dining clubs

Expect a boom in ultra-luxurious members’ clubs and restaurants that are “public” in name only,” such as mansions converted into clubs, and NFT restaurants with steep joining fees. These clubs aren’t the traditional collegiate ones like Harvard and Yale, but food-and drinks-centric venues geared for those who can shell as much as $500,000 for membership – plus a hefty monthly payment on the actual food, drinks, and services.

Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best covid-19 travel insurance plans.

At Aman Hotel in New York, only hotel guests – who pay the starting daily rate of $3200 – can wine and dine in its lobby bar and restaurants. Sure, the hotel offers an alternative for non-residents, but that comes at $200,000 for the hotel’s private club. There, members get access to their concierge services and amenities too.

Engineered plant-based burger patties from food company Beyond Meat are visible on shelves among ... [+] other meat alternatives at a grocery store in San Ramon, California, August 28, 2019. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Trend #3: Popularity wanes for plant-based foods

The market has spoken. With about a 10% drop in supermarket sales of faux meat by volume in the last year, and the stock price for Beyond Meat plummeting from $108 to roughly $12, people are cooling to plant-based food.

Among the reasons include price, taste, growing skepticism about the claimed health benefits, and, more importantly, the complex labels – which indicate that these are highly processed foods.

But don’t expect the green trend to end. Plant-based chains are still launching and attracting long lines , and dozens of alternate protein manufacturers are receiving billions in funding.

“Hybrid meats” combining cultured meats and plant-based faux ones could be the game changer. With their ‘health halo’ and taste closer to the real thing, these hybrid proteins might help revive people’s interest in plant-based food.

Close-up of order pickup area for McDelivery food delivery service at McDonald's restaurant in San ... [+] Ramon, California, January 21, 2020. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Trend #4: Pickup over delivery

Expect more people to pick up their food as inflationary fears and delivery fees continue to rise.

For the push factor, the delivery app experience is wonky for some. With delivery people picking and choosing which customers to prioritize based on certain apps’ signaling of generous and lousy tippers, some may even find their orders getting snubbed altogether.

As for the pull, fast cas restaurants and chains improve their efficiency by building more pickup lanes and pickup-only stores, so customers save time and money by as much as 30-50%.

Also, let’s not forget surge pricing, especially when the delivery fees match the food. As more companies put this dynamic pricing to the test, don’t be surprised by the consumer backlash and an even quicker shift to the pickup lanes.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

Moments Log

Blogging every moment of your life

The Art of Presentation: Food Styling Tips Inspired by Global Trends

Table of contents, colorful plating techniques for instagram-worthy meals, incorporating edible flowers and herbs for a fresh twist, creating texture and contrast with different cooking methods, using props and backgrounds to enhance the visual appeal of your dish.

“Transform your dishes into works of art with global – inspired food styling tips.”

When it comes to food presentation , the saying “you eat with your eyes first” couldn’t be more true. In today’s social media-driven world, it’s not just about the taste of the food, but also how it looks on the plate. Colorful plating techniques have become increasingly popular, especially on Instagram, where users are constantly on the lookout for visually appealing meals to share with their followers. Here are some food styling tips inspired by global trends that will help you create Instagram-worthy meals.

Firstly, consider the color palette of your dish. Vibrant colors are eye-catching and can make a dish look more appetizing. Think about using a variety of colors, such as red, green, yellow, and purple, to create a visually appealing plate. You can achieve this by incorporating colorful fruits and vegetables, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and beets, into your dish. Additionally, using edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums, can add a pop of color and elevate the overall presentation of your dish.

Another technique to consider is layering. Layering your ingredients can create depth and texture on the plate. For example, you can layer different types of vegetables or fruits on top of each other, or place a protein on a bed of grains or noodles. This technique not only adds visual interest but also allows for a more balanced distribution of flavors and textures in each bite.

Incorporating different shapes and textures can also make a dish more visually appealing. For example, you can use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles or use a mandoline to slice vegetables into thin, uniform pieces. Additionally, using a variety of textures, such as crunchy nuts or creamy avocado, can add dimension to a dish and make it more interesting to eat.

When it comes to plating, the arrangement of the food is just as important as the ingredients themselves. Consider the placement of each element on the plate and aim for a balanced composition. For example, you can create a focal point by placing the main ingredient in the center of the plate and arranging the other elements around it. Alternatively, you can create a more organic, free-form arrangement by scattering the ingredients across the plate.

Finally, don’t forget about the importance of negative space. Negative space, or the empty space on the plate, can help draw attention to the food and make it stand out. Avoid overcrowding the plate and leave some space between each element. This will not only make the dish look more visually appealing but also make it easier to eat.

In conclusion, creating Instagram-worthy meals is all about the art of presentation. By incorporating colorful ingredients, layering, using different shapes and textures, and paying attention to plating and negative space, you can elevate the presentation of your dishes and make them more visually appealing. Remember, the goal is not just to create a delicious meal but also to create a memorable experience for your diners.

Firstly, it is important to choose the right flowers and herbs for your dishes. Some popular options include lavender, rose petals, chamomile, mint, and basil. It is important to note that not all flowers and herbs are edible, so it is crucial to do your research and ensure that the ones you choose are safe to consume. Additionally, it is important to consider the flavor profile of the flowers and herbs you choose and how they will complement the other ingredients in your dish.

Once you have chosen your flowers and herbs, it is time to start incorporating them into your food styling. One popular trend is to use them as a garnish on top of dishes such as salads, soups, and desserts. For example, you could sprinkle some lavender buds on top of a lemon tart or add some fresh mint leaves to a fruit salad. This not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh and unique flavor to the dish.

Another trend is to infuse flowers and herbs into drinks such as cocktails and teas. For example, you could infuse some chamomile flowers into a hot cup of tea or add some fresh basil leaves to a gin and tonic. This not only adds a unique flavor but also creates a visually stunning drink that is sure to impress your guests.

Incorporating edible flowers and herbs into your food styling can also be a great way to add a cultural twist to your dishes. For example, in Indian cuisine , rose petals are often used in desserts such as gulab jamun and rasgulla. In Thai cuisine, edible flowers such as butterfly pea flowers are used to create vibrant blue and purple drinks. By incorporating these cultural elements into your food styling, you can create a unique and memorable dining experience for your guests.

When it comes to incorporating edible flowers and herbs into your food styling, it is important to remember that less is often more. While they can add a beautiful and unique touch to your dishes, it is important not to overdo it and risk overpowering the other flavors in your dish. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the flowers and herbs are fresh and not wilted or discolored.

In conclusion, incorporating edible flowers and herbs into your food styling can be a great way to add a fresh and unique twist to your dishes. By choosing the right flowers and herbs, infusing them into drinks, and adding cultural elements, you can create visually stunning and delicious dishes that are sure to impress your guests. Just remember to keep it simple and let the natural beauty and flavors of the flowers and herbs shine through.

When it comes to food styling, creating texture and contrast is key to making your dishes visually appealing. One way to achieve this is by using different cooking methods. From grilling to roasting, each technique can add a unique texture and flavor to your dish.

Grilling is a popular cooking method that can add a smoky flavor and charred texture to your food. To create contrast, pair grilled items with fresh ingredients like a bright salad or a cool yogurt sauce. For example, a grilled steak can be served with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad, or grilled vegetables can be paired with a creamy hummus dip.

Roasting is another technique that can add depth and richness to your dishes. Roasting vegetables, for example, can bring out their natural sweetness and create a crispy exterior. To create contrast, pair roasted items with something fresh and acidic, like a citrus vinaigrette or a tangy salsa. For example, roasted sweet potatoes can be served with a zesty orange and cilantro dressing, or roasted chicken can be paired with a bright tomato and avocado salsa.

Braising is a slow-cooking method that can create tender, flavorful dishes. Braised meats, for example, can be served with a crispy topping or a crunchy side dish to create contrast. For example, braised short ribs can be served with a crispy potato gratin, or braised pork can be paired with a crunchy slaw.

Frying is a technique that can create a crispy exterior and a tender interior. To create contrast, pair fried items with something fresh and light, like a citrusy salad or a refreshing dipping sauce. For example, fried chicken can be served with a bright and tangy coleslaw, or fried shrimp can be paired with a zesty cocktail sauce.

Sous vide is a cooking method that involves vacuum-sealing food and cooking it in a water bath at a precise temperature. This technique can create tender, juicy dishes with a consistent texture. To create contrast, pair sous vide items with something crunchy or crispy, like a toasted breadcrumb topping or a crispy potato chip. For example, sous vide salmon can be served with a crunchy panko crust, or sous vide steak can be paired with crispy fried onions.

Incorporating different cooking methods into your food styling can add depth and complexity to your dishes. By pairing grilled items with fresh ingredients, roasting with something acidic, braising with something crunchy, frying with something light, and sous vide with something crispy, you can create a visually stunning and delicious meal. Experiment with different techniques and ingredients to find the perfect combination for your next presentation.

When it comes to food presentation, the use of props and backgrounds can make all the difference in enhancing the visual appeal of your dish. In fact, the right props and backgrounds can elevate your dish to a whole new level, making it look more appetizing and enticing to your audience. In this article, we will explore some food styling tips inspired by global trends that you can use to create stunning presentations for your dishes.

One of the most popular trends in food styling today is the use of rustic and natural props and backgrounds. This trend is all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes your audience feel at home. To achieve this look, you can use wooden boards, baskets, and crates as props, and natural materials such as linen, burlap, and twine as backgrounds. These props and backgrounds work particularly well for dishes that are rustic or have a homemade feel, such as bread, cheese, and charcuterie boards.

Another trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the use of bright and bold colors in food styling. This trend is all about creating a vibrant and eye-catching presentation that grabs your audience’s attention. To achieve this look, you can use colorful plates, bowls, and utensils as props, and bright fabrics or wallpapers as backgrounds. This trend works particularly well for dishes that are colorful and visually striking, such as salads, smoothie bowls, and desserts.

If you want to create a more elegant and sophisticated presentation for your dishes, you can take inspiration from the minimalist trend in food styling. This trend is all about simplicity and understated elegance, with a focus on clean lines and neutral colors. To achieve this look, you can use white or neutral-colored plates and bowls as props, and simple fabrics or wallpapers as backgrounds. This trend works particularly well for dishes that are refined and delicate, such as sushi, seafood, and fine dining dishes.

Finally, if you want to create a fun and playful presentation for your dishes, you can take inspiration from the whimsical trend in food styling. This trend is all about creativity and imagination, with a focus on playful props and backgrounds that add a touch of whimsy to your dish. To achieve this look, you can use quirky and unusual props such as vintage toys, colorful straws, and paper umbrellas, and fun and playful fabrics or wallpapers as backgrounds. This trend works particularly well for dishes that are playful and fun, such as cocktails, milkshakes, and desserts.

In conclusion, the use of props and backgrounds can be a powerful tool in enhancing the visual appeal of your dish. By taking inspiration from global trends in food styling, you can create stunning presentations that are sure to impress your audience. Whether you prefer a rustic and natural look, a bright and bold look, a minimalist and elegant look, or a whimsical and playful look, there is a trend out there that is sure to inspire you. So go ahead and experiment with different props and backgrounds, and see how they can transform your dishes into works of art.

• Trending Now

The Top 25 Food Trends for 2024

The ever-shifting patterns of what people love to eat make exploring food trends for 2024 a thrilling prospect. What might food trends for 2024 have in store for home cooking, popular ingredients, beloved beverages and beyond?

Thanks to imaginative culinary leanings and a sense of food-based fun, there’s no shortage of tempting tastes and intriguing elements to try in the new year. 

Will healthful, comforting ingredients dominate the menu of new food trends in 2024? Or will indulgent delights and exotic flavors become the specials of the day? Luckily for us all, it’s a little of both! Dig into the list below and see what food trends of 2024 await you. 

Jump to Section

• Lifestyle Food Trends in 2024
• Ingredient Food Trends in 2024
• Beverage Food Trends in 2024

Lifestyle Food Trends in 2024 

1. urban farm produce.

Addressing the issue of urban food deserts, growing ultra-urban farm produce as a food trend in 2024 will bring fresh foods to places where it’s needed the most.

With options for local community gardens, kitchen crops and home-based hydroponics, there’s a world of novel growing methods to be explored — from rooftops to backyards to balconies. And every option provides critical access to healthy ingredients grown in responsible ways.

There are myriad cooking classes near you to help you learn to create salads, sides and vegetable-forward dishes that sing with fresh flavor and goodness. There are also online cooking classes available that allow you to explore food trends in 2024 from the comfort of your own kitchen. 

2. Climate-Conscious Foods

Sustainability will continue as an element of many food trends in 2024, just as it was a key food trend of the past few years. The availability of ingredients farmed responsibly with lower-impact growing methods will expand the movement in important ways.

Leading the charge: grains and other crops grown with concern for soil health, creating an easier environment for continued cultivation. Increasing interest in plant-forward dining will also carry forward the idea of careful cuisine. And the explosion of non-meat protein alternatives continuing into next year will highlight a desire for mindful options among the many food trends of 2024. Learning to prepare food this way may be an adjustment, but once you get started, you'll find the options are abundant. 

3. Pasture-Raised Meat and Eggs

Following the pattern of many other food trends of 2024, those with the means to purchase pasture-raised meat and eggs may be interested in making the shift. The reason is multi-faceted: Environmentally-destructive factory farms have fallen out of public favor over the past several years, with more consumers looking to purchase meat and eggs from small, local farms where animals are raised ethically with plenty of space and natural diets.

There's also a health component. Compared to factory-farmed livestock, pastured animals are less likely to suffer dangerous bacteria outbreaks such as e coli, staph or salmonella. Quality is also significantly higher; FACT reports that grass-fed beef contains less saturated fat, lower levels of inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and higher levels of vitamins than grain-fed beef typical of a commercial farm.

There can be a premium to buying pasture-raised, but as many folks move away from meat-focused diets, they are more willing to pay for higher quality in smaller quantities. Give it a try with this churrasco steak recipe with fresh chimicurri. We're likely to see this continue as a food trend in 2024.

4. Island Flavors

A splash of tropical sunshine will add some much-needed joy to our eating habits this year! Look for a fusion of traditional and island ingredients to create a food trend in 2024.

A rise in popular picks such as pineapple and passionfruit, as well as more adventurous options like coconut curry and Caribbean spices, will help turn simple dishes into unique experiences. And beverage flavors taking a turn toward the floral and fruity will help make the new year an escape to paradise. 

We Recommend :

• A Taste of Hawaii : Chef Courtney shows you how to prepare a three-course Hawaiian-inspired menu full of both traditional and mainlander flavors.
• Tropical Hawaiian Fare : Learn how to prepare a stunning four-course menu of traditional Hawaiian favorites. 

5. Spicy Bakes

Heating up traditional sweet bakes with chipotle, cayenne and other hot spices will set food trends in 2024 on fire! You’ll see heated flavor favorites like Mexican hot chocolate, mango habanero and chili raspberry popping up in the form of cakes, cookies and pies. It’s an earthy element that brings a sense of gourmet theater to all sorts of baked goods.

It’s also a fun and easy way to add complexity to familiar flavor profiles. Why not experiment with a little cayenne in your cupcakes to lend your sweets a little heat? It's a fun way to spice up date night — like in date night cooking classes in Calgary — or you could even try an online baking class for a little boost in inspiration!

6. Reducetarian Eating

As noted by Cambridge University Press , it's well documented that excessive meat consumption, especially red and processed meats, has damaging effects on our health and environment. Limiting your consumption of animal-based foods is at the heart of the reducetarian movement. Rather than going fully vegan or vegetarian, this food trend for 2024 embraces thoughtful moderation. It’s a great transition for mindful diners working toward a more environmentally conscious way of eating.

With incredible alternative meal options available in both ready-to-eat and easy-to-make forms, shifting away from animal food sources will be an easier, more delicious decision to make. If you're new to the movement, try this Korean tofu soup (soondubu jjigae) for an easy 30-minute meal.

7. International BBQ

While we’re turning up the heat in the new year, expect BBQ food trends in 2024 to bring the fire, too! Expanding our domestic BBQ palate, flavors from global cuisines will be lending their magic to traditional BBQ options in the coming year.

Regional spice profiles with smoky and peppery notes from the Middle East, the Mediterranean, South America and Asia will be rising in popularity. Look for an uptick in Korean and Thai BBQ techniques to provide some exciting fusion flash to your usual BBQ sensibilities. 

If you live in a BBQ haven, local chefs can even help you sort out fusion flavors blending classic American BBQ with international flare. Check out cooking classes in St. Louis or cooking classes in Denver for a start. And while you're at it, why not up your cutlery collection for the best knives to slice and serve your favorite BBQ options? We recommend the Cuisine::pro Sabre 9-Piece Knife Block Set or Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 15-Piece Cutlery Set .

8. Girl Dinner

You may have heard the term "girl dinner" online recently and wondered what it was all about. Girl dinner is an eating style based on low effort and high satisfaction. The concept is nothing new, though the name is. When you're not in the mood to cook but want to nourish yourself, you have girl dinner, creating a personal mini-buffet of the foods you love. 

More than a snack plate but less than a meal, girl dinner originated last year when TikToker Olivia Maher responded to a video in which the speaker described the typical meal of peasants — bread and cheese — as undesirable. Maher responded with, "But that's my dinner!" and posted her own video, dubbing her simple but satisfying repast as "girl dinner." This glorified snacking trend is going to stick around well into 2024.

9. Culinary Upcycling

2024 is winding up to be the year of culinary upcycling. This environmentally conscious initiative involves cooking with trimmings, food scraps and other parts of fruits and vegetables that typically get tossed out (but don't need to be!). Culinary upcycling is a great way to familiarize yourself with recipes that help fight food waste . It can also expand your palate so you can take advantage of the variety of flavors, nutrients and textures you usually miss out on with conventional food prep techniques.

• Cooking With Upcycled Ingredients

Ingredient Food Trends in 2024 

10. butter boards.

Butter is definitely having its moment in 2024. Last fall, TikTok creator and recipe developer Justine Snacks (Justine Doiron) took foodies by storm with a viral video in which she spread thick pats of butter across a serving board and topped it with all sorts of sweet and savory mix-ins.

Inspired by a technique by chef Joshua McFadden, "butter boards" are perfect for entertaining and serving a crowd, letting guests swipe breads, fried dough pieces, crackers or even crudités through the flavorful swirls of butter. You can go the sweet route with honey, fresh berries, dried fruits or flowers, or jams, or opt for savory instead with fresh herbs, chili crisp, chimichurri, crumbled bacon, roasted garlic or nuts. The combinations are limited only by your imagination.

11. Tinned Fish

Another of TikTok's biggest food trends in 2024 comes in an unlikely place: tinned seafood. We aren't just talking about the average can of tuna, either. Taking notes from traditional Spanish conservas (top-quality foods preserved in cans or jars), trendy tinned fish includes octopus, squid, mussels, mackerel and more. You'll often find these selections preserved in sauces or with herbs, or sometimes smoked.

Not only delicious, accessible and a wonderful addition to a snack board, tinned fish can also be a health-conscious addition to your pantry. Seafood is a great source of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Shellfish such as mussels and oysters are an excellent way to up your intake of zinc and vitamin B12. Plus, since so much tinned seafood consists of smaller-bodied, non-predatory fish (sardines, mackerel, squid, mussels, etc.), you can breathe easy knowing the mercury content is much lower than what you'd find in regular servings of large fish.

Try some spread on crackers, flaked over salad or eaten alongside a loaf of good bread and a glass of your favorite wine. You may also find tinned fish courses cropping up at popular eateries, which you can sample on food tours in NYC , food tours in Las Vegas or food tours in Chicago .

12. Peppers and Hot Flavors

Expect international peppers of all shapes, sizes and heat profiles to get things sizzling in the coming year. They’ll be making appearances in snacks, exotic condiments and exciting seasonings; so if you don't know how to eat hot peppers , now's the time to learn!

Don’t be surprised to see adventurous flaming hot flavors expand beyond chips and popcorn. Fast food outlets, food trucks and even home cooking options will have their own spiced-up versions of hot offerings as a food trend for 2024, including mac and cheese and fried chicken. If you want to crank up the heat in your own recipe rotation, hook up with a local chef for cooking classes in Napa , cooking classes in NYC or cooking classes in Toronto .

13. Vegan Eggs

With substitutes available that can stand in for eggs in both function and flavor, vegan eggs are a thrilling new food trend for 2024. They’re practically identical when used in omelets or quiche and make low-cholesterol baking a foolproof success.

And if you’re comparing nutrition facts, a serving of plant-based eggs has the same calorie and fat content as a serving of traditional eggs, and only one gram less of protein. When paired with plant-based chicken, beef and pork options, they round out a conscious swing toward animal-free eating that will continue to grow in 2024 and beyond. 

14. Alternative Chocolates

Think outside the chocolate box to find a fun chocolate-based food trend for 2024! New colors and flavors such as gold and ruby bring a sense of elegance to the chocolate experience.

These flavors are nothing like your favorite milk, dark or white chocolate. Ruby chocolate carries a sweet-to-tart berry flavor profile, while golden chocolate tends toward caramel and toffee notes. And their hushed tones add elegant and exciting colors to the chocolate spectrum. Experiment with them when baking, creating home confections or for a celebratory anniversary date idea for a sweet, upscale twist. 

15. Yuzu Fruit

According to Healthline , this small, pebble-skinned fruit helps reduce inflammation and promotes heart health. It also packs a powerful antioxidant-and-vitamin one-two punch for its size, similar to a mandarin.

This power fruit can also be found in juice and jams, as well as in whole form in grocery store produce sections. And with a taste profile more sour than citrus, it can easily replace lemons and limes for a tangy kick in all sorts of recipes, from salads to desserts. Look for it to become a prominent superfood as the new food trends of 2024 roll out. 

16. Moringa

Medical News Today touts moringa as a source of numerous vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B3, calcium and iron. It’s a healthful ingredient that aids in everything from treating mood disorders to reducing high blood pressure.

Leaves from this highly valued plant, also known as the drumstick tree, will be found in salads and used as teas as food trends in 2024 prove out. Though fresh moringa may not be widely available, a powdered version can be found in health food stores, perfect for including in shakes and smoothies.

17. Turmeric

Several studies, like this one in Foods , have proven the curcumin compound in this umami spice to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. That makes it one of the healthiest seasonings you can have in your spice rack.

You’ll see an uptick in its use as a food trend for 2024, showing up in everything from turmeric lattes to cereal. Its slightly mustardy profile makes it an ideal addition to eggs, soups, stir-frys and other savory dishes. Sprinkle it on popcorn or include it in hummus for an extra-healthful kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try a golden hot chocolate with turmeric as the star ingredient! 

Being a star ingredient in Indian cuisine, these dishes are a great place to start familiarizing yourself with turmeric's earthy flavor profile. Get expert insight from world-class chefs with cooking classes in Vancouver , cooking classes in Columbus and more cities near you.

18. Plant-Based Chicken

Expanding the alternative protein movement, plant-based chicken will be a star player of the food trends in 2024.

Fast food chains are testing versions in select markets, hoping to expand their options beyond beef patties. For home cooking options, you’ll find newer and better versions cropping up in national grocery chains. Look for a wider selection of tenders, strips and even fried chicken alternatives to become sensations in the new year. 

Welcome back a favorite comfort dish as a food trend in 2024! Expect a push for healthier versions that bring a sense of culinary well-being to the usual pasta experience.

It isn’t just Italian pasta making waves this time: international flavors from North Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey will be showing up in the new year. You’ll also see a turn toward healthier base ingredients, grains, pulses and legumes such as spelt, flax and even chickpeas. Add hearty toppings and sauces prepared with plant-based ingredients and you have a food trend for 2024 we can all get wrapped up in. Become a pasta making master with cooking classes in Orlando , cooking classes in Orange County and beyond.

Beverage Trends in 2024 

20. botanicals.

When it comes to upmarket beverage flavors, watch for elderflower, lavender and other natural floral flavors to add to the food trends of 2024. These delicate essences bring a fresh profile to drinks that supplants the need for added sweeteners.

Expect herbaceous and greener flavors to come forward as well, highlighting a cultural shift toward food and drink trends featuring more natural flavorings. Even familiar, earthy botanical spirits like amaro and absinthe will be seeing an uptick in the new year. If you're feeling at all stumped on how to hop on the trend yourself, the five-star mixologists leading online mixology classes are happy to share their recipes.

21. Bold Flavors

Other beverages will see a return to simplicity with dominant single-note flavors as a food trend for 2024. Nostalgic candy flavors like cherry, green apple and watermelon that bring a sense of carefree childhood indulgence are on the horizon.

Though nuanced flavors have made beverages feel upscale and exclusive in the past, these more direct flavor profiles with fewer bells and whistles are easier to recognize as familiar tastes. It marks an important return to comfort as a response to the increase of general life stress from the past few years.

22. Functional Fizz for Self-Care

Expect a step up in the fizzy water trend of the past few years with a blast of wellness-minded additions. With elements of ginger and citrus introducing natural ingredients, seltzer takes on a more useful purpose than simple refreshment.

There’ll be upmarket versions of traditional colas as well, with elevated flavor profiles, vitamins and minerals added, and sugar removed for a more mindful beverage experience. Kombucha is also expected to continue its wave of fizzy fermented popularity for health and general enjoyment. 

23. Clean-Label Simplicity

Clean labels with fewer ingredients will be dominating the beverage market as a food and drink trend in 2024. Many beverage makers will be doing away with artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. Though this isn’t a new idea, the increased interest in health exhibited by consumers due to COVID-19 has brought it to the forefront.

This trend will affect soft drinks and colas as well, with vitamin-fortified and naturally sweetened versions of classic offerings being rolled out in the new year. 

24. Potato Milk

Joining other plant milks on grocery shelves as delicious alternatives to dairy, potato milk will be seeing its stock rise among food trends in 2024.

This unexpected ingredient is low in saturated fat and sugar and presents the most sustainable version of non-dairy milk yet. It may sound like an unlikely contender, but with a creamy consistency and neutral flavor that can be sweetened easily, watch for potato milk to stake its claim in the beverage case this year. 

25. Zero-Proof Spirits

One of the most exciting beverage-based food trends of 2024 is the turn to zero-proof spirits. They present all the flavor with none of the alcohol, making them a perfect replacement for beverage lovers opting for less of a buzz in the new year.

They’re available in various flavors that mimic their alcohol-based counterparts. And they blend easily with your favorite bar elements to become friendlier versions of familiar cocktails. It’s a fantastic compromise for the health-minded drinker and an inclusive way to jazz up parties, get-togethers or girls night ideas .

Thank you for signing up for our mailing list.

A lot of thoughtful, exciting additions to the food world will be making their way into our dining habits this year. Why wait to sample the goodness? Don’t be afraid to jump in and try some of the new food trends of 2024, and see where the culinary road takes you. With a little open-minded experimentation, you’ll be ahead of the curve on the latest flavors and ingredients as we head into the new year! 

For more fun and interesting food trends, check out the other exciting offerings on Cozymeal.

Discover the best in culinary experiences and products on Cozymeal: From in-person cooking classes to virtual cooking & mixology classes to private chef meals and top-rated cookware — from world-class chefs, mixologists & more.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT?

Join the conversation..

04 Aug 2024

sorry mates

funnnnnnnnnyy

17 Apr 2024

Never eat plant based food its disgusting get it

15 Sep 2022

I find it ironic that you push the ideal animal based proteins are hard on the earth, but then you pushing exotic ingredients as if the carbon footprint associated with citrus fruits especially things like pineapple, tumeric and moringa come from very far away lands when being imported to Europe, US and others. Just sayin good article just one sided on a political climate trip

15 Jul 2022

Very insightful article! Thank you for putting it together!

We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, analyze site traffic and personalize content. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies Accept

This website uses cookies to enhance user experience and to analyze performance and traffic on our website.

We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.

This website uses cookies to enhance user experience and to analyze performance and traffic on our website. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.

Share This article!

You’re in! Thank you for signing up.

• Share this —

• Watch Full Episodes
• Read With Jenna
• Inspirational
• Relationships
• TODAY Table
• Newsletters
• Start TODAY
• Shop TODAY Awards
• Citi Concert Series
• Listen All Day

Follow today

More Brands

• On The Show
• TODAY Plaza

6 food and drink trends you’ll be seeing in 2024, according to chefs

Recipes featured in this article, mushroom potpie, life is beautiful mocktail, blue butterfly mocktail.

Hot on the heels of “ girl dinner ,” pickles in a blanket and feta fried eggs , our stomachs are now set on the trendy ingredients, flavors and gastronomical experiences that will shape 2024. We’re sure the new year will bring the absurd, the delicious and the absurdly delicious, but many fads speak to overarching themes like sustainability, the state of our economy and access to produce that may or may not have been farmed on a global scale.

To provide more insight on what the future holds, we spoke to dozens of chefs from around the world to speak to six food and drink themes that are sure to be the rage in the coming year.

Super spicy condiments

Gone are the days of notoriously picky kids refusing to try more adventurous dishes. Gen Z has ushered in a willingness to sample new ingredients, especially when it comes to all things spicy (and swicy ). And while fiery condiments like Sriracha , chili oil and hot sauce are certainly here for the long run, expect these beloved concoctions to be integrated more frequently and creatively in mainstream cuisine.

Examples will include painfully piquant ramen, African-inspired chili oils and pepper-infused spirits.

“The thrill of heat is not just about setting taste buds on fire; it’s about the complexity and depth that fiery elements can bring to a dish or cocktail,” says Hicham El Ibrik, complex director of food and beverage for Islamorada Resort Collection , who recently introduced a zesty lobster arrabbiata at his Reel Catch restaurant in Amara Cay, Florida.

“I believe fermented, spiced sauces will continue to be a condiment people crave; they always deliver big on flavor,” adds Gareth Mullins, executive chef of Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel . “ Gochujang (Korean red chili paste) is a staple in my pantry for its robust flavor and delicious taste.”

Innovative plant-based cuisine

A rise in veganism and vegetarianism , as well as a general public desire to eat more plant-based food, isn’t just a foray into proactive health consciousness — it’s also a response to the environmental concerns of livestock farming. But we’re no longer limited to protein sources like tofu, beans and lentils. Instead, chefs have become more innovative in their approach to plant-based eating, using vegetables in more creative ways to land them in the starring role of your plate.

“The evolution of plant-based foods is fascinating, particularly with innovations like mushroom root steaks,” confirms Wojciech Popow, executive development chef of Beaverbrook in Surrey, U.K. “Mushrooms offer a unique texture and umami flavor that can mimic meat, appealing to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.”

Get The Recipe

Vjay Veena, executive chef of The Setai in Miami Beach, echoes this sentiment, but also predicts that stem vegetables like okra, corn, eggplant, green beans and edamame will “be huge as well.”

But when it comes to seafood, here is where ingenuity on the plate really gets a chance to shine, like the taro-based “scallop” at Prince Waikiki’s 100 Sails restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

“Plant-based seafood has become popular due to decreasing numbers of productivity, which has skyrocketed fish prices,” says Yulissa Acosta, chef de cuisine at Hearth ‘61 at Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale . “Seaweed, soy and different types of starches are being utilized in certain restaurants to replace the fish on their menu, and I believe the demand will increase for 2024.”

That said, it’s important to not always see plants as a “meat replacement” and to celebrate the textures and flavors in their original forms.

“Plant-based products no longer have to look and taste like animal products, and can instead be something entirely their own,” stresses Carsten Kyster, executive chef of plant-based Shades of Green at the Soneva Fushi resort in Maldives. “A beetroot is a beetroot in the plant-based universe and we showcase the best of what it can be in our beetroot tartare.”

Nonalcoholic spirits and wine

The concept of mocktails and zero-proof drinks is far from novel, but the nonalcoholic beverage industry will continue to extend beyond an ordered glass at a bar or restaurant.

Entire bottles of spirit-inspired blends are anticipated to dominate liquor store shelves, as well as canned nonalcoholic wines, spritzes and seltzers. This trend will also extend into fine dining with tastings that incorporate innovative, nonalcoholic sippers to complement each course. 

“The rise of nonalcoholic pairings, whether it’s with exquisite teas or artfully crafted juices, signifies a refreshing evolution in the world of culinary experiences, where the harmony of flavors extends to those who seek a vibrant, alcohol-free journey through their dining adventures,” says Laurent Gardinier, president of Relais & Châteaux in France.

“Our resort will expand its cocktail and mocktail offerings in 2024, which will incorporate regional herbal and floral elements like jasmine, yucca and Indian paintbrush,” adds Marissa Valdez, director of food and beverage at ULUM in Moab, Utah. “There will also be fun transitional elements such as fruit- and chocolate-infused ice cubes that change the flavor of the drink as it melts.”

Kevin Zapf, owner of alcohol-free speakeasy Bandbox Orlando , also predicts a rise in mocktail innovation, but claims that it will focus more on the integration of specific ingredients rather than just the lack of alcohol.

“The trend is now pushing further into more CBD or THC-based beverages,” he shares. “Another portion of the market is also expanding into kava and kratom-based drinks and seltzers as well.”

Little luxuries

“Treat yourself” may be a phrase plucked directly from an iconic episode of “Parks and Recreation,” but its significance is more important now than ever before.

As the stresses of a struggling economy, wars and pandemic have taken their toll on our mental health, many people are turning to single-serving culinary indulgences to get them through another day. This trend also allows for consumers to afford smaller-portioned, typically unattainable luxury items like tinned fish and caviar , rather than shelling out hundreds of dollars on products that could go to waste if not served on a special occasion and/or to a larger group of people.

“As we embrace 2024, the culinary world is witnessing a transformative trend: mindful indulgence,” reaffirms Wilfried Bergerjausen, culinary director of RMD Group in San Diego. “This concept transcends mere dining; it’s about celebrating affordable luxury, where the simplicity of daily meals is elevated to gourmet heights through creativity and conscientious care.”

“Consumers are increasingly drawn to meaningful, budget-friendly culinary delights that connect them with cultural stories and traditions,” he adds, noting that the popularity of koji — mold-inoculated rice, barley or soybeans from Japanese cuisine — is a perfect example. “It emphasizes intentional food choices, preferring quality over quantity, and connecting with the stories behind our meals. Koji, with its rich heritage and profound impact on flavors, embodies the spirit of mindful indulgence, reminding us that extraordinary experiences often originate from the simplest of ingredients.”

Tried-and-true staples of opulence like caviar, however, will continue to have a moment, both in restaurants and on pantry shelves.

“There is a ‘ caviar renaissance ’ happening at the moment, tied to its availability, affordability, service and types of presentation we’re seeing used across the board,” says Francisco Lopez Jr., executive chef at MacArthur Place . “It is (also) being presented in new ways, such as inside of waffles, as chips and dip, or on top of savory French toast.”

Snacks for dinner

Grazing and charcuterie boards aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. And while we may scoff at the gendered idea of “ girl dinner ” (which typically includes cheese, crackers, nuts and deli meats), noshing in place of a full meal provides a sense of exploration and customization that may be more limited by straightforward, easy-to-make dishes. It’s also an easy way to use up and reimagine leftovers by placing a variety of these bites on one serving tray.

“The trend (also) reflects a shift towards interactive and social dining, encouraging people to savor an assortment of delectable bites in a communal setting,” says Lisa Karvellas, owner and CEO of Cedar Lakes Estate in Port Jervis, New York. “Food boards not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of the dining experience but also allow for personalization, enabling individuals to showcase their culinary preferences and creativity.”

While we’ve seen butter boards , candy charcuterie boards and even sea-cuterie boards that utilize tinned fish, Natalie Mariani Kling, marketing strategist at the  Mariani Packing Company , has her sights set on “char- fruit -erie” in particular.

“We are seeing a trend in specialized boards and predict that a healthy, dessert-centric ‘char-fruit-erie board’ featuring dried apricots and mangos will ultimately have its moment,” she says.

Botanical and floral-based everything 

As an extension to wellness trends that incorporate immunity-boosting health properties, 2024 will focus more specifically on botanicals and florals, especially when imaginatively integrated into cocktails, desserts and other indulgences, to counter excessive sugar content. In addition to bold and many times unfamiliar flavors, these herbs, petals and elixirs bring a plethora of health benefits like vitamins and antioxidants that can potentially lower inflammation in the body.

“We centered several of our culinary endeavors around the property’s entho-botanical garden, which boasts local plants, herbs and flowers. Based on seasonality and respectfully foraging what we truly need, sustainability (is) top of mind,” says Fernando Labra Degante, food and beverage manager of Banyan Tree Veya, Valle de Guadalupe . “Incorporating local florals, herbs and botanicals in our dishes not only nurtures health-conscious and sustainable choices, but also forges a connection between our guests and the destination.”

While popular ingredients like hibiscus and color-changing butterfly powder will continue to have a strong presence, at least according to Grant Morgan, executive concept chef of Hotel Drover and  97 West Kitchen & Bar in Fort Worth, Texas, we can also look forward to plant additions that we might not know exist.

“The inclusion of (something like) wasabi flowers in our dishes gives a unique and sophisticated touch,” says Jakob de Neergaard, executive chef at Hotel d’Angleterre ’s Marchal in Copenhagen. “This approach allows us to incorporate both the familiar flavor of wasabi and the visual and aromatic elements of the flower.

“Additionally, the elderberry flower and the rose hip are also picked locally in season and then pickled and used during the winter season as a flavoring and fortifying agent in our dishes,” he adds.

No matter the craving, one thing’s for certain when it comes to the future of food and drink: New and unique flavors and ingredients,as well as their impact on personal health and the environment. There are no hard and fast rules that dictate what tastes good. After all, cuisine is subjective and typically a representation of unique cultures and traditions, but expect meals to be served with a side of mindfulness so that we can make more informed eating choices that honor the past, inspire the present and ensure that future generations will also be able to enjoy the literal fruits our culinary industry’s labor.

Joey is a writer/editor, TV/radio personality, lifestyle expert, former entertainment publicist and author of "Basic Bitchen."

16 Food Presentation Ideas to Steal From Top Restaurants

Chances are, your caterer has more than bacon-wrapped dates and chicken skewers to offer. But while creative menu items are important, don't underestimate the power of presentation. Innovative food displays can make an indelible impression on guests and enhance their overall event experience considerably.

To help you think beyond ordinary hors d'oeuvres, here are some unusual, whimsical, and downright jaw-dropping presentation ideas from top restaurants across the country. So whether you serve chicken fritters in a glass shoe or you figure out how to make potato chips levitate, consider using these ideas to dial up the creativity at your next bash.

The Why Behind AI: Event Activations with Purpose

Event Tech Check: New Tools for Networking, Staffing, Floor Plans, and More

Disrupting the Status Quo With Event Tech Trends

The Macallan Marked 200 Years with a High-Tech, Multisensory Scotch Whisky Experience

Quick Tip: Clever Signs Help Guests at Noisy Event

7 Elegant Catering Ideas for Company Picnics

What Does a Place Setting for an All-Finger-Food Dinner Look Like?

Would You Serve Event Drinks in These Edible, Flavored Glasses?

Immersive Experiences Unveiled: Mastering the Future of Event Planning

Event Tech Check: Tech at the Olympics, Plus New Tools for Event Management, Ticket Sales, and More

Event Profs Share Their Wildest Event Ideas—That Actually Worked

Us open 2024: 17 grand slam events, activations, and collabs that served more than tennis, see the colorful playground (and giant slide) that google play brought to a music festival, booking a controversial event speaker here’s how to prepare for the unexpected, how barstool sports took on the great outdoors with this camp-themed activation, has this media brand solved the experiential marketing equation, this event prof is on a mission to connect experiential freelancers with top brands and agencies.

How This Corporate Keynote Took Over the Sphere's 160,000-Square-Foot LED Screen

Fenty Beauty Has Returned to Roblox—Here’s Why That’s a Smart Marketing Move

Growth in the Era of AI-Assisted Events

Event Tech Check: The Newest Tools for Floor Plans, Event Management, Video Creation, and More

Give Your Meetings Management Tech a Makeover with Eventcombo

CHEFIN Australia

2022 Food & Beverage Trends From Chef’s Perspective

2021 was a crazy year for the food and dining industry. The pandemic brought about so many upheavals and changed the way food and dining looks in a way we never could have predicted. This year, we’re expecting to see the dust settle and a lot of exciting 2022 food & beverage trends crop up as a result of being under quarantine and the changing nature of socialising. And who better to predict the incoming 2022 food & beverage trends than our team of chefs? Here are the biggest food, beverage, and restaurant trends that are set to define dining in 2022.

2022 Food trends

So, what trends can we expect to see this year? Some are already starting to bloom, having already had their roots in 2020 and the worldwide quarantine experience. Others are here only as whispers, changes that we expect to see unfold as the year progresses. Remember – you heard it here first!

Dining out is ‘out’ and dining in is ‘in’

Like most of 2022 Food Trends, we’ve got COVID to thank for this one. Being forcibly locked in at home with nowhere to go over a year, we were forced to experience the art of dining in – and now we never want to go back! OK, maybe sometimes. But dining in is a huge new trend that will only continue to unfold as the year goes on.

People are learning to recreate the restaurant experience at home, in their own creative ways. We’re learning that you don’t have to eat out to enjoy an amazing dining experience with loved ones, there’s plenty of fun to be had by dining in. Choosing the music, choosing the lighting, choosing the food – and even choosing the chef ! No parking, no crowds, and no waiting… There’s something about dining at home that adds an extra dose of intimacy that eating out simply does not have, and in a time when we’re craving special social interactions it’s more ‘in’ than ever to dine in. Not to mention, you can do it all in your pyjamas!

Crafty cooking

Social media has done a whole lot for the food world. A great meal isn’t just one that tastes good, but one that looks good too – and the more novelty, the better! Now TikTok has taken the food game to a whole other level, introducing the concept of wonderfully weird and crafty foods. Suddenly, a new trend is born!

Remember whipped Dalgona coffee and mini pancake cereals ? Those are just the beginning of a new trend that will sweep throughout this year with more whimsical food experiments. Why? Because people have spent almost an entire year at home, starved of boredom and creativity and looking for excitement in the day-to-day. People are actually looking forward to being in the kitchen, and if it involves some crazy food experience they can share ons social media, then even better. What’ll we see next?! Stay tuned.

Interactive dining experiences

2021 was the year that we realised how lucky we are to have a close circle of family and friends, and being apart made us miss them more than ever. Zoom has become the new platform for social activities, and we’ve learned to do more than just chat to pass the time – cos that gets boring. We’re playing games, we’re trying new activities, we’re having fun in more ways than just through conversation. And now that’s being translated into dining, too. Who wants to just sit around eating a boring old meal these days? Nobody!

We want fun, exciting, new and different experiences (that we can also share on social media). As a result, we’re already seeing – and expect to see more – increased interest in interactive dining experiences . These are social dinners where you can socialise and interact with your fellow diners beyond just eating and commenting on the food – picture things like blindfolded dinners , interactive eating, taste of the world banquets, and more. In 2022 there’ll be a lot more cool dining experiences to be had both at home and in restaurants, and more risk-taking in a year where taking risks doesn’t seem that far out anymore. Expect to see the interactive dining scene continue to evolve throughout the year!

Plant-based meats go mainstream

If it seems like more and more people are going vegetarian, it’s because they are! With a larger number of the population going for plant-based diets, the food industry is responding accordingly. 28% of people surveyed by the International Food Information Council have said that they’re getting more of their protein from plant-based sources now, and you can bet that’ll translate into exciting new vegetarian dishes popping up everywhere.

One of the biggest 2022 Food Trends is set to be centred around plant-based meats and more vegetarian options both in restaurants and fast food joints as well as supermarkets. We’ll be seeing not just plant-based burgers but also plant-based fish, chicken, duck, and all sorts of other veggie versions of our favourite meat dishes. Cooking for vegetarians is no longer a specialty but an absolute must for any self-respecting chef, and you can expect to see new and inventive ways of eating plants in 2022. No more opting for salad if you’re a veggo, and more deliciously flavoursome veggie-based meals to be seen on menus everywhere. Interested in this topic? Read this 5 Food Trends in 2022 That Seek to Tackle Climate Change .

Breakfast goes gourmet

It seems like in the last few years we’ve rejigged all our meals, except breakfast. This year, we’ll see brekkie become a gourmet meal of its own – no more cereals, smoothies, and quickie Up&Go breakfasts! In 2022, we’ll be seeing more and more delicious breakfast options from both fast food takeaways and dine-in restaurants (including more all day breakfast options!) It is the most important meal of the day, after all.

With more people embracing a healthier approach and looking for more exciting ‘foodie’ meals, it’s time that breakfast had a makeover. Bacon and eggs, we love you, but there’s more to a hearty breakfast than just that. In 2022, expect to see a rise in done-for-you breakfast meal-prepping businesses as well as meal kits starting to include breakfast in their options (come to think of it, we’re surprised they hadn’t done this sooner). Oh, and when it comes to socialising? Goodbye brunch, and hello breakfast for great morning catch up before you go about your day.

Hiring a private chef

Hello, luxury! 2021 was the year of ‘treat yourself’ and 2022 is the year that private chefs finally step out of the luxurious celebrity landscape and into the homes of everyone else. We’ve seen so many cooking shows over the years, yet many of us still haven’t considered the fact that we could hire our own private chef to come into our home and cook for us – until 2022, that is.

Private chefs are seeing a boom in eating out in restaurants, and they’re great in more ways than just one. They offer more creative ways of cooking, bespoke individualised menus, and a whole extra element of fun and excitement to a dinner party. You can feel all fancy in front of your friends, and best of all, you don’t even have to clean up!

2022 is the year that private chefs become the new caterers, especially on special occasions and moments where you want to spoil someone you love (or yourself). Think Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations… takeaway just won’t cut it anymore, and personal chefs are a step above the usual restaurant experience. Personal chefs, it’s your time to shine!

Cooking classes (in-person and virtual)

As we’ve seen throughout 2021, more and more experiences are popping up in the virtual realm. We’ve seen wine tastings and cheese tastings, and now cooking classes are set to be the huge new fad in 2022. We’re more interested in cooking than ever, and at the same time, we’re looking for new and different ways to socialise after playing way too many board games and trivia. Enter cooking classes – combining our newfound love of being in the kitchen with the desire to interact with more than just conversation.

Virtual cooking classes are a fun and safe way to socialise, get hands-on, and learn something new while you’re at it. Not to mention you get to enjoy a delicious meal afterwards and learn some hot tips from a professional chef! Cooking classes in person are even more fun (did someone say food fight?) and another hot trend as we look for new ways to socialise in the post-pandemic world. Do this for birthdays, celebrations, parties, and just because you’re bored. Grab a few mates, hire a private chef , and cook up something yum! We also expect to see more cook-offs… because who doesn’t love a healthy dose of competition?

Cultural cuisines

We’ve always been partial to food from other cultures, like Indian, Italian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern… but what about Burmese food? Or Kenyan cooking? Have you ever tried Peruvian meals or food from Tajikistan? 2022 is the year that we’ll see more and more foods from diverse cultures popping up around the place. Whether it’s a home-delivery service, pop-up restaurant, or new dining space in a shipping container, expect new and exciting flavours to hit your palate.

This is another trend we can thank TikTok for. With the widespread popularity of the app, we’ve been seeing what’s happening in kitchens from all over the world, and this is expanding our vision of what food is and what food can be. For those who never considered dabbling in other cuisines, there’s a newfound curiosity emerging. And with all the boredom that’s come with COVID-19 lockdowns, people are keener than ever to take a chance on food that’s different (and Instagrammable… don’t forget that part).

At the same time, we’re expecting 2022 to be the year where we differentiate regional cuisines rather than using blanket terms. No more ‘Chinese’ cooking, but more Szechuan, Hunanese, or Cantonese cooking. Less ‘Indian’ and more Parsi, Konkani, and Bengali foods. Even when it comes to popular foods like Italian, we’ll see more nods towards regions like Napoli, Tuscan, or Sicilian foods.

Multi-course meal extravaganzas

When you were stuck at home all day in quarantine, mealtimes become the highlight of your day – and nobody wants to stop at just one course anymore. We want multi-course meals , we want to eat the food we’re seeing when binge-watching cooking shows on TV, and we want fine-dining! And all of this in the comfort of our own homes!

After a year of takeaway and home delivery, we’re getting tired of fast food and the usual meals. We want to treat ourselves to something special, to reward ourselves for what’s been a difficult 2021, and to try something new and different. We want slick and elegant multi-course meals to film and post on social media. And as a result, we’ll be seeing a lot more banquets and feasts being offered in restaurants and more people interested in degustations and multi-course meals than just a single old dish. Whether that means eating out, bringing in a private chef, or trying to tackle it yourself is up to you!

Individualised menus

Now that many of us have abstained from eating out for a while, looking back at a generic menu won’t be the same. We’ve been eating at home, ordering a lot of takeaway, and often that means everyone choosing a dish of their liking from a restaurant of their choosing. To go back to eating at one restaurant and all picking a dish from a single menu won’t be the same. So in 2022, we’re expecting more individualised and customised menus to be the norm – whether that’s at restaurants, catering, or takeaways.

Heritage cooking

This one goes hand in hand with the increased popularity of cultural cuisines. We’re going back to the past, baby! With more and more people interested in returning to our roots and origins, and also trying to eat healthier and more wholesome meals, 2022 will see food start to go back to where we came from. We’re talking about more traditional heritage dishes that have been long forgotten, or considered a little too time-consuming for the home cook to try.

As a whole, we’ve seen the problem with processed foods and fast foods, and we’ve watched enough cooking shows to see how much thought and dedication goes into making traditional recipes. And as a result, more of us are embracing our roots and looking back to the past to take tips for the future. Think more restaurant menus with older, traditional dishes, as well as simple things like preserved foods and fermented food. At the same time, we’ll be seeing more people trying to DIY foods that they would’ve traditionally bought ready-made from the supermarket – think making your own sausages, stocks, etc.

Making your own condiments

In 2021, we saw fermented foods becoming a huge trend, and in 2022 that’ll go next level to amass all sorts of condiments. Preserve, pickle, ferment, and make your own jams, compotes, and sauces! With more home-cooking happening in the age of lockdown, people are looking for quick and easy ways to add flavours to their dishes, and it’s the perfect time to see homemade and small batch sauces, spice blends, and condiments popping up.

There’s a whole lot to love about condiment culture – they make food taste brighter and tastier, and it’s a fun activity to do at home if you’re bored and feel like doing something productive. We might even see condiments and cooking classes come together for a fun new social activity. People will be trying their luck at DIY chimichurri, sauerkraut, chilli sauce, and pickles. Make a whole batch and gift them to friends!

Hosting social dinner parties

House parties are out, dinner parties are in! With many clubs and bars practicing social distancing measures or being closed entirely, more people are finding fun and comfort in simply hanging out in someone’s house and sharing a meal (probably a multi-course meal, from a different cuisine, featuring condiments and a throwback to heritage cooking). This year, it’s all about showing off and impressing your friends with exotic new recipes and extravagant dishes you’ve been experimenting with over the lockdown period. Or maybe you just hire a private chef to dote on you and your pals in a year where eating out isn’t as exciting as it used to be.

2022 Beverage trends

So we’ve seen what 2022 has to offer in terms of food, but what about bevvies? Beverage trends are just as much of a hit every year, reflecting the cultural climate and . Remember frozen nitro, Aperol Spritz, and adaptogen-infused beverages? They were the greatest hits of 2021, and now here’s what you can expect to see in 2022 in terms of drinks – alcoholic or not!

Non-alcoholic drinks

2021 was the year that everyone started drinking at home, during the day, while in lockdown, and it’s also the year that we’ve realised that alcohol isn’t as healthy as we once thought. Funny that! In 2022 you can expect to see a rise in non-alcoholic ‘adult drinks’, anything from beer to wine to cocktails. People want the enjoyment of drinking a fancy drink, but don’t always want to get plastered. Plus, there are the health benefits of going non-alcoholic too. It’s no longer weird or frowned upon – non-alcoholic may even be the new norm!

Everything is now on tap

It’s a fun novelty and makes it easier than ever to serve drinks at bars and restaurants. This year, we’ll be seeing anything and everything ‘on tap’, whether it’s rosé or hard seltzer, premixed cocktails or kombucha. And especially hard kombucha. Who knows what they’ll dream of next? Coffee on tap? Iced tea? Stay tuned…

Anything will be alcohol

This year we’re gonna be seeing a lot of non-alcoholic alternatives to traditionally alcoholic beverages, and the flipside will be true too. 2022 is the year that we’ll see classically non-alcoholic beverages being served up ‘hard’. As a culture, we want more ready-to-drink options and the beverage companies are listening. Expect to see lots of hard coffee, hard teas, hard lemonade… hard coconut water?! Who’s to say. We want experimental drinks, and we want them now!

Healthy bevvies

With a worldwide increase in health and nutrition, and everyone being an expert on superfood and wellness, expect this health surge to hit the booze trend this year. And hard! In 2022 you’ll be seeing new ‘healthy’ beverages like probiotic hard kombucha and spirits boasting antioxidant infusions. Who knows, you might even see cocktails bursting with collagen and other fancy ‘health-packed’ ingredients. The point is, more of us are looking for healthier ways to dabble in our favourite beverages, and booze companies are responding. Just watch out for all those health claims and don’t believe everything you read on the label!

Canned cocktails

Brought to you in 2021, and becoming a worldwide trend in 2022! This year we’ll see a lot more widespread availability of ready-to-drink high-end cocktails, whether they’re in a can or in a bag. With the hospitality industry suffering due to COVID, ready-to-g cocktails are one of the easiest ways for bars and restaurants to diversify their offerings and make an extra buck or two. We’ll probably be seeing cocktails in both alcohol-free and alcoholic options. Finally, we’ll all have an option to enjoy a swanky drink at home without having to fork out $20 in an overcrowded bar!

2022 Restaurant trends

Restaurants were one of the most affected industries after COVID-19 hit last year. With more outdoor dining, an emphasis on hygiene, and more people ordering takeaway and delivery than ever, restaurants have had to make some massive changes. This year, we’ll be seeing restaurants adapt and transform in order to stay sustainable into the future. Here are some of 2022’s biggest predicted restaurant trends.

No more single use plastics

Thanks to the pandemic, single-use packaging has been massively on the increase. In 2022, more businesses are going to start embracing more environmentally responsible and sustainable packaging choices. We didn’t have time to think about it before, but now we do. With more consumers looking to embrace a more eco-friendly lifestyle, businesses will have to show their commitment to doing better for the earth. As a result, expect to see more packaging made from recycled materials, compostable boxes, and more.

Hybrids and overhauls

Restaurants have been hit hard with COVID, and 2022 will see a huge overhaul in the restaurant industry. To survive, you need to adapt, and restaurants are going to need to come up with new and creative concepts to catch up with the drastically evolving food scene and meet the demands of at-home diners. We’re expecting to see more restaurant/store hybrids this year, like fried chicken/sneakers or sushi/vinyl records, as well as more restaurants offering takeaway & delivery options or an in-store grocery shopping experience.

Takeaway will look & feel nicer

One of the biggest changes experienced by the restaurant industry last year was the heavy emphasis on takeaway meals, and this is set to continue as chefs dream up new and inventive ways to bring the restaurant experience back home. Things like food presentation and serving styles will be creatively reinterpreted so your at-home dining experience is more fun than simply unboxing a plastic container. This is especially important for restaurants that pride themselves on their food presentation and dining experience – they need to come up with ways to recreate that experience in guest’s homes.

Destination restaurants

This year, we’re going out of the city and into the country to try all those fabulous little places we never had time for. Border shutdowns have made holidays impossible, and more of us are keen to get out and explore our own backyards. As usual, food is the flavour of the year, and more of us will be heading out on day trips and overnight stays to foodie destinations to try those restaurants in far flung places. We want to be immersed in nature, we want road trips and the vacation experience, and we want great food while we’re at it!

Restaurant diversification

Going off the point about restaurant hybrids, we’re going to see a lot more diversification happening in terms of what a restaurant offers its visitors. The traditional restaurant as a place to sit down and eat may be completely transformed with new and exciting offerings. This could be anything from cooking classes and take-home meal kits to dining experiences and bottled ‘secret sauces’. It’s all about adapting to the changes and trying to reach a larger audience than what you’d normally squeeze into a restaurant dining room.

Focus on comfort & hospitality

Instead of hyping up a restaurant’s trendy new dish or their superfood-packed menu, in 2022 we’ll see restaurants standing out due to their fantastic hospitality. In the age of the pandemic, guests want to feel comfortable, looked after, and experience excellent hosting (a throwback to heritage cooking and old-school hospitality). Guests want to gather with friends while feeling safe and secure, and hosting is a part of that experience. So, at last, restaurants will be noted by their genuine hospitality and straying from the need to market weird and wacky menu offerings to get attention.

Safety in cleanliness

Who knew hygiene could be such a popular buzzword? Something that generally wasn’t considered when eating out is set to be at the forefront of people’s minds when heading to a restaurant. Once you go clean, you can’t go back! In 2022 we’ll see restaurants continue to emphasise their dedication to hygiene and cleanliness, offering single-use, non-reusable items (but more environmentally-friendly), and wearing masks, gloves, and hairnets. Customers will want to know all about these finer details of sanitation – no more mystery kitchens! Health and safety measures will be at the forefront of a restaurant’s marketing, and more readily available for consumers to know about. To be honest, we’re surprised it took this long for sanitation to become a ‘thing’ in restaurants, but we’re glad it’s here to stay.

Search Restaurant Business

• Portillo's Salted Caramel Spice Cake is ready to take on chocolate fans this fall
• Forecasting Slow Growth & Positive Future for Food Away from Home

MIFROMA LEGRUYÈRE AOP: The art of tradition, the taste of excellence.

Fresh dates, pawpaws and new restaurant rokusho in los angeles, chipotle brings back smoked brisket by popular demand, how food futurist liz moskow sees the year shaping up.

As vice president of brand development for Nextbite, food futurist Liz Moskow tracks trends and helps position concepts for future growth. Nextbite specializes in developing virtual restaurant brands by leveraging an operation’s unseen assets while maximizing labor and kitchen space. 

But these are challenging times for a food futurist. The unpredictability of COVID is trumping the emergence of major new trends, Moskow says. What she does see ahead is a deeper exploration of the trends that emerged in the last year, including virtual brands and comfort food. 

It’s time to move into a trend she calls “comfort-plus” by introducing new flavors, ingredients and platforms, and find space within that trend for “better-for-you” foods. Listen as Moskow provides a glimpse into the future and offers insight to help menu developers and operators navigate the next months. 

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts .

Subscribe on Spotify .

Also, we are now on Alexa. Log into your Amazon account, look for “Menu Feed podcast” to enable the skill. Once it’s enabled all you need to do to listen is say, “Alexa, play ‘Menu Feed.’” You may also enable the daily short news podcast “RB Daily” by searching for the RB Daily podcast.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here .

Want breaking news at your fingertips?

Get today’s need-to-know restaurant industry intelligence. Sign up to receive texts from Restaurant Business on news and insights that matter to your brand.

The latest from Restaurant Business, sent straight to your inbox.

Thanks for signing up!

Us open chefs, lebanese wines and khachapuri variations, pumpkin spice season, new york's month-long 'restaurant week' and summer menu pricing, kaiseki menus, detroit-style pizza and a west african chef's pop-up, two more small restaurant chains declare bankruptcy, burgerfi international blames rising costs for its bankruptcy filing, ford's garage taps industry vet billy downs as president.

More on this Topic

Portillo's Salted Caramel Spice Cake is ready to take on chocolate fans this fall

Forecasting slow growth & positive future for food away from home, beverages make flavor news at burger king, krak boba, hteao and philz, exclusive content.

Behind the Menu: The fast casual’s famous chocolate cake has a seasonal competitor—the first new cake flavor in 20 years.

Starbucks sets out to redefine restaurant tech (again)

Tech Check: The coffee chain was a pioneer in hospitality and then digital ordering. Under CEO Brian Niccol, it must prove the two can coexist.

Here's why the restaurant business can never forget 9/11

Reality Check: Anyone alive that day felt the heartbreak. Here's how we remember it.

EU competitiveness: Looking ahead

Introduction

Today, Europe stands united in its pursuit of inclusive economic growth, focusing on 

• sustainable competitiveness
• economic security
• open strategic autonomy
• fair competition

They all serve as pillars of prosperity. 

The vision that drives Europe forward is to create conditions where businesses thrive, the environment is protected, and everyone has an equal chance at success.

Sustainable competitiveness should make sure businesses are productive and environmentally friendly. Economic security ensures that our economy can handle challenges and protect jobs. With open strategic autonomy, Europe is not just open for business; but is shaping a better, fairer world.

Way forward for EU’s competitiveness

Europe's strong system of rights and values offers equal opportunities and leads the way in social inclusion. Our institutions, economic frameworks, and commitment to the rule of law create an environment where businesses can thrive and people can prosper. Top-notch infrastructure and a skilled workforce give Europe its competitive edge.

In a changing world with new challenges, the European Union is focused on staying competitive and prosperous. We're working hard to maintain our leadership globally and to make sure we have control over our own future.

Therefore Europe needs to look further ahead and set out how to remain competitive. 

This is why Mario Draghi – former European Central Bank President and one of Europe's great economic minds – was tasked by the European Commission to prepare a report of his personal vision on the future of European competitiveness. 

The future of European competitiveness: Report by Mario Draghi

The report looks at the challenges faced by the industry and companies in the Single Market. 

The findings of the report will contribute to the Commission’s work on a new plan for Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness. And in particular, to the development of the new Clean Industrial Deal for competitive industries and quality jobs, which will be presented in the first 100 days of the new Commission mandate.

• 9 SEPTEMBER 2024

Related links

Strengthening European competitiveness

Share this page

• Flipboard icon Flipboard
• Newsletters

The Top 10 Shoes of New York Fashion Week Spring 2025

• Show more sharing options

New York Fashion Week has come to a close. This spring ’25 season, designers continued to return to reoccurring favorites, such as the ballet flat and sneaker. Patterned thigh-highs made a statement on the runways, while unexpected collaborations, such as Proenza Schouler and Sorel, rounded out the list of the top shoes at NYFW.

See the rundown below.

1. Luar Knee-High Boots

Raul López’s Luar showcased a range of shoes for spring ’25, an introduction to the category, featuring knee-high boots, kitten heels, oxfords and mules, with the brand’s signature logo. A standout was its leopard-print boot. The pattern was seen in handbags as well as in a knee-high, complete with a boot buckle and harness-like design, as well in thigh-highs.

Kysre Gondrezick, Suni Lee and More: The 10 Best Dressed Athletes During 2024 New York Fashion Week

See the shoes olivia wilde, mindy kaling and more stars wore to the michael kors spring 2025 presentation, everything to know about new york fashion week's spring 2025 season.

2. Cos Flats & Socks

Cos presented a range of ballet flats on the runway, seen in green, pink and shearling. What set the trending silhouette apart this season was pairing it with matching socks. The styling detail gave the shoe a boot-like effect. Creative director Karin Gustafsson also used earrings in the form of beaded tassels on the toes of some shoes for added decoration.

Watch on FN

3. Paul Andrew Floral-Embellished Bootie

Rebirth and renewal were key themes for Paul Andrew’s spring 2025 collection. A standout? Andrew’s mesh sandal bootie seen in blue. The floral-adorned style was first made as custom wedding shoes for Whitney Port. The shoe was updated with a new heel and in more colors.

4. Willy Chavarria x Adidas

New York-based designer Willy Chavarria unveiled his new collaboration with Adidas Originals at his spring/summer 2025 runway show. Among the 22 collaborative looks, the footwear stood out. For this collab, Chavarria updated the archival Adidas “Jabbar” sneaker created for legendary basketball icon Kareem Abdul Jabbar, one of the most celebrated basketball players of all time. The sneaker was updated with a pointed toe, a shoe shape that many in the Chicano community – which Chavarria frequently celebrates in his collections – often wears.

5. Coach’s Charm-Adorned Soho sneakers

Coach ‘s spring ’25 collection featured its new Soho sneaker, inspired by the cross-training sneakers of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. The style was distressed specifically for the runway collection and embellished with stickers, as well as a series of resin charms depicting taxi cabs, cassette tapes, and other ephemera. The shoe furthered Coach’s sustainability efforts with its upper crafted in regenerative leather.

6. Tory Burch’s Reva Flat

Tory Burch brought back one of its most iconic shoes ever: the Reva flat. The customer-favorite originally launched in 2006 with the help of the late Vince Camuto. The Reva ballet has not been available in recent years — until now. The spring ’25 style has been relaunched with some modern updates, too, including cut-outs, a beveled coin, and a new mule silhouette.

7. Proenza Schouler x Sorel

Proenza Schouler kicked off New York Fashion Week early on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Along with its spring ’25 collection, the label debuted a limited-edition footwear collaboration with Sorel on the runway. The collab — which marks Sorel’s first designer partnership since its Sorel x Chloé boot in 2017 — sees new iterations of the brand’s Caribou Mule and Caribou Chelsea Boot. The all-weather designs are crafted from a sleek leather in a palette of black, ochre and ecru.

8. Palomo Spain x Bimba Y Lola

Palomo Spain’s latest collaboration with Bimba Y Lola featured new silhouettes adorned with the chrysanthemum flower. For this collection, the chrysanthemum, a flower that symbolizes passion and good fortune in oriental culture, expands in a large and unlimited size on golden brooches added to sandals and charms on handbags with chains, colossal rings, necklaces and earrings.

9. Larroudé x Markarian Patchwork Boots

Larroudé and Markarian launched their latest collab during NYFW. The capsule featured florals, brocades and fabrics from Markarian’s fall ’24 collection across a range of styles. A standout was the knee-high boot in red patchwork. The line also offered wedges, sandals, ballet flats, mules and more seen in floral dutel, black wool, suede and velvet.

10. PH5 x Charles & Keith Mule

PH5 unveiled a new collaboration with footwear and accessories brand, Charles & Keith at the brand’s spring/summer 2025 show this week. The capsule collection includes a shoe, bag and other items, launching next spring. The shoe from the exclusive capsule is a hybrid sneaker/mule in two colorways that mirrors the ready-to-wear label’s signature wavy cutout dresses.

PH5 x Charles & Keith sneaker mule

The Best adidas Stan Smith Shoes to Buy Now

• Fashion News
• Celebrity Style
• Collaborations
• Outdoor Footwear
• Women’s Footwear
• Sneaker News
• Men’s Footwear
• Children Footwear
• Business News
• Executive Moves
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Shoe Guides
• Sneaker Deals
• FN Gift Guides
• Foot Health

Access exclusive content

Alerts & Newsletters

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy . We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Footwear News is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Fairchild Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved.