2023 Food Trends

The food industry is moving towards mare and more methods for improving health - health of the environment and personal well-being. Much of the progress will greatly improve our overall quality of life in so many ways with the possible exception of flavor and quality cuisine. Sustainability through techniques such as regenerative farming, healthy living by focusing on fermented food or superfoods, and new tastes generated by fusion cuisine will be highly beneficial in many ways. The use, however, of highly processed plant meat substitutes, lab grown meats, insects to replace domestic and wild fowl and ruminants as a source of protein seems decidedly unappetizing. We will let you decide.

Based on current observations and industry projections, these are our insights into food trends for 2023: 

Plant-based meat alternatives will continue to rise in popularity as consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware. Expect to see more restaurants and food brands offering plant-based burgers, sausages, and other meat substitutes.

1. Improved taste and texture: In the early stages of development, the taste and texture of laboratory-made meats were not quite up to par with conventionally produced meats. However, recent advancements in the technology have led to significant improvements in taste and texture, with some taste testers even saying they cannot distinguish between conventional meat and laboratory-made meat.
2. Increased investment and partnerships: There has been a surge of investment and partnerships in the cell-based meat industry in recent years. Many major meat and food companies, including Tyson Foods, Cargill, and Nestle, have invested in cell-based meat startups or formed partnerships to develop the technology.
3. Regulatory progress: Regulatory agencies in various countries, including the US and Singapore, have begun to develop frameworks for the regulation of laboratory-made meats. In December 2020, Singapore became the first country to approve the sale of laboratory-made chicken, paving the way for commercialization of the technology.
4. Cost reduction: One of the major barriers to the widespread adoption of laboratory-made meats has been the high cost of production. However, as the technology has advanced, the cost of producing laboratory-made meats has decreased significantly. Some companies are now saying they are on track to produce cell-based meat at a cost comparable to conventionally produced meat within the next few years.

The development of laboratory-made meats, also known as cultured meat or cell-based meat, has been progressing rapidly in recent years. The technology involves using animal stem cells to grow meat in a lab environment, rather than raising and slaughtering animals for meat production.

Here are some updates on the progress of laboratory-made meats:

1. Improved taste and texture: In the early stages of development, the taste and texture of laboratory-made meats were not quite up to par with conventionally produced meats. However, recent advancements in the technology have led to significant improvements in taste and texture, with some taste testers even saying they cannot distinguish between conventional meat and laboratory-made meat.
2. Increased investment and partnerships: There has been a surge of investment and partnerships in the cell-based meat industry in recent years. Many major meat and food companies, including Tyson Foods, Cargill, and Nestle, have invested in cell-based meat startups or formed partnerships to develop the technology.
3. Regulatory progress: Regulatory agencies in various countries, including the US and Singapore, have begun to develop frameworks for the regulation of laboratory-made meats. In December 2020, Singapore became the first country to approve the sale of laboratory-made chicken, paving the way for commercialization of the technology.
4. Cost reduction: One of the major barriers to the widespread adoption of laboratory-made meats has been the high cost of production. However, as the technology has advanced, the cost of producing laboratory-made meats has decreased significantly. Some companies are now saying they are on track to produce cell-based meat at a cost comparable to conventionally produced meat within the next few years.

Fermented foods and drinks will be on the rise, as more people seek out foods with probiotic benefits. Kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods will become more mainstream.

Insects will continue to gain traction as a protein source, as people seek out sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional meat sources. Expect to see more insect-based snacks, protein powders, and even insect-based burgers and sausages.

Global fusion cuisine will continue to be popular, as people become more adventurous with their food choices and seek out new flavor combinations. Expect to see more restaurants and food brands offering unique fusion dishes that blend ingredients and flavors from different cultures.

Here are some examples of popular global fusion cuisine:

1. Korean-Mexican fusion: Korean-Mexican fusion combines traditional Korean flavors like kimchi and gochujang with Mexican staples like tacos and burritos. Popular dishes include Korean BBQ tacos, kimchi quesadillas, and bulgogi burritos.
2. Japanese-Peruvian fusion: Japanese-Peruvian fusion combines the delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine with the bold, spicy flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Popular dishes include ceviche with a Japanese twist, sushi rolls filled with Peruvian ingredients like avocado and sweet potato, and Japanese-style grilled meats served with Peruvian sauces.
3. Indian-Chinese fusion: Indian-Chinese fusion combines the bold, spicy flavors of Indian cuisine with the savory, umami flavors of Chinese cuisine. Popular dishes include chicken tikka masala with Chinese-style fried rice, spicy Indo-Chinese noodles, and Indian-style dumplings filled with Chinese-inspired fillings.
4. Mediterranean-Latin fusion: Mediterranean-Latin fusion combines the fresh, bright flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with the bold, spicy flavors of Latin American cuisine. Popular dishes include Mediterranean-style tacos with harissa-spiced meats, hummus served with Latin-inspired toppings like guacamole, and Spanish-style paella with Latin American ingredients like plantains and chorizo.
5. African-Caribbean fusion: African-Caribbean fusion combines the bold, spicy flavors of Caribbean cuisine with the savory, earthy flavors of African cuisine. Popular dishes include jerk-spiced meats served with African-inspired sides like yams and collard greens, West African-style stews with Caribbean ingredients like plantains and coconut milk, and Caribbean-style curries with African spices and flavors.

Health and wellness will continue to be a focus, with more people seeking out foods that offer functional benefits beyond just taste. Expect to see more products marketed as "superfoods" and "functional foods" that offer specific health benefits such as immune-boosting or anti-inflammatory properties.

Superfoods:

1. Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and other berries are rich in antioxidants and are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
2. Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are high in vitamins and minerals, and are believed to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and other nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, and are believed to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Quinoa: Quinoa is a nutrient-dense grain that is high in protein, fiber, and vitamins, and is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
5. Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and is believed to have benefits for heart health, brain function, and blood sugar regulation.

Functional foods:

1. Probiotics: Probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut contain beneficial bacteria that can help improve gut health and boost the immune system.
2. Prebiotics: Prebiotic foods such as garlic, onions, and bananas contain fiber that feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
3. Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that contains a compound called curcumin, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
4. Green tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants and is believed to have benefits for heart health, brain function, and cancer prevention.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, and are believed to have benefits for heart health, brain function, and inflammation.

Technology will play a bigger role in the food industry, with more restaurants and food brands using AI and other technologies to enhance the dining experience. Expect to see more virtual menus, augmented reality dining experiences, and other high-tech innovations.

Sustainability and eco-friendliness will continue to be important factors in food production and consumption. More food brands will seek out environmentally sustainable practices, such as using biodegradable packaging, reducing food waste, and sourcing ingredients from local and organic and regenerative farms.