Sterling-Rice Group is one of the leading research groups on the food industry - and has just recently unveiled its annual list of "top ten culinary trends" which can attract consumers towards restaurant menus and even grocery stores in the U.S. in the next year.
Called the "2016 Cutting-Edge Culinary Trends," the list was compiled by the Colorado-based company's Culinary Team, which was lead by Culinary Director Kara Nielsen. SRG's research was based on the "societal shifts" that impacted consumer behavior with regard to food.
According to PR Newswire:
"'Cooks and diners continue to explore and relish all that's new in food, which is often not new at all, but rather a rediscovered ingredient, drink, or dish,' says Kara Nielsen, SRG Culinary Director. 'Yet these foods have been refashioned with a contemporary palate in mind, a palate that is appreciative of unusual textures, vivid sour flavors, and more savory balance. Marketers shouldn't be afraid to push the boundaries when innovating food and beverages.'"
Take a look at SRG's Cutting-Edge Culinary Trends for 2016 below:
1. Switchels: Also known as haymakers in New England, switchels are a mix of water, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and honey, maple syrup or molasses. Either bottled or homemade, swtichels aim to quench one's thirst while delivering the benefits of apple cider vinegar.
2. Hawaiian: Hawaiian has long been known to be a delicious cuisine and it's finally making its way into the American mainland. Many chefs are taking traditional Hawaiian ingredients and putting their own fresh take on it - in both fine and casual dining restaurants.
3. Oysters: Sustainable seafood is now more important than ever. Taking over for wild oysters found in "acidified and warming waterways," farmed oysters help filter pollutants in the coastal waters. Not only that, but it's also prompting the reemergence of oyster and raw bars, which were once food staples in American dining.
4. Yogurt: Often deemed as a sweet dessert, savory yogurt is now making its way into food - thanks to Ottolenghi for the thick and salted Middle Eastern yogurt. In savory dishes, expect this yogurt to be paired with olive oil, spices and seeds, flatbread, vegetables, grain salads and roasted fruit.
5. Coffee: Coffee has always been a staple beverage for people across the globe. But coffee is now being introduced in new forms like Coffee Mocktails, soda, shrubs, on nitro taps, and more. The limits are indeed endless - and for 2016, you can expect several more variations and innovations on this caffeine-fueled beverage.
6. Soups: We've seen the trend of pressed juices, and with this comes the introduction of bottled sippable soups. Think gazpacos, creamy coconut cauliflower, and mushroom-based broths. They're more portable and nutrient-rich (high in fiber!) which makes it a go-to meal for those always on the go.
7. Porridge: Goldilocks' favorite dish is making a comeback this 2016 thanks to the growing selection of grains and seeds. Expect chefs to put a spin to porridge by using a different base like rye, spelt, black rice, or even quinoa. Not only that, but porridge is also expected to feature more savory toppings like eggs, vegetables and fish.
8. Dessert: Dessert will never stop being a trend. However, in 2016, desserts seem to incorporate more savory ingredients to its sweet treats - think Miso, Malt, and Ricotta whey. In addition to "au courant culinary tricks" like browning, burning and smoking, desserts are expected to incorporate more flavorful ingredients to add different dimensions beyond the stereotypical sweet desserts.
9. Platters: Platters have been around for a long while now, but chefs are enjoying creating family-style in the form of platters for consumers. Typically served as a main protein with some side dishes, consumers can now delight in sharing larger plates of dishes.
10. Meals Orders: We've witnessed the surge of meal-kit delivery services this past year, and it's expected to keep growing in the next year. Every service has their own take to it, ranging from paleo meals to Southern cuisine. Competition will definitely grow more fierce as this industry battles delivered groceries and ready-to-eat meals.
