The 3 Biggest Food Trends For 2024 According to Experts

As the year 2023 draws to a close, culinary experts are currently making predictions about the meals that may become popular in 2024. Find out what kinds of foods are likely to attract people's attention in the coming year that will surely amaze us!

Frozen Food Gets a 21st-Century Upgrade

(Photo : Pexels/phiraphon srithakae)

According to the findings of one of The Packer's Fresh Trends 2023 customer surveys, 64% of individuals assert that they are eating at home more regularly. It reportedly manifests itself as a want for Food that is not only delicious but also nutritious, inexpensive, and easy to prepare.

A survey by WGSN finds that Gen Z cooks exceptionally and likes to combine homemade and prepared foods. Two-thirds of supermarket customers have expressed their need for more heat-and-eat vegetables, side dishes, and options influenced by foreign cuisine. Frozen food firms and prominent persons are developing the following products to meet the demand.

Homebaked 425°/:30, which is a mix-and-match assortment of sides and mains, was recently introduced by Heinz. Counter Frozen Foods was established by Jeff Ferrell and Benn Manning, who had previously worked as executives at Walmart.

As per Kardea Brown, who unveiled Delicious Eats by Kardea Brown in October 2023, you can now purchase frozen meals produced with high-quality ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and other features. Since many people are cooking from home and have returned to traveling to full-time or hybrid offices, you can anticipate an increase in the number of brands and personalities that enter this market.

Moment of Self-Care and a Touch of Luxury

Based on the analysis by Mintel, food and drink companies may learn from the menopause revolution and appeal to a population that has been disregarded for a long time. Gen X. Gen X members are now in their 40s and beyond and are not slacking off when caring for their aging bodies. Thus, krill meat, a heart-healthy 'sleep drink' with vitamins and calcium-packed milk powder to build bone density, may appeal to them.

In contrast to other generations, members of Generation X are more likely than any other to seek out premium experiences, travel frequently, and consume alcoholic beverages regularly, with regard to the 2024 Food Trends Report from Datassential, a food and beverage market research and intelligence platform which indicates that X is positioned in the luxury sector.

Precision Fermentation

The production of animal proteins without the use of animals is a solution that is gaining popularity due to the possibility of substituting traditional dairy products. In 2023, the global market for components derived from precision fermentation is anticipated to be valued at 2.3 billion US dollars. By 2030, this market is expected to expand by 15 times, reaching a value of over 30 billion US dollars. On the other hand, due to the predicted growth trajectory for this technology, Food and beverage firms are actively investing in the field.

Through precision fermentation, value-added molecules like proteins and enzymes can be 'brew' by employing a genetically designed organism, such as yeast. One potential substitute for alcohol in synthesizing enzymes is the utilization of casein, a process similar to beer fermentation.

Furthermore, Perfect Day and New Culture firms utilize this technology to manufacture dairy products without cows. Some believe precise fermentation is more environmentally friendly than traditional dairy production. This is because livestock is a significant contributor to the emission of greenhouse gases.