Food trends arrive, leave, and make comebacks all the time. While annual reports give us an idea of what to expect in the coming year, the food scene is constantly changing. As a food editor, I get dozens of emails and see hundreds of social media posts claiming to be the “next big thing.”
After a visit to the Specialty Food Association Summer Fancy Food Show in New York and keeping an eye on the ever-revolving door of trends coming across my desk, there are some pretty exciting (aka mouthwatering) products and flavor profiles on the horizon. Here’s a roundup of my favorite buzzy foods, and what I hope will become more mainstream in our stores and recipes.
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1. Dubai Chocolate
It’s already been on shelves and TikTok feeds most of this year, but the Dubai chocolate craze isn’t going anywhere. If you’re unfamiliar, the original bar features a chocolate shell filled with a mixture of pistachio cream, tahini, and toasted kataifi pastry: a shredded phyllo that gives a crunchy bite. Expect to see the more availability of these bars, along with sweet treats inspired by the flavors, including cakes (like this dump cake recipe), lattes, and more.
Katlyn Moncada
2. Breakfast Change-Up
I always eat breakfast, but eating the same fried eggs or bowl of sweet oatmeal can get a little boring. I need variety! Enter savory oatmeal. In some countries, soup is commonly eaten in the morning, and this particular variety features sesame and garlic, which reminded me a lot of lugaw, a savory rice porridge served in the Philippines I grew up eating. It might sound a little weird at first, but it’s comforting, filling, and nourishing.
Katlyn Moncada
3. Amped-Up Basics
You’ve probably seen, heard, or been told you should be eating more protein. Whether or not you need more is up to you—but every time I go to the store or open my inbox, I find more products being sold as “protein rich” and often with clean ingredients as a focus. Expect to see pastas (one of my faves), oats, yogurt, chips, candy bars, and more with extra protein.
Katlyn Moncada
4. Canned Bevs 2.0
As someone that has tried many, many canned cocktails and mocktails in the past couple years, it doesn’t look like we’ll be limited on options any time soon. Other than fun flavors (I like Ooso Sparkling Tea’s Hibiscus, Ginger, and Currant), you’ll likely see beverages with extra benefits, including added adaptogens, antioxidants, vitamins, and other hydration-boosting ingredients.
Katlyn Moncada
5. Tropical Bliss
Summer or not, I love fruity flavors in everything from sparkling water to ice cream and marinades. Expect to see more exotic flavors beyond coconut and pineapple in jams, sauces, and other ready-made items. I’ve been gravitating toward anything guava (see Bonne Maman’s preserves, above), lychee, yuzu, and passionfruit.
6. Childhood Faves (Made Better)
If you love to snack as much as me, it’s sometimes hard to fix a craving with fruits and veggies. So in addition to my carrots and apples, I’ve found brands releasing better-for-you candy, chips, and otherwise known as “junk foods.” I’ve enjoyed Shameless Snacks to satisfy gummy cravings and Awake Chocolate, a mini chocolate bar with a caffeine boost that has way fewer ingredients than an energy drink. I’m sure we’ll be seeing even more foods touted as nostalgic favorites, beloved by adults and children alike.
Katlyn Moncada
7. Plant-Based Caviar
With the caviar resurgence we had last year, I’m now excited to be seeing plant-based caviar entering the market. After trying brands such as Caviart and Zeroe, which are made from sustainably-sourced seaweed, I couldn’t even tell I wasn’t eating the real thing. It’s got that signature briny taste of the sea while being completely made from plants (and therefore cruelty-free). Bonus: The affordable price point is definitely easier on the wallet.