As the food landscape continues to evolve to reflect technological advances, cultural and economic changes, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) releases its annual Food Trend Forecast. Insights from the company’s team of food, nutrition and health experts and consumer research show that 2024 will see an increase in functional drinks, a botanical boom, a growing demand for foods that support mental health, and a focus on food labels. , and the acceptance of food products is expected to expand. Artificial intelligence (AI).
Atmosphere of the menu
“The idea that the food we eat has a direct impact not only on our physical health, but also on our emotional and mental health, is gaining momentum and is changing the way we eat and what’s in our shopping carts. IFIC CEO Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MSN RD, explains.
According to the IFIC 2023 Food and Health Survey, three in four Americans (74%) say the food and drinks they consume have a significant or moderate effect on their overall mental and emotional well-being. I believe that it has an impact on Conversely, more than six in 10 (61%) believe their overall mental and emotional well-being has a significant or moderate impact on their food and drink choices.
Next year, IFIC will focus more on how nutrition can support mental and emotional health, including supplements focused on women’s health and foods and beverages that support sleep, stress reduction, and mood. (look for ingredients like ashwagandha and turmeric).
Demand for wellness-related products will also depend on the use of botanicals (a range of ingredients including herbs, flowers, and roots) and will be incorporated into teas, seltzers, and certain foods.
Function-focused hydration
In the case of bubble water, the bubbles have not burst. “2023 will see a boom in flavored sparkling waters (#WaterTok has garnered over 960 million mentions on TikTok!) and the premium hydration category has entered the zeitgeist,” says IFIC Communications Senior Manager Jenny Phillips explains.
Functional beverages will continue to play a central role in 2024, redefining the way we stay hydrated. This includes drinks with ‘clean caffeine’, drinks that support better sleep quality, and drinks with added prebiotics and probiotics for gut health.
According to IFIC’s “Consumer Insights on Gut Health and Probiotics” survey, one in four Americans looking to consume probiotics typically seeks probiotics in wellness drinks. is the answer. Similarly, of those looking to consume prebiotics, 23% seek them in wellness drinks.
But it’s not just the drinks we drink. “Water management will become more important in 2024. Consumers are looking for foods and beverages that require less water to grow and produce,” said IFIC’s Senior Director of Food Technology Communications. says Dr. Tamika Sims.
Plant-based innovations and protein snacks
Plant-based protein isn’t new, but the fusion of protein-enriched products and protein-centric snacks is a new trend. And as consumers become increasingly accustomed to innovative plant-based food alternatives, plant-based seafood will take plant-based to new heights.
Look to products fortified with protein, such as rice, pasta, baking mixes, nut protein powders, and snack foods. This is not surprising, as the IFIC 2023 Food and Health Survey found that ‘high protein’ was the #1 dietary pattern (18%, followed by mindful eating). [17%]calorie calculation [12%]clean eating [12%]intermittent fasting [12%]).
Alyssa Pike, senior manager of nutrition communications at IFIC, said: “There is a growing interest in protein-rich diets, and consumers are looking to fortify this nutrient in every way they can, even in unconventional ways. I’m interested in that,” he said.
The rise of third culture cuisine
Once known as “fusion,” 2024 will see the rise of third-culture cuisine that celebrates America’s multiple cuisines and identities. From restaurants to cookbooks, this trend is contributing to the resurgence of a commonly maligned ingredient: monosodium glutamate (commonly known as MSG).
Long plagued by misconceptions, MSG’s historical baggage is being unraveled and reexamined, with scientific research debunking the myth of “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” and celebrity chefs and home cooks alike We embrace this umami-rich ingredient as well.
“MSG has been unfairly maligned for too long. We predict that consumers, especially those seeking to reduce sodium while preserving flavor, will continue to reevaluate its place in the kitchen. ,” said Tony Flood, IFIC’s senior director of food ingredient communications.
More than just a label
In 2024, we expect to see an increased emphasis on transparent food labels to help shoppers make informed decisions about the food and beverages they consume. Labels like “clean,” “cold-pressed,” and “fermented” that consumers associate with health will continue to be at the forefront.
Thanks to efforts by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Americans are moving closer to a modern definition of “healthy” foods. As far as consumers are concerned, the most common attributes they consider to define healthy food are “fresh” (37%), “low sugar” (32%), and “good source of protein” (29%). IFIC 2023 Food and Health Survey.
“Front-of-pack nutrition labeling will be a major focus in 2024 as U.S. food regulators roll out new labeling proposals to help shoppers make easier, faster and healthier food decisions. This proposal will raise awareness nationally about the importance of reading food labels (on the front and back of the package) and the many factors other than labels that influence our personal food choices. IFIC’s Senior Director, Chris Solid, explains. nutrition communication.
AI on the plate
In an increasingly online world, consumers are turning to the digital world for information about health, nutrition, and food safety. Consumers will increasingly use ChatGPT and other AI capabilities to improve their eating habits, answer questions about food safety and nutrition, and plan meals.
“From farm to fork, AI will change the way the world produces and consumes food and information,” said Reinhard Kapsack. IFIC predicts that much of AI’s impact will also be behind the scenes, with the potential for more resilient supply chains and reduced food waste. , precision farming techniques and innovative product formulations.
Swipe, Like, Eat
“Don’t forget the ‘girl’s dinner’ trend that took off over the summer, or the chip-and-caviar combination that introduced the high-low snack,” says Phillips. “We predict social media-driven snacking and culinary trends will continue further into 2024.”
According to IFIC data, half of Americans (51%) say they have tried a new recipe, 42% say they have tried a new brand or product, and 29% have tried a new restaurant because of social media content. He says he tried it. And 28% say they have reevaluated their relationship with food. Six in 10 people say they have made healthier choices because of the information they see on social media. “If we’ve learned anything, it’s that we should never underestimate the power of social media to influence what people eat, cook and buy,” Phillips said. ” states.
