The first half of this decade has seen a massive shift in the way consumers purchase food and beverage products. Consumers are now more discerning and are looking for healthier, more sustainable options.
This has led to the growth of alternative food and beverage companies, as well as the development of new beverage products. Here’s what food trends are popular today, and what the next three years will hold.
Food and Beverage DTC Sees Massive Growth
The direct-to-consumer (DTC) food and beverage industry is on the rise, with companies across all seeing increased demand for their products. This is due in part to the rise in alternative food and beverage companies, as well as the development of new beverage products.
More Robot Kitchen Assistants
As consumers become more discerning, they are looking for kitchen appliances that are easier to use. This has led to the growth of robot kitchen assistants, which are machines that help cooks prepare food. These assistants can be found in a variety of different forms, from stand-alone appliances to mobile apps, and have changed the restaurant industry forever as well.
Vertical Farming on The Rise
As consumers become more interested in sustainable foods, they are also looking to adopt vertical farming. This is a type of agriculture that uses horizontal rows of plants that are stacked on top of each other. This method is thought to be more efficient than traditional farming, as it uses less land and produces less waste.
Consumers Demand Vegan Food Options
As the world becomes more vegan-friendly, consumers are demanding more vegan food options. This is likely due to the rise in alternative food companies, as well as the increasing number of vegan restaurants and food trucks.
Connected Kitchens Go Mainstream
As consumers and restaurants become more reliant on technology, they are also increasingly looking for kitchens that are connected. This means kitchens that are equipped with sensors and technology that can track food and beverage intake, inventory, and more.
Home Cooks Find Inspiration on Social Media
As food becomes more accessible and less complicated to prepare, home cooks are turning to social media to find inspiration. This includes websites, YouTube channels, and even cookbooks.
Food Becomes a Wellness Category
As food becomes more health-oriented, it is also becoming a wellness category. This means that food and beverage companies are working to create products that are not only tasty but also healthy and nutritious.
Fermented Drinks Grow in Popularity
As consumers become more interested in healthy eating, they are also increasing their consumption of fermented drinks. This includes products such as kombucha, sauerkraut, and kefir.
Mushrooms Become a Consumer-Favorite
Mushrooms are becoming a popular food option, as they are not only healthy, but they also have a variety of different flavors. This is likely due to the growing number of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, as well as the popularity of plant-based diets.
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