Meal kits arriving at your doorstep, fancy low-sugar sparkly sodas made just for you and the rise of the pulse -- will these food trends define 2016? Only time will tell, but here's what food industry consultants predict we can look forward to in the New Year:
Dinner Delivered
Who can resist receiving a box of surprises, waiting at the front door? This is the power of the delivery subscription industry, and it is booming. You can sign up to receive make-up samples every month, or even have a personal stylist send you clothing picked just for you. Food and beverage research company Datassential has identified this as a hot trend in food for 2016 due to the tech-savvy Generation Z, who are ready to explore their own kitchen -- with a little help. Kits range from exotic samplings of foods from various cultures to entire meals pre-prepped and ready to be cooked.
Build-Your-Own Concept Expands
While some restaurants have been using this model for years -- think Subway or Chipotle -- we will begin to see a growing range of restaurants following the "personalized by you" menu concepts. Blendtec has listed build-your-own smoothie bars as the No. 1 smoothie trend in the upcoming year. Build-your-own pizza restaurants are one of the fastest growing restaurant concepts, and they're likely coming soon to a neighborhood near you.
Veggies Take Center Plate
To the delight of registered dietitians, the National Restaurant Association has named veggie-centric plates as a hot trend to watch for in 2016. Chefs will be experimenting with more dishes that utilize fresh produce as the main ingredient, with meat taking a flavor-enhancing role, used in smaller amounts. Vegetarian offerings will be expanded, but not necessarily labeled as vegetarian.
The Sweet Rise of Bitter
Consumers are always looking for novelty flavors, and bitter will have its time in the sun this year, according to market research firm Mintel. The good news about this trend is that many vegetables will be appearing on menus that were once shunned due to their bitter taste -- think Brussels sprouts and collard greens.
Mixology Sodas for Adults
We love our fancy cocktails, and now we will be seeing fancy sodas mixed just for adult tastes, according to restaurant industry site Fast Casual. Mixologists will use handcrafted sparkling sodas and exotic ingredients that bring together unique flavor profiles, such as mint, ginger or even bitters. The good news is that consumers are craving a less sweet soda, meaning less overall sugar.
Pulses, Pulses, Everywhere
The United Nations is responsible for this trend, proclaiming 2016 to be the International Year of Pulses. Why? Quite simply, pulses are the unsung hero of powerful nutrition. The pulse category is comprised of 12 crops that include dry beans, dry peas, chickpeas and lentils. Adding more pulses to your diet is a great way to add more fiber and protein, while also likely shaving off fat and calories. Jan. 6 has been proclaimed "Pulse Feast" day, when everyone is encouraged to partake in a pulse-based meal, using the hashtag #PulseFeast.
The Year of Turmeric
Food and restaurant consulting company Baum + Whiteman has proclaimed the spice of 2016 to be turmeric and predicts we'll be seeing much more of it on restaurant menus, from smoothie add-ins to savory dishes. Turmeric has received plenty of attention lately due to research demonstrating that it might help to ease inflammation in the body. The spice has a cozy, yellow color and a warm, bitter taste that play right into the trend of novel, bitter foods.
Smoke and Fire
Adding yet another flavor profile in unexpected places, smoking and charring foods will be popular this year, according to food research and consulting firm Technomic. Desserts will be elevated with charred fruit, while smoked cabbage or charred asparagus make appearances as side dishes.
