October 12, 2024
When it comes to eating habits and preferences, many factors like geography, weather, agriculture practices, culture, etc., play an important part. Depending on these factors, different people enjoy different kinds of cuisine. However, now that the world has come together, thanks to globalization, many delicacies and food items have crossed the borders to become world famous. Here are some such food trends that became people’s choices in the year 2024.
Sustainable Choices
In recent years, the world has seen a visible incline toward sustainable practices in everything, including and specifically in food. Amongst the food trends, this is one of the top culinary trends; but what does it mean by sustainable food? Well to put it simply, sustainable food is food that’s soured, farmed and produced through eco-friendly practices—without endangering the environment or using harmful pesticides and fertilizers.
Plant-based delights: Vegan & vegetarian Favourites
Consumers gravitate towards vegan and vegetarian food items to promote and embrace sustainability and animal-free eating. Vegan products are items made without using anything sourced by animals-sourced items such as meat, eggs, milk and dairy products. Whereas, people following vegetarianism prefer plant-based food items like vegetables, lentils, millet fruits etc. These two kinds of food preferences are gaining popularity day by day. To fulfil this emerging food demand, food sector professionals are coming up with new recipes and good products.
Asian Cuisine
Asia is a food and ingredient-rich continent where each nation is famous for its spices and food options and recently Asian cuisine has become a major food trend worldwide. This has led to a rise in Asian food items, recipes and restaurants in non-Asian countries as well. Dishes like dim sum, ramen, kababs, biryani and snacks along with their flavours and ingredients are rapidly gaining popularity, so much so that mega food brands are exporting Asian food products all over the world, easily accessible in supermarkets and/or online.
Fusion Cooking
Another major trendsetter in the food industry is fusion cooking, meaning combining one type of food with another to make something unique. As access to diverse ingredients has expanded—thanks to the internet, online shopping and travel—people are combining different cuisine styles and cooking techniques to create their own versions of dishes.
Also, another reason for the emergence of fusion cooking is the unavailability of ingredients. Generally, people cook food with local ingredients but when some people sitting at the other end of the world tries to cook the same recipe, they find it hard to find some ingredients, forcing them to substitute those with local options, leading to a unique fusion of dishes and flavours.
Convenient Meal Kits
Lastly, we have convenient meal kits or ready-to-eat food products. As most people nowadays are leading a fast lifestyle, they have little to no time to focus on cooking meals. However, due to rising consciousness regarding food and health, people look for other food options, like ready-to-eat meals. These meals come pre-cooked and packed and you just heat them and can enjoy a hot, home-like meal.
Conclusion
The food trends of recent years, especially of 2024, show how people’s eating habits and their take on international cuisine are changing. They are more receptive and open to try on different food items from around the world. This opens a new door for a globalised food industry, where you have access to sustainable and plant-based diets as well as fusion dishes. While, ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare meal kits offers people to enjoy their favourite food at convenience.
In today’s times, it is easier than ever to try new flavours and enjoy healthier, more convenient options. And, as these trends grow, we’ll some other fantastic food choices emerging soon.
