It’s that time of the year again — time to take a look at the trends shaping the food industry in the year ahead. To give you a picture of what consumers will be craving, we’ve rounded up some of the latest predictions for the biggest food trends of 2024.
ADM’s 2024 Flavor and Color Outlook
ADM named four trends that will impact flavors and colors in 2024:
- Though rising prices have placed emphasis on value, consumers still want to experience luxury and self-expression and are seeking indulgent flavors and colors that reflect their personal values.
- Private-label brands will be able to take advantage of the #dupe trend, which promotes affordable, yet authentic alternatives to popular brands or products.
- As consumers gravitate toward better-for-you products, they’ll be looking for colors and flavors that signal gut health, relaxation, energy, and other functional benefits.
- Rules are meant to be broken, so consumers are seeking colors and flavors that challenge traditions and break boundaries. Rich, vibrant colors and flavors; unconventional combinations; and tastes from under-represented regions will shine here.
Whole Foods Market’s Top 10 Food Trends
The experts of Whole Food’s Trends Council came up with 10 trends that will win over consumers next year, including a back-to-basics approach to plant-based foods, a focus on water conservation efforts, “little luxuries” that make indulgences more affordable, and coffee with benefits.
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) Trendspotter Panel
From beverage innovation, to cell-based products, to specific flavors like peach, Calabrian chili peppers, and tahini, the Trendspotter Panel at the Specialty Food Association announced several trends to watch for the year ahead. Value is among these trends, too, which will force brands to prove that they’re worth the cost.
The panel also included some of this year’s trends that will carry over into the new year, such as global flavor exploration, convenience without sacrifice, and prioritizing environmental impact.
