7 Food Trends To Watch For In 2017

Posted by Karen Erdelac on Oct 10, 2016

7 Food Trends To Watch For In 2017We’re getting ready to roll into a new year so we’re taking a look into the up and coming food industry trends.  Whether you’re in the restaurant, catering, bakery or retail business it’s imperative that you keep up to date with expanding tastes.  It takes being innovative while remaining authentic to truly succeed in a highly competitive market.  Your ability to adapt will directly impact your ability to bring in new customers.  Trends come and go but there are some that have been steadily growing and appear headed for a heavy increase in popularity in the coming years.  You’ll notice some of these shifts have been occurring for years.  While several other movements have come and gone, the following trends look to become mainstays in 2017.

1. Authentic Overseas Cuisine

Now more than ever Americans are looking for old world favorites prepared or cooked the right way.  The variety of authentic options has increased dramatically over the last ten years but the demand continues to far exceed the supply.  With the dangers of a fast food heavy diet becoming more apparent, the desire to indulge is frequently being directed towards traditional cooking styles and tastes from all over the world.  Recipes that have been popular for hundreds of years have remained so for a reason. 

2. Traditional Favorites Reinvented

While you’ll have your traditionalists who will tell you the old way is the best way, there’s been a significant interest in old school favorites prepared with a more diverse set of ingredients.  Since spices and foods from all over the world are now so easily available, the integration of traditionally separate flavors and techniques has become increasingly popular.  For example, food trucks that use Korean barbeque in tacos have take California by storm.

3. Keep it Fresh

American’s pallets have become more sophisticated since the turn of the century and the differences between fresh, frozen and canned have changed the way people eat.  The farm to table trend has taken off and with it those in the industry have realized the importance of buying local and in season.  Serving frozen burgers, fish or chicken has become so taboo that those businesses that have refused to adapt have felt the consequences.  Those on top of this trend realize it’s not going to end anytime soon.

4. Vegetarian and Vegan

The percentage of Americans adhering to a vegetarian or vegan diet has continued its upward trend.  Many people in the food industry have begun to capitalize on this and have come to realize the revenue potential of these types of food offerings.  Restaurants and specialty food markets have taken notice and are reaping the benefits of a more diverse vegetarian menu.  It has become almost expected that a restaurant will have a section dedicated to vegetarian dishes.

5. Artisanal Everything

7 Food Trends To Watch For In 2017Using the best ingredients and techniques from all over the world to create gourmet foods is perhaps the best way to describe the craze that is the artisanal food movement.  Breads, sandwiches and desserts are some traditional artisanal favorites but the trend has started to reach many other products.  Cheeses, cured meats and wines have now become even more upscale than ever, but with the growth of the artisanal market they have also become more affordable and available to the masses.

6. Water From All Sources

The health benefits of water extracted from different plant life has recently come into fashion.  Coconut water has been marketed as a way to stay hydrated while providing other health benefits.  Maple water, aloe water and birch water quickly followed suit and capitalized on this trend.  Another strong trend in the food industry is water that has been infused with different fruits and vegetables.  Cucumber water in particular has become extremely prevalent in restaurants and even hotel lobbies.

7. Clean Label

Since there is not an FDA definition of clean label, it has come to mean different things to different people.  Essentially a clean label is applied to a product that does not contain or use chemicals at any stage in the production process.  This includes foods that are labeled organic and GMO free.  Americans have become more aware and discerning when deciding what to put in their bodies.  Organic and clean label products are a trend that will certainly continue to grow.

How To Adapt?

In the food industry it’s important to keep pace with different food trends to remain relevant.  While you still want to continue to offer your best sellers, updating and adding to your offerings is essential to remain competitive.  These changes can mean new distributors, updated marketing campaigns and increased infrastructure and equipment. A merchant cash advance from Quikstone Capital Solutions could be just what you need to keep your business ahead of the times. A merchant cash advance from Quikstone Capital Solutions is a business loan alternative that can help your business thrive and prosper. 

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Topics: Bakery, Restaurant, Catering, Retail