Whether you own a restaurant, bakery, café or produce market it’s essential that you keep pace with the latest food trends. It’s also important to cater to the wants of your customer base while still remaining true to your mission. Here we’ve identified 8 trends that will shape the food industry in 2018.

1. Snacking

With numbers showing that over 94% of American’s snack on a daily basis, the need for healthier, lower calorie snack foods has increased dramatically. This is a spot where bakeries and green markets need to capitalize. If these industries are able to produce and carry snacks that are healthier and still provide an abundance of flavor, the healthy snack market is sure to take off.

2. Alternative Protein

There is another movement that plays along with the organic and vegetarian shift. Many consumers are moving away from traditional meat based protein sources and seeking out more vegetable based options. With a large portion of the population considering or implementing vegan and vegetarian diets, producing foods that contain plant-based proteins has become a necessity for food-centric businesses. 

3. Traditional Favorites Evolve

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 taken California by storm.

4. Vegetarian and Vegan Choices Expand

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

Using 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. Organic Foods

The organic market has been growing rapidly for the last 5 years. With consumers becoming more aware of the potential adverse effects that pesticides and hormones can have, many have chosen to go strictly organic. There are successful businesses that operate on a purely organic model. While this may not be possible for every industry, it’s important that you incorporate a decent selection of organic food items.

7. Gluten Free

Not only do these foods allow those with allergies to enjoy some of their favorite selections, there is also a perception that gluten free foods are healthier and can be more easily digested and metabolized. While this has not been proven, the perception has caused a spike in gluten free sales. In order to cater to all potential customers having gluten free options on your menu is a must.

8. Farm To Table

Locally sourced foods can be a big draw to today’s consumer and also provides several bottom line benefits to your establishment. Farm to table is a term used to describe foods that are less processed and changes hands fewer times before making it to table. As consumers become more health conscience, the farm to table trend is here to stay. When it comes to the restaurant industry, reputation is everything. Being able to show and tell your customers where their food is coming from will establish you as a leader and innovator in the industry.

With over 12 years in the business, Quikstone Capital Solutions has proven to be a trustworthy and knowledgeable lender specializing in small business funding. Over 60% of our clients are renewals looking to continuously grow their business. Whether you need cash for emergencies, cash to cover unexpected costs, or if you’re looking to make long overdue improvements, Quikstone Capital can help.