Af&co. and Carbonate have rolled out their 15th annual Hospitality Trends Report. According to Nation’s Restaurant News, technology has been playing a huge part in influencing people’s desire for certain foods. Social media, delivery apps, and mobile ordering are changing how restaurants do business. Consumers are now craving creativity, clarity, and resilience from the businesses they frequent.
Here are some of the greatest trends we expect to see in 2023:
- Frozen Drinks
- Mocktails
- Pickle Flavoring
- Food from the Past
- Oxtail
- Pinked-Hued Foods
- Meatless Options
- Unique Dining Experiences
- Convenience & Quality
- Environmentally-Friendly Options
- Healthier Options
Expected 2023 Restaurant Trends
With the upcoming new year, restaurants are preparing for new food trends.
Frozen Drinks
According to Food Business News, Yelp has made several predictions about restaurant trends for the upcoming year. At the top of the list are frozen drinks which they expect to be very popular in 2023.
People have been searching for “slushies” 77% more than they did at this same time last year. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic slushy drinks are likely to see a rise in popularity this coming year. The most popular frozen drinks will likely be margaritas, pina coladas, and fruit-flavored slushies.
Mocktails
Food Business News says mocktails, or traditionally alcoholic drinks made without alcohol, are also expected to rise. Celebrities like Blake Lively have begun creating their own mocktail brands, which likely correlates to their increase in popularity.
Other non-alcoholic drinks, like michelaguas and dirty sodas, are also rising in popularity
Pickle Flavoring
A unique trend is the rising popularity of pickle-flavored foods and drinks like pickle martinis and pickle ice cream.
Food From the Past
According to Food Business News, people feel nostalgic for the foods they ate during simpler times. Now, they are demanding a revival. One classic example is the McRib, which is coming back to McDonalds across the country. Baked Alaska is gaining momentum as people seek a unique ice cream dessert to follow their warm main dish.
Oxtail
Oxtail is meat from cattle tails, and the food experts from Food Business News say demand is rising. Oxtail is popular in South America, Asia, and Western African dishes. We see oxtail being featured more often during festivals and food trucks menus.
Think Pink
Pink-hued foods and drinks will be showcased more in 2023. Why pink? Technomic says this color denotes health benefits, so be looking for pink twists on salt, peas, and pineapple.
New, Meatless Options
As more people turn to meat substitutes, restaurants are getting more creative with their options. Nation’s Restaurant News says roasted, and fried Maitake mushrooms are gaining popularity as an all-natural, meatless option.
Supermarket News says that people are also seeking alternatives to traditional seafood, like seaweed and algae. It’s important to consumers that these seafood alternatives have a similar texture and taste to traditional seafood like fish.
Unique Restaurant Experiences
Food Business News says, people are sick of being stuck at home because of the pandemic. They’re seeking new and exciting adventures when leaving home, and restaurants are no exception. People want entertainment while they eat, and we’re seeing an increase in demand for unique dining experiences like dinner theaters and underwater restaurants.
Expected 2023 At-Home Food Trends
Most people can’t afford to eat out every day, so supermarkets will see a change in their food trends.
Convenience & Quality
With the stress of the pandemic, inflation, and increasing work pressures, people are more tired than ever. Plus, with the rising cost of food, people expect the food they cook at home to taste just as good as the food they get at restaurants.
Now more than ever, Supermarket News says people want delicious food that is quick and easy to prepare. We will likely see an uptick in the popularity of meal kits and ready-to-cook food kits that include video instruction and cooking utensils.
Environmentally-Friendly Options
Concern for our environment is also growing, and people are more concerned about where their food comes from. Supermarket News says consumers are seeking sustainable ingredients packed in environmentally-friendly packaging.
Healthier Options
People are also more concerned with prioritizing their health and balancing indulgent foods with healthier ones. Supermarket News says consumers are seeking foods that increase the health of their digestive tract, immunity, and memory.
Conclusion
Food is one of the things consumers are looking forward to the most this upcoming year, and they’re demanding new and exciting foods. Frozen drinks, mocktails, and pickle juice are all dominating search engines right now. People also want exciting dining experiences, fresh food choices, and food from the past. Consumers are also more concerned for their health and the planet’s health.