Healthy Eating To Quick Fixes: A Glimpse Of Food Trends That Are Set To Rule 2024

This year, climate change, AI, sustainability are some of the factors that will be influencing our food choices.

A Glimpse Of Food Trends That Are Set To Rule 2024 (Representational Image)

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The global foodscape is a constantly evolving and adapting space, reflecting realities of our physical world, technological advancements, economic undercurrents and changing consumer behaviour. This year, climate change, AI, sustainability are some of the factors that will be influencing our food choices. Prakriti Poddar, a Seattle-based wellbeing expert and Global Head, Mental Wellbeing at Roundglass Living app said, "People are now focussing on food as medicine and looking for functional foods that can amp up immunity, improve gut health and, in turn, mental health. There’s growing evidence to support how the two are linked."

Our physical and mental wellbeing is deeply connected to the food we eat. Let’s take a look at what is on the table in 2024 as suggested by Prakriti Poddar

Mushrooms and Plants:

Increasing climate change events are pushing many people to embrace plant-based diets as they are kinder to the planet. As per research, people who follow a plant-based diet account for 75% less greenhouse gas emissions than those who eat an animal-based diet. Since sustainability is the buzzword, mushrooms will continue to trend as a popular meat substitute and a sustainable food. 

In addition, snacks fortified with plant protein – like rajma chips or pea protein crisps – are already available and are expected to increase in popularity.

Functional and Health-Boosting Ingredients:

Foods with promising health benefits, such as superfoods, adaptogens (ginseng, ashwagandha, tulsi), and ingredients promoting gut health, will continue to be prominent for those pursuing holistic wellness goals. Consumers are increasingly seeking foods that offer nutritional value and a wellbeing boost.

Climate-Conscious Menus and Cooking:

Sustainability will continue to headline the food space in 2024. Nose-to-tail, root-to-tip cooking and eating will bring kitchen waste into focus. Kitchen practices that make purposeful use of food waste and use eco-friendly packaging will become important considerations for many, taking inspiration from the cooking habits of traditional and indigenous communities.

Third Culture Cuisine

Third Culture Cuisine is all about the foods beloved and dreamed up by people raised between cultures. Think fusion cuisines like American-Thai, Italian-Japanese, Wafu-Italian or Filipino-Spanish. Fusing different cuisines to create distinct new flavours is a much-needed affirmation to culinary and cultural diversity. It also adds more excitement and zing to the act of cooking. Quinoa dosa, taco chaat, anyone?

AI in the Kitchen

Advancements in technology, including the use of artificial intelligence, automation, and precision farming, are influencing the way food is produced and distributed. This includes innovations in food processing, smart farming techniques, and tech-driven improvements in supply chain management. Innovations in meat alternative segments will continue to find their way to restaurants. AI-powered recipe apps are already available. They are like virtual kitchen assistants that can help you rustle up meals from scratch.  

Trends Set To Rule India 2024:

KS Narayanan, Growth and Innovation Advisor, ProV listed the following:

• Eatertainment: With the relentless rise of social media and the use of mobile devices for photography, the presentation of food has taken the topmost space. This applies not only to the way finished food is presented in food-service outlets but also in terms of packaging. As a result, this trend has fueled fusion food, gifting, and has also brought back some of the traditional, long-forgotten foods to the forefront.
• 'Ghar Ka Khaana': This is unique to India where our Ghar ka khana takes centre stage.  As a result, nostalgic memories of street foods, of festivals, temples, pickles, flavours and textures is being brought back into a variety of packaged foods- be it sweets, snacks or savouries and even beverages. 
• New year resolution foods: Earlier, these food combinations would make an appearance in January and gradually die down with acceptance being very poor. However, post Covid, this has taken centre stage as categories like nuts, seeds, dry fruits, millets, etc have grown by leaps and bounds. Clearly, people are feeling the need to assuage their guilt and add some health quotient. 
• International invasion: This has been a long secular trend with whatever flavours, ingredients trending abroad gains a foothold in our culinary landscape. We have seen that flavours like Piri Piri, Wasabi, Sriracha etc have gained widespread acceptance across a range of food items both in food service and packaged foods. Of late, we are witnessing an invasion of rich and deep spicy flavours and the Korean flavours trending across snacks, noodles etc.
• The ease meal: With the advent of online delivery in both food service & quick commerce, this is another mega trend that we are seeing. Convenience foods, innovations in packaging for ease of delivery, meal kits etc is the major beneficiary.

Food Trends In Indian Biryani:

The culinary era of Indian cuisine continues to evolve, embracing innovation while honoring traditional flavours. One standout trend that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts across the nation is the emergence of personalised biryanis where individuals are exploring unique variations of this beloved dish to suit their palates and dietary preferences.

Mohammed Bhol - Co- Founder & CEO, House of Biryan said, "The essence of customization is allowing individuals to tailor this beloved dish to their specific preferences and dietary requirements. This trend reflects a shift towards greater inclusivity and diversity within Indian cuisine, catering to a multicultural society's varied tastes and preferences."

"People have many options, from selecting their preferred protein – succulent chicken, tender lamb, or wholesome vegetables – to choosing the spice, richness, and garnishes. Personalised biryanis ensure that every plate reflects individual tastes and desires."