Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council forecasts the return of plant-based cuisine to top the list of food trends in FY24, followed by the use of whole cacao.
The Trends Council said it is seeing new and emerging protein-forward products with mushrooms, walnuts, tempeh and legumes, as well as plant-based milk alternatives.
Next in the list is the use of whole cacao, with the council mentioning brands such as Blue Stripes, which feature the ingredient in their products.
“Our annual food trends predictions list is a way for us to pull back the curtain for customers and share insight into what our buyers and culinary experts are keeping on their radar for the upcoming year,” said Cathy Strange, ambassador of food culture for Whole Foods Market and member of the Trends Council.
The council is made up of more than 50 Whole Foods Market team members, including foragers, buyers and culinary experts.
The forecasted trends also include buckwheat, fancy faux fish, brands promoting water conservation, pepper products including hot sauce and pepper-infused drinks, and noodles.
The remaining three in the list are little luxuries, women’s health, and ‘clean caffeine’.
