American online grocery company FreshDirect has revealed five consumer food trends in the US for next year, including upcycling food scraps to tackle food waste.
Charlotte Myer, the co-lead of merchandising at FreshDirect, said that the company aims to promote simple and healthy solutions to help make every day better for consumers.
“Our team of industry experts is continuously ahead of food innovation—identifying the flavours, ingredients, and culinary movements that will captivate customer palates and shape the industry in the coming years.”
Five trends shaping the future of food
Upcycling
Upcycled food scraps will become more popular as consumers want to reduce food waste. For example, companies across various categories will creatively use upcycled food scraps, from prepared foods to meal kits.
DEI Representation
Proper Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) representation will fundamentally shift consumer preferences and expectations. This movement of integrating DEI into the selection of products underscores the awareness that grocery choices extend beyond mere consumption and echo consumers’ values, beliefs, and commitment.
Sustainable Farming Practices
The contemporary food landscape prioritises sustainability, and customers seek to support sustainable practices in as many ways as possible. Indoor fruit and vegetable farming has become increasingly popular due to unpredictable outdoor harvests.
Regenerative agriculture is also at the forefront of sustainable efforts, with customers showing a preference for regeneratively grown meat. Regenerative meat refers to meat products from livestock raised using regenerative agriculture practices, while regenerative agriculture focuses on restoring and enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem function.
Functional Beverages
Customers seek highly nutritious products and have also expressed a desire for beverage products that go beyond nutrition. Beverage purveyors are crafting products like better-for-you drinks tailored to wellness enthusiasts.
As “digestive well-being” gains prominence, the market sees the rise of probiotic offerings, moving beyond kombucha to whey-based tonics driven by heightened health awareness.
Embracing Small Plates
Premium-tinned seafood, snacking cheeses, and specialty dips will continue to gain popularity as more consumers look for easy, nutritious ways to satisfy their guests during festivities. According to the study, versatility and quick preparation of appetisers and small plates are a plus, and guests can try various flavours without overeating.
