Every year in June, the Summer Fancy Food Show transforms the Javits Center in New York City into a food lover's paradise for three delightful days. This convention-center-based trade show offers an abundance of culinary delights, including unlimited food samples, engaging masterclasses, insightful panels, captivating keynote talks, and a host of other experiences that make it an incredibly enjoyable event.
During a fireside chat at the Fancy Food Show, Top Chef host Kristen Kish expressed her belief that social media has exacerbated food trends. She lamented that the originality of a dish is often lost when everyone begins following the same trend, leading to a mundane and unexciting culinary landscape. However, Kish also acknowledged that trends can provide a chance for individuals to showcase their uniqueness and add their own personal touch to mainstream dishes.
Of course, trends change very quickly, just like the way the TikTok algorithm delivers them. Good trends also tend to last, especially when companies notice them.
Get ready to witness these five food trends that are about to become ubiquitous.
Prepare yourself for the next level of spicy food. While "swicy" foods may have dominated in 2023, 2024 is taking it up a notch on the Scoville scale. Whether it's the thrill of conquering multiple ghost peppers or the desire to experience intense sensations, the popularity of extremely spicy snacks, sauces, and meals is soaring.
Apocalyptic pantry essentials
A wide variety of freeze-dried, pickled, and canned staples were showcased, perfect for meals that could sustain you in a bunker circa 2028. However, these foods are just as useful now, especially for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, or those who tend to forget their grocery shopping. Complete meals will keep your emergency pantry well-stocked.
Gourmet grocery delights
In recent years, many restaurants have started packaging their signature dishes for consumers to enjoy at home. Additionally, specialty grocery stores and markets are becoming increasingly popular, offering a luxurious shopping experience for those seeking the finer things in life. These fancy products perfectly cater to those who want to indulge in high-quality ingredients and recreate the joy of dining out in the comfort of their own homes.
Convenient korean cuisine
In line with the popular trends of super spiciness, gourmet appeal, and preparedness, ready-to-eat Korean meals took the spotlight at the festival. While global cuisine has always been popular, it was clear that Korean food, which can be quickly heated in minutes, is making a significant impact on American consumers. This may be attributed, in part, to the growing presence of H Mart in the U.S. market.
Sweet honey and nutritious seeds
The growing trend of cottagecore seems to be at the forefront of this movement. Alongside the honey craze, there was also a surge in seed-based snacks and sauces, offering a healthy and flavorful twist. One notable hit is the Clark and Hopkins District Sauce, a hot sauce that combines Ethiopian curry, ginger, and honey, creating a unique and tantalizing flavor combination that has gained popularity among enthusiasts.