Predicted Food Trends 2024

Each year the retailer Whole Foods forecasts emerging flavors, culinary influences along with anticipated top selling products for the coming year. The Trends Council is comprised of 50 team members including foragers, buyers and culinary experts. Without further adue, here is the list for 2024.

1. Put the “plant” back in “plant-based”

   The “veggie” is going back in your burger and labels are shrinking. New protien forward products with mushroom, walnut, tempeh and legumes in place of meat alternatives. Plant based milk labels will be simplifyed down to just two ingredients.

2. Use the whole cacao

   Utilizing cacao pulp has been practiced in other countries for centuries. Now students in Costa Rica are tackling this and other environmental issues. The pulp is being made into jellies and jams. In 2023 we saw cacao fruit powders as a new sugar alternative, taking advantage of the sweet, ambrosial flavor.

3. Buckwheat is back

   Buckwheat is gaining popularity as a cover crop that supports soil health. It is also a superfood seed containing protein, carbs and fiber. The best part - it’s naturally gluten-free. Soba noodles embraced the grain already, but watch for inclusions in plant-based milk, crackers and granola in the coming months.

4. Faux Fish gets Fancy

   Earlier in 2023 tinned fish and caviar gained popularity. Now plant-based seafood brands are bringing the texture and flavor to rival the real thing. Look for carrots to replace lox, mushrooms to replace scallops and root vegetable konjac in sushi rolls and poke bowls.

5. Water Stewardship

   The growing trend of regenerative agriculture promotes soil health initiatives that ultimately conserve water. Non-govermental organizations are showing support for farmed oysters, leveraging aquaculture to filter water and help restore coastal ecosystems. Lifestyle brands are promoting dry shampoos, shampoo bars and laundry detergent sheets.

6. Heat and Spice

   Peppers from around the globe are becoming mainstream with the temps getting hotter. Varieties like Scorpion peppers, Guajillo or Hungarian Goathorn Peppers are fresh, whole ground or pickled are now present. Botana sauces - a mildly-spiced, tangy and versatile sauce made with garlic and peppers as well as chili oils are popping up in the condiment isle. Watch for pepper-infused drinks like kombuchas, cold-pressed juices and smoothies and ready to drink beverages like canned tepache - a fermented beverage made from the peel and rind of pinneapple that is sweetened and seasoned.

7. Noodles

   Instant ramen is becoming better than ever. Watch for the preservatives and MSG (monosodium glutamate) disappearing from labels and these noodles going gourmet.

8. Women’s Health

   This year we saw hormonal remedies, estrogen management and sleepy girl mocktails making headlines. Brands are popping up that support periods, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause and sleep. Food innovators are producing bars and snacks for cycle health.

9. Better boost

   Coffee is the long-standing morning tradition for many, but now we are seeing caffeinated drinks with natural additives. We will see more mushrooms and probiotics ingredients added to those drinks. Try searching for “clean caffeine.”

10. Little Luxuries

    We kinda love this one and are excited too see it make the top ten list. Treats, impluse buys and individual serving sizes can add joy on a budget. Things that come to mind for us are the fresh cookie jars on our deli counter in Ketchum, a bath bomb from the bulk jar at Natural Grocers or a gourmet afternoon tea.

10 Food Predictions for 2023

Every year Whole Foods shares their predictions for food and beverage trends for the upcoming year. Here is their Trend’s Council for top 10 for flavors, products and ingredients you will see on shelves in the upcoming year.

1. New Brew: Yaupon

Yaupon is a holly bush found in the Southern region of the U.S. and happens to be North America’s only known native caffeinated plant. Indigenous Americans brewed it into herbal tea and prepared it as a “black drink” consumed during purification rituals. With its mild, earthy flavor and unique benefits, yaupon has become increasingly popular on cocktail menus already.

2. Pulp With Purpose

One in three consumers uses a nondairy milk alternative at least once a week according to a recent poll from Morning Consult. But what about the often-wasted by-products of their production? TikTok creators are exploring ways to use leftover nut and oat pulp at home, and we’re now seeing an influx of brands begin to innovate in the space too. By upcycling by-products like oat, soy and almond pulp, brands are creating new products for the modern baker — think alternative flours, baking mixes and ready-to-eat sweets.

3. Produce Meets Pasta

First it was chickpea pasta, then cauliflower gnocchi. And who could forget zoodles? Now there's a new crop of plant-based pasta alternatives to help us all up our veggie and fruit intake, with ingredients like spaghetti squash, hearts of palm and even green bananas. Whether you’re looking for a special diet substitute, a way to incorporate more produce into your diet, or simply want to try something new — these new plant-powered pasta alternatives offer something for everyone.

4. The Great Date

In spring 2022, dates went viral on TikTok when a creator shared a Snickers-like recipe using the fruit. But the craze for dates isn’t new — they’ve been cultivated and enjoyed since the days of ancient Mesopotamia. Now, thousands of years later, the dehydrated fruit often referred to as “nature’s candy” is having a major renaissance as a sweetener — not only for at-home bakers, but also in the form of pastes and syrups, and hidden in everything from ketchup to overnight oats. With a classic caramel note we can all get behind, dates are having their moment.

4. The Great Date

In spring 2022, dates went viral on TikTok when a creator shared a Snickers-like recipe using the fruit. But the craze for dates isn’t new — they’ve been cultivated and enjoyed since the days of ancient Mesopotamia. Now, thousands of years later, the dehydrated fruit often referred to as “nature’s candy” is having a major renaissance as a sweetener — not only for at-home bakers, but also in the form of pastes and syrups, and hidden in everything from ketchup to overnight oats. With a classic caramel note we can all get behind, dates are having their moment.

5. A Poultry Revolution

More and more consumers believe chickens should be able to act like chickens, so they’re prioritizing welfare when shopping for both poultry and eggs. Global Animal Partnership (G.A.P.) is implementing a new initiative, The Better Chicken Project, to help improve the birds’ lives as well as the quality of the chicken we eat. Additionally, animal welfare is continuing to trend in chicken eggs, and we are here for it. Egg producers in the dairy case at Whole Foods Market are stretching beyond our better-than-cage-free Animal Welfare Standards for Laying Hens, with even more focus on outdoor time.

6. Help From Kelp

In its original form, kelp can absorb carbon in the atmosphere, making kelp farming more important than ever in the age of climate consciousness. Kelp grows quickly, doesn’t require freshwater or added nutrients, and is nutritious and versatile in food products — we’re seeing it in noodles, chips, fish-free “fish” sauce and beyond. As consumers seek out alternative ingredients and experiment with new flavors, kelp-inspired foods are gaining popularity.

7. Climate-Conscious Callouts

Climate consciousness is more relevant than ever, and as a result, brands are working to improve the impact of food and beverage production. Across our aisles, products are taking to their labels to talk about sustainability efforts in a time when consumers expect brands and retailers to do more related to carbon and climate. At Whole Foods Market, we have a team of experts who take the lead on setting our rigorous Quality Standards, providing guidance around this ever-evolving topic to help customers have confidence in what they see on product labels.

8. Retro Remix

Mac and cheese, pizza bites, classic old-school cereals and more — we all crave the occasional comfort of a meal from our childhood. According to Mintel Global Consumer research, 73% of US consumers enjoy things that remind them of their past, setting the stage for these nostalgic treats to go mainstream. The twist? Retro products are being reinvented with consideration for the wellness-conscious customer, creating the ultimate mash-up of throwback indulgences with better ingredients and special diets in mind.

9. Only the Finest for Fido

More than 23 million American households adopted a pet during the pandemic, according to the ASPCA. Now, with a return to the office for many pet parents, a focus on Fido’s wellness and palate is more important than ever. Pet supplements like bone broth have exploded onto the scene, and pet food recipes are dialing up the deliciousness. Plus, all pet food and supplements at Whole Foods Market are required to meet our industry-leading Quality Standards for ingredients, making well-being easy for our furry friends.

10. Avocado Oil Craze

A staple on our shelves for years, avocado oil is finally going mainstream in packaged products across the board. It has some big positive attributes — including high oleic fatty acid content and a high smoke point — to thank for its popularity. Taking the place of other oils like canola and safflower oil in snacks, mayonnaise, ready-to-eat meals and more, avocado oil is sure to stick around.

Top Predicted Food Trends 2022

We are constantly being inspired by our world to keep things fresh and exciting for our clients. This past Thanksgiving Maeme traveled (or we like to say ate) her way through New York City. Callie and Lucy Mae visited family in native El Paso. There were many great feasts - Thanksgiving Dinner, Middle Eastern night and of course a bit of Tex-Mex. When in Texas… While traveling we love to see what’s hot, what’s trending and what’s yummy.

Whole Foods just posted their list for 2022. Here it is!

1. Ultraurban Farming

Innovation in indoor farming has ballooned, from hydroponics and aquaponics and even fresh produce grown by robots. Producers are finding new, boundary-pushing ways to grow hyper-local crops and maximize efficiency.

2. You Do Yuzu

Yuzu — a lesser-known citrus mainly cultivated in Japan, Korea and China — is taking the culinary world by storm. Tart and sour, this tangerine-sized fruit is popping up in vinaigrettes, hard seltzers, mayos and more. In the restaurant scene, chefs are using its lime-lemon-grapefruit flavor to accent their soups, veggies, noodles and fish.

3. Reducetarianism

Are you a plant-curious eater who isn’t ready to give up meat entirely? Try reducetarianism — reducing consumption of meat, dairy and eggs without cutting them out completely. When animal products are on the menu, reducetarians make them count, opting for premium grass-fed meat and pasture-raised eggs.

4. Hibiscus Is Happening

Hibiscus has a long and delicious history in the world of teas, and customers love it for its vitamin C content. Now, producers are harnessing its sweet, tart flavor in the form of fruit spreads, yogurts and beyond. Of course, beverage makers are keeping up, leaning on hibiscus to craft delicious drinks that adopt its signature hot-pink hue.

5. Buzz-Less Spirits

The dialed-down spirits category experienced record growth in 2021. With millennials and Gen Z-ers dabbling in “drysolation” during the pandemic, we don’t see the sober-curious mindset going away anytime soon. Enter a new lineup of drinks that provide the taste and sophistication of cocktails without the buzz. If you want to shake things up, there are elegant mocktail options to explore.

6. Grains That Give Back

Grocery grains are refocusing on the environment in 2022. We’re talking grains grown via agriculture practices and farming processes that help address soil health.

7. Seize the Sunflower Seed

After fueling grand slams and double plays for years, sunflower seeds are branching out of the ballpark and sliding into crackers, ice creams and creamy cheeses. Delivering protein and unsaturated fats, these mighty little seeds are transforming the 21st century snack game. Parents, take note — many sunflower seed–based products are made without nuts, which means allergy-friendly school snacks (just make sure to always check the label).

8. Moringa’s* Moment

Often called the “miracle tree,” moringa is traditionally used as an herbal remedy in India, Africa and beyond. Moringa leaves have plenty of nutrients, and these fast-growing, drought-resistant trees have been used as a source of food to fight malnutrition in certain parts of the world. Gaining steam in the U.S. as matcha’s latest alternative, it can be found in powder form and added to make magic in smoothies, sauces and baked goods. It’s also showing up in unexpected products like frozen desserts, protein bars and packaged grain blends.

9. Functional Fizz

Today, bubbly beverages are doing double duty. That’s right, people are looking for sparkling drinks that not only taste great but also offer ingredients that balance out the sweetness. We’re talking soda with probiotics and fizzy tonics with added prebiotics, botanicals and more. Fruity flavors. Unconventional ingredients. Get more from your bubbly drinks.

10. Turmeric Takes Off

Turmeric, aka “the golden spice,” has been used for centuries in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, and has become popular in the U.S. as a dietary supplement. While golden milk lattes and turmeric supplements are nothing new, the spice is taking root as an ingredient in packaged foods like cereals, sauerkrauts and even plant-based ice cream sandwiches. People want to have their turmeric and eat it too.