What’s Next: What Will 2019 Taste Like?

Whats-Next-2019_Blog-Header_Chocolate-Mousse

It almost feels unreal to be asking this question, but “wow,” can you believe it’s already the end of the year? Time seems to fly so fast, doesn’t it? And if there’s one thing in life that is consistent, it’s the movement of time, and change.

So, as we prepare to transition into a new year, get ready for the inevitable. But wait! What if things are going great for your business, or just beginning to take off and you don’t want change? Don’t worry, because with change comes the opportunity for further success, but that requires knowledge, and in this case we want to know: what are consumers looking for? How is the foodservice industry changing? What are the next round of trends going to be?

In essence, what 2019 will taste like?!

Well, the food trends of 2019 have undoubtedly been a hot topic for the last several weeks, and here are some of the topics that have been heavily … trending (I couldn’t help it!).

That’s interesting!
According to www.ctvnews.ca, a tasty northern Chinese street food known as bings is becoming more well known. Described as crepe-esque with egg filling and sweet or savory sauces. This could be the next big breakfast option (and internationally inspired breakfast cuisine is also going to be big in 2019) or anytime snack option on your next-level menu.

Bring the flavor!
American supermarket chain, Whole Foods Market, made some delicious flavor predictions to add some “yum” to 2019. The chain’s trend-spotters suggest that vibrant Pacific Rim flavors such as guava, dragon fruit, and passion fruit will enhance colorful smoothie bowls and cocktails.

Beet smoothie bowl

Frozen is cool!
Frozen dessert artisans and consumers will be excited about the next Whole Foods prediction: trailblazing frozen treats. The company reports predictions of new consumer ice cream products made of everything from avocado to hummus to coconut water; airy Taiwanese snow ice and Mexican nieves de garrafa (artisan hand-churned ice cream), and stretchy, chewy, Turkish ice cream.

But not to be ignored, the chain also reports that frozen pops and gelato will maintain a stronghold in the industry with some “boozier” infusions coming to market.

Yes, please!
Judging by our resources on the other side of the pond, Big Hospitality, a hospitality newsletter based in the United Kingdom, forecasts sweet delights for the dessert lover in you (and the ones you serve)!

The digital publication suggests that cakes and tarts will have a strong presence in 2019 due to their competitive levels of showmanship and innovation. Also trending will be entremets, ice cream sandwiches with macaron shells, boozy ice cream makes yet another appearance even outside of the States.

According to Big Hospitality, 2019 will also taste like vegan desserts that are much more sophisticated than simply fruit salad such as coconut and chocolate ripple gelato, coconut rice pudding, banana bread, and peanut butter pudding. More innovative 2019 trends, as reported by Big Hospitality is fried milk (firm custard that is battered and fried), Asian flavors – mango, durian, black sesame seed, toasted coconut, passion fruit, lychee, and yuzu, and French patisserie classic, choux pastry.

Bake it what you want!
Exciting food news continued with business finance company Quikstone Capital Solutions for the bakery sector. The finance expert foretells of exotic doughnuts with sweet and savory fillings extending its stronghold on the dessert industry throughout the New Year. Bite-sized desserts will satisfy consumer desire for portion control, and they suggest that adding high end spirits to traditional desserts is a great way to increase sales and drive revenue. Catering to consumers looking to achieve or maintain a healthy lifestyle with good-for-you dessert options never goes out of style. And speaking of style, artistic creations such as the unicorn everything of 2018 is also on the company’s forecast.

Produce with purpose!
With fruits and veggies making such a major impact on the food industry for their range of beautiful hues, health benefits, and versatility, www.foodnewsfee.com foresees ugly produce adding to the taste of 2019. They may be ugly on the outside, but it’s what’s inside that counts with this group. Adding to the culinary fanfare will be fermented foods such as kombucha, and colorful creations with massive appeal—treats for the eyes AND mouth!

Kombucha frozen dessert recipes

Keeping it moving…
2018 was full of unforgettable movements including those in the foodservice industry the will continue into 2019: Sustainability – avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance; preventing food waste; and probiotics and digestive health.

Oat, Really?!

Yes, Oat milk is the new “it” milk making waves in food trend headlines, like that of delish.com.  According to the digital publication, Non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. have grown 61 percent since 2012, making a lot more than just nut milks available at the supermarket. Currently, oat milk is the latest craze.

In terms of social media-based food porn, market research giant, Technomic, suggests photographic food porn has been mostly replaced by video. Because of this, some restaurants are serving dishes that make sounds, move, or change color, in effort to impress on social media. Something to think about?

Is that so?
The popularity of Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is growing like weeds in the foodservice industry. North Carolina-based media outlet, www.charlotteagenda.com explains the potent extract from the cannabis plant is popping up in everything from cookies to cocktails. Though CBD is an instantly provacative topic, due to the relation to its cousin THC–tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects, as described by www.livescience.com. But CBD is non-psychoactive and legal in all 50 states.

That’s the short list of what 2019 will taste like for your customer. But what will 2019 bring for you. Forecasts show that fitness, mindfulness, and wellness, are all great focuses for your enhanced well-being. And why not?  You’ll want (and need) to be around to see all your efforts flourish whether it’s of mind, body, and soul, or business!

Cheers to upcoming food trends and all the delicious tastes that 2019 has in store (pun intended)!