Food Forecast 2024: Top 10 Ingredients Taking Over American Kitchens

Among the various aspects of daily life, food is arguably the most important as it directly links to survival. While the pandemic settles into a routine of staying at home, the demand for comfort food has increased. Consequently, the food market is also experiencing rapid growth. While predictions for food trends suggest focusing on healthy ingredients, let’s look at what ingredients might make their way to our tables this year.

Moringa

Moringa, a superfood of nutrients, was used as a medicinal herb in India and Africa. It is gaining popularity in the U.S. market for its abundant amino acids and detoxification properties. Traditionally used in powdered form in smoothies, sauces, and roasted foods, it is predicted to be utilized in frozen desserts, protein bars, and mixed-grain products.

Yuzu

Yuzu is a citrus fruit containing more vitamin B and sugar than other citrus fruits and three times more vitamin C than lemons, making it great for fighting colds and enhancing skin beauty. While its strong flavor made it difficult to enjoy the fruit, yuzu’s rich scent and taste are now being recognized. Yuzu is gaining popularity as a flavoring in various dishes such as salad dressings, beverages, soups, and cakes.

Turmeric

Turmeric, a main ingredient in curry, is predicted to gain attention. It has long been used as both spice and medicinal herb for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It’s not a new spice, but it’s likely to see more use in ice cream, granola, sandwiches, and more. It is also used in soups, smoothies, and functional beverages when mixed with curcumin, ginger, and cinnamon.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds, which help lower cholesterol and reduce body fat, thereby preventing adult diseases, are also gaining attention. They are particularly noted as a healthy snack that even people with nut allergies can enjoy. Rich in protein, amino acids, vitamin E, antioxidants, and omega-6 fatty acids, sunflower seeds are gaining recognition as a superfood. They appear in new forms like sunflower seed ice cream, cheese, butter, protein bars, and even jelly.

Chili Peppers

According to the Specialty Food Association (SFA) in the U.S., chili peppers are expected to gain attention. The ongoing trend for spicy flavors in the U.S. has led to the addition of various chili peppers in many recipes, snacks, and seasonings. We’re also seeing more use of hot peppers in snacks, including chili chips, dried red pepper flakes, and more. Korean Gochujang, Mexican Tahini, Indonesian Sambal, and various hot sauces are predicted to become increasingly popular.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Ready To Drink (RTD) cocktails are receiving a warm reception. The convenience of RTD cocktails and the increasing number of people reducing alcohol consumption for health reasons suggest that this trend will continue next year. Low-alcohol or non-alcoholic RTD beverages are expected to be released in various new flavors.

Plant-Based Substitutes

Following sustainable and vegan fashion, the food industry rides the vegan wave. Plant-based substitutes are expected to gain attention. An example is choosing “reducetarianism” and reducing your consumption of meat, dairy, and eggs.

Hibiscus

The hibiscus, beloved for its ruby color and unique scent, is famous as a flower offered to gods. It is primarily found in Europe, South Africa, and China, and its vivid color makes it helpful in making jellies and the like. Hibiscus is expected to be used more in fruit spreads, yogurts, and other homemade beverages.

Functional Sodas

As consumers seek to add flavor and nutrition to carbonated drinks, functional sodas containing prebiotics beneficial for gut health and plant ingredients instead of sugar are predicted to be popular. From kombucha and probiotic-infused sodas, which are already popular, to plant-based tonics, carbonated drinks for health are expected to be consumed.

Dalgona

U.S. food-specialized media “Takeout” predicts that interactive food, with which consumers can engage with each other, will be a trend. They cited Dalgona from the Netflix original Squid Game as a prime example. Dalgona is a Korean candy made from sugar and baking soda, featuring shapes like triangles, stars, and umbrellas. Consumers enjoyed the food while interacting as if playing a game, and based on this, marketing and food trends are expected to emerge.

By. Oh Hye In