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.

12 Ways to Cashew Dip

Cashew Dip is a vegetarian, vegan-friendly dip that pairs perfectly with raw vegetables, crackers, and so much more. This creamy, delicious dip is a perfect appetizer or snack for movie nights, watching the big game (or awards show) or entertaining. Feel free to make it dairy free and gluten free also too!

First start with cashews - salted or unsalted per your liking. Add the cashews to a bowl and cover with hot water. Allow the cashews to soak for at least 10 minutes. Drain the cashews and to a blender cup or food processor. Now the fun part - what to add. Here are some ideas of variations: Pro Tip: If a thinner sauce is desired add more water until the desired consistency is reached.

1. Garlic (raw for the “bite”), olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, honey or agave and water

2. Garlic, nutritional yeast, cumin, chili powder, salt, harissa/hot salsa/hot sauce, etc

3. Milk - cashew/almond,etc, fresh red pepper, nutritional yeast, garlic, fresh squeezed lemon juice, chili powder, salt

4. Fresh squeezed lemon juice, diced onion, oil, cumin pwoder, curry powder, salt

5. Milk - cashew/almond, etc, fresh squeezed lemon, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, dried oregano, dried basil, dried chives

6. Avocados, garlic, soy sauce, fresh squeezed lemon juice, salt, pepper

7. Sun dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh squeezed lemon juice, salt, smoked paprika, olive oil

8. Fresh squeezed lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, onion flake, salt, ground black pepper

9. Maple or date syrup, vanilla, fresh orange peeled

10. Fresh mint leaves, fresh coriander leaves, garlic, salt and pepper

11. Tamari, fresh squeezed lime juice, sriracha, raw honey, sea salt

12. Coconut milk, fresh squeezed lemon juice, pure maple syrup, pure vanilla extract, salt, lemon zest

The possibilities are endless here. We look forward to hearing which combination is your favorite!

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.