People tend to follow the latest culinary trends online, particularly those that promise to improve their health. Latest studies have led to the discovery of a new trend, and considering the positive effects that it can have on our bodies, it is anticipated that many people will adopt it next year.
Health Benefits and Availability of Lavender in the Market
Pexels/Anastasia Shuraeva
Recent research by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has revealed that edible florals, particularly, are increasing in popularity in the food industry. The botanical specimens of rose, hibiscus, jasmine, and lavender are all anticipated to experience consistent growth in the upcoming year.
As mentioned, lavender will become more prevalent in the food and beverage industry due to consumer preference shifting toward goods that offer health advantages in 2024. The International Flower Association (IFT) singled hibiscus and lavender as the best flowers for improving mood and facilitating relaxation.
You can find alcoholic beverages and teas containing the florals at your neighborhood grocery store. Some prominent chain retailers, such as Walmart and Target, also sell things under their store brand names. Both large-scale retailers provide their very own brand of hibiscus tea bags in packages of 20 for either $2.48 or $3.69.
Most food trends start on the internet, making it one of the most important platforms for their development. Social media influencers have an unusual impact; a brief look through TikTok will show influencers pushing a variety of cuisines, including soup, flavored water, and canned fish, which is expected to be one of the most prominent fads in 2023. As stated, these influencers play a significant role in developing trends, although they are not solely responsible for their creation. The current economic situation, socio-cultural shifts, and other trends seen elsewhere in popular culture can all have a role in the development of trends. Trends can also emerge by broader societal outcomes.
On the other hand, even though we are aware of the factors that contribute to the emergence of food trends and the origins of these trends, we still need to anticipate them. Thus, many businesses, such as Whole Foods and the Specialty Food Association, publish annual reports that forecast forthcoming trends; in addition, many people make a living by being on the lookout for emerging trends.
The council's forecasts were derived from decades of expertise in product procurement as well as consumer preferences. A year ago, Whole Meals predicted that avocado oil, climate-conscious meals, and nostalgic foods would be popular in the coming year. Moreover, the food store believes that by 2024, shopping carts will be stocked with high-end imitation fish, buckwheat, spicy seasonings, and various other items.
Accordingly, although eating a plant-based diet has been trendy for some years, Whole Foods forecasts that shortly, consumers will put more emphasis on filling their plates with actual plants rather than selecting meatless options. The supermarket is introducing new protein-forward products such as legumes, mushrooms, hazelnuts, and tempeh, replacing complex meat substitutes. In addition, these goods come with a reduced list of ingredients; in fact, the labels of some plant-based milk alternatives have been reduced to only two components in some cases.
