The food landscape is constantly changing all around us and as it continues to evolve we see new trends emerging and leaving the market.
Every year the International Food Information Council (IFIC) presents its annual food trends forecast. This report is compiled by health experts, intuitionalists and food experts.
They study the market and what we buy, new products, what we eat and the trends that are developing throughout the year.
We’ve read through the report and we’re happy report that Medfood are at the top of the 2024 food trends. But what are these trends?
Mood food on the menu
As we learn more about ourselves and food, we start to build a stronger correlation between mood and food. Scientific research shows that what we eat has a direct impact on not only our physical but also our psychological health – that is our mental wellbeing.
2024 is set to see an increase in foods that helps our mood. This ranges from food and beverages that help sleep, stress reductions and mood support. Including ingredients like turmeric. There is also a larger emphasis on foods that contain vitamins and minerals and meat substitutions. Amongst this trend is a move towards nuts and seeds in food that supplement a dish and replace meat protein.
At Medfood we are proud of the quality of our raw and roasted nuts. We source only the best quality nuts and we roast and flavour all our nuts in our own factory to ensure quality and aroma.
The increasing rise of third-culture cuisine
Once labelled as “Fusion” food, 2024 is set to see an increase in third culture cuisines. This is a celebration of foods from around the world including the ever popular Mediterranean diet and a re-look at Chinese cuisine including the demonised ingredient MSG.
“Holiday” flavours including olives, stuffed peppers and grilled vegetables are set to rise in popularity. Not only due to the meat-free trend but also due to the rise of smaller mezze or tapas like meals where these ingredients are an integral part of the meal. Discover our great range of antipasti products on our website. We have an extensive range including sundried tomatoes, grilled vegetables, stuffed peppers and garlic products.
Olives continue to be the food of the Gods
The olive harvest had a difficult year at the back end of 2023. Summer fires, floods and autumnal thunderstorms has caused havoc across the Mediterranean basin, devastating the olive harvest. This has not only caused a shortage of olives and olive oil across Europe but a rise in prices. However the popularity of olives is set to grow as we move into 2024.
Olives fall into many categories including healthy, plant based and nutritious. The healthy fats in olives has proven to reduce heart disease and reduce cholesterol. Olives are also high in fibre and packed with vitamin E.
Eating a handful of olives every day can help you to stay full longer, fills your body with essential fibre and vitamins as well as healthy fats. The positive effect of olives on health and wellbeing is well documented.
At Medfood we have a passion for olives. We have been working with our partners across the Mediterranean to bring you quality olives for over 20 years. Our award-winning Bella Napoli marinated olives have won the Quality Food Awards for two years in a row and we continue to grow and innovate with our olives and marinades.
View, like and eat
Finally we need to look at the effect of social media on our eating habits. With more and more videos and recipes at our fingertips, the phenomenon of view, like and eat will continue to increase in 2024. 28% of American’s questioned, said that social media is influencing their eating habits and that trend is due to work it’s way across the pond. If we learn anything, it’s not to underestimate the power of social media in influencing what people eat, cook or buy.
If you would like to discuss your business needs with us and talk to us about our range of products, call our sales team on 020 8965 6528 or contact us for more information.
Photo attributes:
Man and woman shopping: Image by Freepik
Nuts in salad: Image by valeria_aksakova on Freepik
The influence of social media: Image by Freepik
