Comfort foods, community and social media are likely to be driving forces in menus next year, according to the National Restaurant Association’s (NRA) 2024 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast and its survey of 1,500 culinary professionals.
The report showcased broader trends, as well as specific ingredients, flavors, condiments and dishes that are likely to be popular in 2024.
“This year’s trends are dominated by consumer craving for comfort and community with a healthy side of curiosity influenced by social media,” said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of research for the association. “Old favorites like BBQ are taking on new flavors and social sharing is influencing the spread of regional fares like Nashville Hot. Even the chicken competition is going global on local menus.”
The NRA’s top 10 trends for 2024 are:
- World stage soups and stews (birria, chicken tom kha, laksa, salmorejo, upscale ramen)
- Global chicken wings
- International BBQ
- Incorporating social media trends (TikTok)
- Grilled/cooked cheeses (provoleta, queso fundido, raclette, halloumi, juustoleipa)
- Wagyu beef
- Stuffed vegetables (chiles en nogada, stuffed peppers, stuffed cabbage rolls)
- Regional menus
- Streamlined menus
- Hot honey breakfast sandwiches
Across all food categories, comfort foods take center stage with soups and stews, stuffed vegetables, and melty cheeses.
Additionally, the NRA noted that natural flavors are trending for alcoholic drinks, including botanicals like spices and herbs, along with low-alcohol spirits. Drinks with perceived health and energy benefits led the way for non-alcoholic offerings.
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