TRENDS RECAP Tracking the Year’s Top Trends and Looking Ahead

We kicked off 2023 with a list of the top consumer trends we predicted to make waves this year. How did our predictions stack up, and what can we expect to see in 2024?

Recapping 2023’s Trends

Global Flavors and Regional Pizzas

People were keen to experience exciting global flavor profiles, with Mexican- and Asian-inspired dishes topping the list. Unexpected flavor mashups and reinvented classic dishes were popular items on menus and grocery store shelves. Consumers reached for global flavors like Korean BBQ chips and Szechuan-spiced wings.

Pizza restaurants offering a new spin on classic pies saw skyrocketing sales. Thai chicken pizza, spicy Mexican-themed combinations and Vietnamese profiles were popular orders for consumers who couldn’t get enough of these regional flavor profiles.

Convenience and Value

Protein snacks were popular this year, with shoppers reaching for ready-to-eat foods. Convenience took priority for busy consumers, and protein-heavy grab-and-go items topped the charts. Charcuterie snack packs and meat sticks flew off the shelves this year. Frozen meat-based breakfast items were top sellers, too.??

Price inflation was also on consumers’ minds, with shoppers looking to get the most value from their grocery store trips. Consumers reached for cheaper cuts of meat, switched to store-brand products and shopped around for deals.??

A Peek at What We Anticipate in 2024

The Heat is On

The trend that has shown the most momentum is the ongoing demand for spicy food. Consumers want to test their palates with flavors that turn up the heat. With global and regional-inspired flavors still the gateway to spicy eating experiences, the most popular flavor profiles leading the way are spicy Mexican flavors, Korean BBQ, Thai Green Curry and Cajun. Eighty percent of consumers add spice to their meals, and nearly a quarter of those like their heat level set to “hot.”?

Nearly three-fifths of consumers eat spicier foods than a year ago. A perfect way for consumers to indulge in spicy flavors is snacks and appetizers like chicken wings, salsas and chips. Restaurants and food manufacturers are testing new flavors and upping the spice levels. In 2024, expect to see versions of spicy wings on many menus as this appetizer has increased in popularity by more than 300% in the last year.??

Elevating Everyday Food Experiences

Consumers’ love for trying new foods has made suppliers think beyond unique flavor blends. 2024 will see shoppers looking for ways to enhance everyday foods and expand their palates. The gourmet salt market is predicted to grow by 6.17% in the next five years. Pink peppercorn, matcha and black lava salt are the three big flavors consumers are reaching for in restaurants and for home-cooked meals. Think salt rubs for steaks and salty popcorn.

Tinned fish has also jumped in popularity due to a TikTok trend. Consumers are creating meals around tinned items, named “seacuterie boards.” While tinned fish may not seem like a luxury food, pairing it with fancy bread and cheese has become a novel experience.

As innovative food experiences continue to grow in popularity, Hormel Ingredient Solutions will be tracking the trends impacting the food and beverage industry. Stay tuned for our upcoming 2024 Trends Report!?

Sources available upon request.