Food trends are rapidly evolving, and classic dishes are now used as a starting point for culinary creativity. This approach blurs the traditional lines between dishes, snacks, drinks, and desserts, promoting innovation.
Let’s take the birthday cake – once an annual treat – now widespread in ice cream, popcorn, peanut butter, and many other foods. This trend involves reimagining flavors and introducing new formats and carriers.
- 68% of US consumers order global foods when dining out. (Source: Technomic: Global Food & Beverage Trends)
- 57% of Mexican consumers look for new food/flavors to try most or all of the time. (Source: Mintel Global Consumer surveys)
- 37% of Canadian consumers look for new food/flavors to try most or all of the time. (Source: Mintel Global Consumer surveys)
Combining different cuisines has brought about a new era of culinary inspiration by introducing a variety of flavors in familiar formats. The demand for authenticity and interest in fusion food has revolutionized how we perceive and enjoy our meals.
Cuisine Mashups: Global Inspiration Meets Familiar Formats
Exploring new cuisines can be an exciting experience, allowing individuals to discover unique flavors and cooking techniques from different cultures, adding variety and spice to their meals.
A recent report by Mintel revealed that 36% of Canadian consumers are trying new recipes more than they were a year ago, indicating an increased exploration in food and cooking.
Nostalgia: A Key Ingredient in Food
Food can evoke memories, particularly those of our childhood favorites. Adding a modern twist to traditional recipes, we can experience a sense of nostalgia and comfort that heightens our dining experience.
Did you know that Chicken Tikka Masala, a classic Indian dish, can now be enjoyed as a pizza topping, burrito filling, or even a mac and cheese mix-in?
Chicken Tikka Masala can evoke deep nostalgia with its rich and aromatic curry, an irresistible blend of spices, and tender chicken pieces. It brings back fond childhood memories for those who have watched their grandmothers prepare the ingredients and let them simmer. This dish is a source of comfort, reminding us of the taste and feel of a home-cooked meal after a long day. Niramaya Foods’ Dips for Dinner reimagined a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of classic Indian cuisine without the hassle of preparing a full meal.
Similarly, Cacio e Pepe has been reimagined as a sauce for potatoes, seasoning for crackers, and flavored salt. Cacio e Pepe, a beloved Italian pasta dish, is not just a meal; it’s an experience steeped in nostalgia.
This simple yet divine combination of pasta, cheese, and freshly ground black pepper brings back memories of warm family gatherings around the rustic kitchen table. Trader Joe’s has reimagined Cacio e Pepe with savory cheddar, Romano cheeses, and black pepper, creating delightful and complex Puffs perfect for snacking.
The Rise of Global Foods in the U.S. Market
Many U.S. consumers are showing a growing interest in global foods. According to a recent survey, 73% of U.S. consumers agree that prepared meals are a great way to try new cuisines, highlighting opportunity to explore global flavors within ready-to-eat meals(Mintel Global Consumer Surveys).
The Fastest Growing Entrées
Our culinary horizons have expanded beyond the familiar and traditional in an increasingly globalized world. From spicy Thai curries to aromatic Indian biryanis, international cuisines are captivating taste buds, leaving consumers yearning for more.
However, it’s important to note that 34% of U.S. consumers don’t like global food and flavors, and 45% need to learn how to prepare international dishes. This presents an opportunity for restaurants and food services to cater to this segment by offering innovative global dishes. (Source: Datassential Global Flavors Keynote; Technomic 2023 Trends presentation)
By capitalizing on the unexplored potential of these fast-growing entrees, they can satisfy their customers’ culinary curiosity and create a niche for themselves in a competitive market.
The Fun in Food: A Global Perspective
In a survey across 36 markets done by Mintel in 2023:
- 71% of Canadian consumers cook meals from scratch all the time, with new experiences ranking number 1 as most important to them. (Source: Mintel Global Consumer Surveys)
- 68% of US consumers order global foods when dining out. (Source: Technomic: Global Food & Beverage Trends)
These insights indicate a global appetite for culinary experimentation and a desire for fun and adventure in food.
Innovative Takes on Classic Dishes and Daily Staples
In 2022, the traditional butter we all know and love transformed, with new forms and flavors emerging. One of the latest trends in the culinary world is the butter board, a fun take on charcuterie boards that has taken the internet by storm.
Additionally, butter is now available in various flavors inspired by popular dishes and cuisines. These flavors include Cajun butter, Curry butter, and even Salt and Vinegar butter.
Menu Growth: The Most Popular Dishes
In recent years, certain dishes have seen a significant rise in menu popularity and have become popular choices for dining out.
These dishes saw growth in penetration on US menus (Datassential MenuTrends):
- +63% for Poke, a Hawaiian dish of diced raw fish with various toppings and sauces.
- +48% for Chicken & Waffles, a Southern staple, combines crispy fried chicken and waffles, often served with syrup or gravy.
- +40% for Tinga, a Mexican dish made with shredded meat in tomato and chili sauce, is often served in tacos.
- 14% for Ramen, a Japanese dish of wheat noodles served in a savory broth, frequently topped with meats, vegetables, and other ingredients.
These dishes offer a range of flavors and textures and provide a unique dining experience perfect for food away from home.
Whisking Up a New Era: Concluding Thoughts on Recipes Reimagined
Reimagining recipes is a culinary revolution that’s transforming the food industry. It involves taking classic dishes and using them as inspiration for new flavors, formats, and carriers. This opens up a world of culinary possibilities that are more sustainable, equitable, and exciting than ever before.
As this trend continues gaining momentum, we expect to see more exciting innovations that will further reshape our food systems. With consumers seeking new experiences while coping with economic challenges, the trend of reimagining recipes will likely grow.
So, why not join the revolution and start reimagining your meals today?
Let’s Create Better Together
We’re here to help inspire creations that keep your product portfolio on trend. Contact your Griffith Foods representative or reach out to our sales team to learn more about our ongoing research and innovative offerings.
