Hey 🍞 Community!
The National Restaurant Association, in collaboration with the American Culinary Federation and Technomic, has released the "What's Hot 2023" culinary trends report. Based on a survey with over 500 culinary professionals, the report identifies the leading menu trends across 11 categories, including dayparts, menu sections, and beverages. Below is a summary of the info; check out the full article here!
Top 5 Trends to Watch:
- Local Dining Experiences: Emphasis on local sourcing and community-centric dining. A move towards ingredients with a story and a reduction in food miles. 🌱
- Fried Chicken Sandwich: This staple gets innovative twists with new flavors and artisanal touches. 🐔
- Charcuterie Boards: Artistry on a plate, these boards combine traditional and novel ingredients, becoming a canvas for culinary creativity. 🎨
- Comfort Foods: A surge in nostalgic eats that evoke memories and warmth with a modern health-conscious twist. 🍲
- Healthier Wraps: Incorporating global flavors and nutrient-rich ingredients, wraps are getting a wholesome upgrade. (I was eating a wrap while writing this!) 🌯
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - What's Changing?
- Breakfast: We're seeing a rise in value-focused and portable offerings, balancing cost and convenience. 🌤️
- Lunch: Chicken sandwiches are evolving with global sauces and unique bread options. 🌏
- Dinner: A trend towards more affordable meat cuts, cooked with finesse to elevate the dining experience. 🍽️
- Desserts & Drinks: There's a sweet shift to natural sweeteners and plant-based milks, along with a bubbly increase in the popularity of spritzes. 🍹
Global Tastes on the Rise:
- Southeast Asian Cuisine: This trend signifies a broader palette preference for bold spices, diverse textures, and sustainability. 🌶️
Innovations to Keep an Eye On:
- Sandwiches: Expect to see international twists and new bread alternatives shaking up the classic sandwich. 🥪
- Technology in Cooking: Automation is set to revolutionize the kitchen, from preparation to plating. 🤖
What's Losing Steam?
- Quirky offerings like pickle pizza are making room for the next wave of culinary creativity. 📉
Let's Chat!
How do these trends inspire your next culinary creation? Share your insights; drop a kudo below!
Cheers to your restaurant's growth and success! 🥂
--The Toast Community Team 🍞
Robert Anderson, Community Manager
Toast
