The foodservice industry has been always been in a state of flux, and every few years, new food trends emerge. What was popular in 2020 may be totally obsolete in 2023, and keeping track of emerging food flavors is essential for any franchisor looking to capture share of the market with their restaurant.
Brizo provides comprehensive foodservice market intelligence, with in-depth data.com/en/platform/’ target=’_blank’>menu data, restaurant tech coverage, sales prospecting tools and data enrichment services for restaurant operators to increase efficiency and optimize operations. This intelligence gives franchisors an inside edge to understand the industry in greater depth and gain insights into current and upcoming food flavor trends that can be utilized to build a winning restaurant concept.
In this article, we will dive into the food flavor trends for 2023 and discuss key points that franchisors need to consider when evaluating these trends.
Innovative Ingredients
Consumers in the United States are increasingly more likely to try out new flavors and explore global cuisine. As a result, the use of innovative and alternative ingredients are growing in popularity. In 2023, expect to see ingredients such as exotic fruits and vegetables, alternative proteins and reinvented global snacks and dishes to be incorporated into the menu.
Franchisors who are looking to appeal to health and wellness-minded individuals can also focus on nutrient-dense ingredients such as superseeds, quinoa, and greens to deliver a more nutritious and healthy menu offering. Plant-based proteins are also becoming increasingly popular and can be a great way to build a restaurant concept that appeals to a variety of consumers, from meat-lovers to vegans and vegetarians.
Ethical Sourcing & Sustainable Quality
In almost every industry, ethical sourcing and sustainability have become key considerations. Food and beverage is no exception, and more consumers in the United States are increasingly interested in where their food comes from and how it is sourced. Franchisors should not only consider food flavor trends, but also seek out suppliers that adhere to sustainable practices that are better for the environment and promote the humane treatment of animals.
The foodservice industry is seeing a growing shift towards organic, non-GMO, licensced, and sustainable ingredients. Franchisors should consider meeting these ethical standards when building their restaurant concept, as this can be a key selling point for customers seeking non-polluting, sustainable products.
The Rise of Meal Kits
Meal kits have seen a rapid increase in popularity in 2020 as consumers’ preferences for cooking at home continue to grow. Meal kits are adapting to the latest food trends, such as globally-inspired dishes with antiviral ingredients that are designed to fuel up the immune system. Meal kits offer the convenience of having all the ingredients pre-measured in one package, with simple instructions and no need to leave the house for food shopping.
In 2023, franchisors should look into incorporating meal kits into their restaurant concept or providing meal delivery services to capture a slice of the market. Many meal kit or delivery services offer restaurants the ability to customize orders, and include options for large orders or catered events.
Final considerations
Food flavor trends change frequently and keeping up with the latest industry trends is key for any franchisor looking to build a restaurant concept that appeals to consumers. In 2023, expect to see an emphasis on innovative ingredients, ethical sourcing, and sustainable quality, along with the rise of meal kits and delivery services. Keeping these trends in mind should give franchisors an inside edge and a better understanding of the foodservice market to help build a successful restaurant concept.
