According to IFT, the Top Ten Trends show that creative convenience, freshness and sophistication will be among the critical criteria influencing consumer food choices. As the population ages, health and weight will continue to play a major factor in food selection, but along with nutritional balance , we still want to have fun. Pizza and hamburger chains dominate, but Asian and Mexican outlets are climbing. This means there's a bigger market for provocative, flavorful and healthier restaurant fare. In our attempt to simplify our lives, we seek overall balance and moderation in our diets.
Appetizers are one of the most versatile forms of food in the decade ahead.
They provide a vehicle for socializing and sharing, an economical means to try new tastes, and provide an excuse to eat with our hands, especially during the ever-expanding daily commute. Look for a layered look to meat, poultry and seafood, as accompanied by fruits and vegetables. Even fried foods will reside on the same plate with fresh items or topped with veggies to achieve freshness appeal. Far Eastern cooking and Asian vegetables will top the list of attractive new signature ingredients, such as water spinach, snow pea shoots and Chinese mustard cabbage. With more frequent snacking occasions, new eating venues will spur new products, priorities, profits and problems.