14 Food Trends to Watch for in 2023

As we're already in 2023, it's exciting to see how food trends have evolved. With people's changing tastes and preferences, there's always something new and interesting to discover in the world of cuisine. Will 2023 bring a rise in healthy and comforting ingredients or will we see an increase in indulgent and exotic flavors? The good news is that there's a balance between both. Let's explore the list below and see what food trends are currently popular in 2023. 2023's Trends for Lifestyle Foods 1. Eco-Friendly Food Trends Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash In 2023, sustainability will remain a significant component of various food trends, similar to how it was a crucial trend in 2022. The movement will expand by making responsibly farmed ingredients with minimal environmental impact more widely available. This will be spearheaded by grains and other crops grown with consideration for soil health, promoting continued cultivation. Additionally, the growing interest in plant-based diets will reinforce the idea of conscientious cuisine. The increasing popularity of non-meat protein alternatives will also underscore a preference for thoughtful options among the numerous food trends expected in 2023. 2. Urban Farming Trend Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash To tackle the problem of food scarcity in urban areas, producing farm-fresh food in ultra-urban settings is becoming a popular trend in 2023. This will ensure that fresh produce is available in places where it's needed the most. There are various ways to grow these crops, such as community gardens, kitchen crops, and home-based hydroponics, which offer innovative growing techniques that can be implemented in rooftops, backyards, and balconies. Each method is crucial in providing access to nutritious ingredients grown in sustainable ways. 3. Tropical Tastes Photo by Pineapple Supply Co. on Unsplash This is a food trend that blends traditional and island ingredients to bring a touch of tropical delight to our meals. Expect to see a surge in the use of popular island fruits such as pineapple and passionfruit, as well as more daring options like coconut curry and Caribbean spices, to transform basic dishes into exceptional culinary experiences. Additionally, floral and fruity flavors in beverages will transport you to a tropical paradise. 4. Naturally Raised Meat and Eggs Photo by Stela Horvat on Unsplash In line with other food trends in 2023, individuals who can afford it may consider switching to pasture-raised meat and eggs. This is due to several reasons: Firstly, there is a growing disapproval of environmentally-harmful factory farms, and more people are opting to buy meat and eggs from local, small-scale farms where animals are treated humanely, given ample space to roam, and provided natural diets. Secondly, there is a health aspect to this trend. Pastured animals are less prone to bacterial infections such as e coli, staph or salmonella compared to animals raised in factory farms. Additionally, the quality of meat and eggs from pasture-raised animals is significantly better. According to FACT, grass-fed beef has lower levels of saturated fat, lower levels of inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, and higher vitamin content than grain-fed beef commonly found in commercial farms. 5. Fiery Baked Treats Photo by Sven on Unsplash These are baked goods that incorporate hot spices such as chipotle and cayenne to add a complex and earthy flavor profile. This trend is currently popular and can be found in cakes, cookies, and pies with flavors like Mexican hot chocolate, mango habanero, and chili raspberry. Adding a touch of cayenne to cupcakes is a fun and easy way to experiment with this trend and enhance the taste of familiar baked goods. One can explore this trend through various baking classes, both in-person and online. 6. Reducetarian: Cutting Back On Meat Photo by Alexandra Andersson on Unsplash According to Cambridge University Press, there is ample evidence that consuming excessive amounts of meat, particularly red and processed meat, has negative impacts on both our health and the environment. The reducetarian movement aims to reduce the consumption of animal-based foods by encouraging thoughtful moderation, rather than advocating for a full transition to vegan or vegetarian diets. This food trend, which will be popular in 2023, is an ideal choice for conscientious eaters who are seeking to adopt a more sustainable approach to their food choices. Fortunately, there are many excellent plant-based meal options available in both pre-made and easy-to-prepare forms. As a result, transitioning away from animal-based food sources can be a more straightforward and enjoyable choice to make. 7. Global BBQ Photo by Evan Wise on Unsplash Regional spice profiles from the Middle East, the Mediterranean, South America, and Asia with smoky and peppery notes is becoming increasingly popular. Korean and Thai BBQ techniques will also gain traction and offer fusion twists to typical BBQ dishes. In areas where BBQ is popular, local chefs can assist in creating fusion flavors by combining classic American BBQ with international spices. 2023's food trends driven by specific ingredients 8. Canned Fish Photo by Ignat Kushanrev on Unsplash One of the most unexpected food trends on TikTok in 2023 involves canned seafood, which goes beyond the typical tuna can. Inspired by the Spanish conservas tradition, premium tinned seafood such as octopus, squid, mussels, and mackerel are becoming popular. These seafood options are often preserved in flavorful sauces or with herbs, and sometimes smoked. Aside from being delicious and a great addition to a snack board, tinned seafood is also a healthy choice for your pantry. Seafood is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for heart health. Shellfish like mussels and oysters are excellent sources of zinc and vitamin B12. Additionally, the mercury content in tinned seafood is lower since they typically use smaller fish like sardines, mackerel, squid, and mussels that are non-predatory. You can enjoy tinned seafood by spreading it on crackers, sprinkling it over salads, or pairing it with good bread and wine. 9. Butter Board Trend Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash The trend of using butter as a centerpiece for serving and entertaining is gaining popularity, with a viral TikTok video by food creator Justine Snacks leading the way. Known as "butter boards," this method involves spreading thick layers of butter on a board and adding various sweet or savory toppings for guests to enjoy. This approach, inspired by chef Joshua McFadden, allows guests to dip bread, crackers, vegetables, or fried dough into the butter and toppings for a flavorful experience. The possibilities for combinations are endless, whether you prefer sweet flavors like honey and berries or savory options such as fresh herbs, garlic, and nuts. 10. Plant-Based Eggs Photo by Tina Witherspoon on Unsplash Vegan eggs are a buzzworthy food trend for 2023, thanks to their ability to replace traditional eggs in both flavor and function. They work just as well in omelets and quiches, and make low-cholesterol baking a breeze. When it comes to nutritional value, plant-based eggs are comparable to traditional eggs, with the same calorie and fat content and only one gram less of protein per serving. Paired with plant-based meat alternatives like chicken, beef, and pork, they contribute to the growing trend of animal-free eating that is expected to continue in 2023 and beyond. 11. Fiery Flavors and Peppers Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash In 2023, a wide variety of international peppers with varying shapes, sizes, and levels of spiciness will be the star of the show. They'll appear in snacks, condiments, and seasonings, adding excitement to your meals. If you're not familiar with spicy food, now is the perfect time to try! Hot and spicy flavors won't just be limited to chips and popcorn. You can expect to see them in fast food chains, food trucks, and even home-cooked meals. Hot versions of classic dishes like mac and cheese and fried chicken will be popular as part of the food trend in 2023. 2023's Drink Trends 12. Potato Milk Photo by Nikolai Chernichenko on Unsplash Potato milk is becoming a popular food trend among other plant-based milk options found in grocery stores as an excellent dairy substitute. Despite being an unconventional choice, potato milk is rich in sustainability and low in saturated fat and sugar. With a smooth texture and a subtle taste that can be easily sweetened, it is no surprise that potato milk is gaining attention in the beverage market. Keep an eye out for this emerging food trend this year. 13. Healthy Fizzy Drinks Photo by Francesca Hotchin on Unsplash Anticipate a rise in the popularity of sparkling water with health and wellness-focused additions. Ginger and citrus will be used as natural ingredients to add functional benefits to seltzer, making it more than just a refreshing drink. In addition to this, expect to see high-end versions of classic cola drinks with enhanced flavors, added vitamins and minerals, and reduced sugar content for a more mindful drinking experience. The trend of fizzy fermented beverages like kombucha is also expected to continue to be popular among health-conscious consumers seeking a tasty and healthy drink. 14. Botanicals Drinks Photo by Thomas Hoang on Unsplash Keep an eye out for elderflower, lavender, and other floral flavors in high-end beverages as they become part of the food trends in 2023. These subtle natural essences provide a fresh taste to drinks, eliminating the need for additional sweeteners. Additionally, anticipate an increase in herbaceous and greener flavors, demonstrating a societal movement towards food and drink trends that emphasize natural flavorings. Even traditional botanical spirits such as amaro and absinthe will experience a surge in popularity in the upcoming year. Final Thoughts: In conclusion, the food industry is constantly evolving, and 2023 is no exception. This year, we see a balance between healthy and comforting ingredients and indulgent and exotic flavors. From the use of natural floral essences in high-end beverages to the incorporation of fermented foods in daily diets, there's plenty to be excited about. As we continue to explore these 14 food trends, we can look forward to discovering new flavors and experiencing the evolution of cuisine in the years to come.