A new year has started and we like to look ahead at this time of year and show you what we believe are the key food and drink trends that we will see this year.
1. Plant-based cooking
The trend for omitting meat, or at least eating less of it, has been going on for a while now. We predict that vegetarian and vegan dishes will become mainstream in 2018. People are becoming increasingly aware of what they eat and how it affects the environment.
2. Non-alcoholic cocktails
With millennials drinking significantly less than their parents, it is no longer seen as uncool or unusual not to drink alcohol. Bartenders are taking their non-alcoholic offerings more and more seriously, and this trend will continue.
3. Chef's tables
Diners are getting more and more personalized and tailored dining experiences, and chefs are responding to this with developmental kitchens designed to signify your backstage pass to all the exciting behind-the-scenes action. Guests are treated to a menu of the latest creations and wines that are matched to the flavors in the dishes.
4. Hi-tech cocktails
In an effort to create exciting new experiences, some of the top mixologists took inspiration from science and technology. Think of an augmented reality cocktail card, where by pointing your smartphone at the cocktail pad, you bring the artwork to life on your device. Taking it a step further, in November scientists at the University of Singapore developed a virtual cocktail that digitally simulates multisensory taste experiences. They did this by adding scent cartridges and micro-air pumps to the bottom of the glass, allowing users to create their own virtual flavors, scents and colors to enhance the existing ones in the drink. And if that wasn't impressive enough, LED lights on the glass can change the color of the cocktail and two silver electrodes on the rim of the glass release a salty, bitter and sweet taste when the drinker touches them with their tongue.
5. Vegan desserts
Vegan desserts are popping up everywhere, with coconut oil instead of butter, cashew milk instead of cream, and flaxseed instead of eggs. You can still enjoy dessert if you avoid dairy.
6. Wood-fired cuisine
Chefs have been busy bringing things back to basics with wood-fired dishes, which are set to become more and more this year as the trend explodes and integrates into all kinds of kitchens.
7. Dumplings
The steamed buns have been in for a while, and we think 2018 will be the year dumplings will be. You can already go to several restaurants for the steamed delicacies, and this year it will only become more.
8. Air Fryer
Instead of frying things in vegetable, the Air Fryer that works with hot air is used to cook everything from French fries to chicken wings with a perfectly “fried” outer layer.
9. Classic potato chips and snacks get a healthy makeover.
Instead of fatty potato chips, more and more brands are introducing a healthy variant by making chips from vegetables, for example.
10. Coffee With Superfoods It turns out that superfoods like chia and flaxseed aren't just for your morning smoothie. You can add protein-rich, nutrient-dense foods like protein powder, turmeric, and maca to your daily cup of coffee.
11. Pink Gin
Last but not least, we predict big things for pink gin this year. Holding on to the popularity of this drink on Instagram, everyone seems to be jumping on the pink trend.
