Predicting food trends can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.
Several factors can help you make an educated guess about upcoming consumer food trends. Here are 12 steps you can follow to help make a prediction:
- Keep an eye on current food trends
- Look at demographic shifts
- Monitor global food trends
- Consider sustainability
- Pay attention to technology
- Monitor social media
- Keep an eye on food industry events
- Look for changes in consumer behavior to predict food trends
- Take an interest in food innovation
- Take note of cultural and regional influences
- Stay informed about food-related news and events
- Follow industry experts and influencers who predict food trends
Let’s dive deeper into how you can put these steps into action and start predicting food trends.
Keep an eye on current food trends
Pay attention to the types of food that are currently popular, such as plant-based diets, functional foods, or gourmet street food. This can give you an idea of what people are interested in and what they’re willing to try.
Look at demographic shifts
Changes in demographics, such as the aging of the population or the increasing diversity of the population, can have a significant impact on food trends. For example, as the baby boomer generation ages, there may be a growing interest in functional foods that help with specific health conditions.
Monitor global food trends
Food trends are often influenced by what’s happening in other countries. Turn to social media to see what flavors consumers are discussing in other countries.
Consider sustainability
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers, and this will continue in the future. Consider how food production and consumption can be made more sustainable, such as reducing food waste or using more environmentally friendly packaging.
Pay attention to technology
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the food industry, from the development of new plant-based meat alternatives to the use of data to improve supply chain efficiency and to reduce labor costs. Keep an eye on technological advancements that could have an impact on food trends.
Monitor social media
Social media platforms can be a great way to stay informed about the latest food trends and what people are talking about. Look for food hashtags, food influencer posts, and other indicators of what’s popular.
Attend food industry events
Food industry events, such as trade shows, conferences, and culinary competitions, can be great places to learn about the latest food trends and meet people who are at the forefront of the latest trends.
Look for changes in consumer behavior to predict food trends
Changes in consumer behavior, such as a growing interest in health and wellness, can have a big impact on food trends. Keep an eye on consumer surveys, market research, and other indicators of changing consumption behavior.
Take an interest in food innovation
Innovations in food science and technology can lead to new and exciting food products. Keep an eye on food startups, new ingredient developments, and other sources of innovation in the food industry.
Take note of cultural and regional food influences
Different cultures and regions of the country have different food traditions and preferences, which can influence food trends. Look for examples of regional cuisines that are becoming more popular (Example: Detroit-style pizza), or cultural food traditions that are being reinterpreted for a modern audience (Example: China’s tea culture).
Stay informed about food-related news and events
Keeping up with food-related news and events, such as new restaurant openings, food safety scares, and trending ghost kitchens can give you a better understanding of what’s happening in the industry and how likely it could affect food trends.
Follow industry experts and influencers who predict food trends
Industry experts and influencers, such as food writers/bloggers, chefs, and food critics, can offer valuable insights into what’s happening in the world of food. Follow their writing, attend their events, and engage with them on social media to stay informed about the latest food trends.
Whether you’re a food distributor, manufacturer, restaurant owner, or simply curious about the latest developments in the food industry, the above steps will help you stay informed and ahead of the game when predicting food trends.
Need help with predicting or writing about upcoming food trends? Reach out to schedule a call regarding your project.
Favorite Resources
| Category | Website/Source | Description | Website |
| Market Research | IbisWorld | Comprehensive industry reports and insights. | https://www.ibisworld.com |
| Market Research | Statista | Statistics and market data across industries, including food and beverage. | https://www.statista.com |
| Market Research | Technomic | Restaurant and foodservice industry research and insights. | https://www.technomic.com |
| Market Research | NPD Group | Consumer and retail research, including foodservice trends. | https://www.npd.com |
| Market Research | Euromonitor | Global market research for food, beverage, and other sectors. | https://www.euromonitor.com |
| Market Research | Datassential / Datassential Foodbytes | Food trends and consumer insights. | https://www.datassential.com |
| Market Research | Mintel | Consumer and market research insights, including food and beverage. | https://www.mintel.com |
| Market Research | Innova Market Insights | Tracks global food and beverage trends, innovations, and new product launches. | https://www.innovamarketinsights.com |
| Market Research | FMI – The Food Industry Association | Research, trends, and insights related to the retail food industry. | https://www.fmi.org |
| Consumer Insights | The Harris Poll | Consumer research and public opinion data. | https://theharrispoll.com |
| Consumer Insights | Gallup Poll | Public opinion research across various topics, including consumer behaviors. | https://www.gallup.com |
| Consumer Insights | The Hartman Group | Specializes in food culture, consumer insights, and market trends. | https://www.hartman-group.com |
| Consumer Insights | Kantar | Global leader in data and insights, covering food and beverage consumer trends and marketing strategies. | https://www.kantar.com |
| Industry News & Trends | Restaurant News | News on the restaurant industry and trends. | https://www.restaurantnews.com |
| Industry News & Trends | Nation’s Restaurant News | Trends, analysis, and updates on the restaurant business. | https://www.nrn.com |
| Industry News & Trends | Restaurant Hospitality | Focuses on hospitality and restaurant industry news. | https://www.restaurant-hospitality.com |
| Industry News & Trends | Restaurant Business Online | Covers industry trends, innovations, and business strategies for restaurants. | https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com |
| Industry News & Trends | Modern Restaurant Management | News and management insights for modern restaurants. | https://www.modernrestaurantmanagement.com |
| Industry News & Trends | GrubStreet | Covers food and restaurant industry trends. | https://www.grubstreet.com |
| Industry News & Trends | Food Business News | News on food companies, trends, and the supply chain. | https://www.foodbusinessnews.net |
| Industry News & Trends | Bloomberg | General financial and industry news, with coverage on the food and beverage sectors. | https://www.bloomberg.com |
| Industry News & Trends | Eater | Covers restaurants, food culture, and trends. | https://www.eater.com |
| Industry News & Trends | Black-Box Intelligence | Restaurant industry analytics and performance metrics. | https://www.blackboxintelligence.com |
| Industry News & Trends | The Spoon | Technology and innovation in the food and beverage industry. | https://www.thespoon.tech |
| Industry News & Trends | TrendHunter.com | Trend spotting across industries, including food and beverage. | https://www.trendhunter.com |
| Industry News & Trends | The Food Institute | Food and beverage industry news and trends. | https://www.foodinstitute.com |
| Industry News & Trends | Baum + Whiteman | Food and restaurant consulting, known for their annual food and restaurant trends forecasts. | http://www.baumwhiteman.com |
| Industry News & Trends | Food Trend Translator (JWT Intelligence) | Specializes in food trend reports that highlight key changes in the food landscape. | https://www.jwtintelligence.com |
| Industry News & Trends | WGSN | Global trend forecasting, including the food and beverage industry. | https://www.wgsn.com |
| Sustainability & Food Waste | Lean Path | Insights into food waste management in foodservice. | https://www.leanpath.com |
| Labor & Economic Data | Bureau of Labor Statistics | Labor market and economic data across industries, including foodservice. | https://www.bls.gov |
| Labor & Economic Data | Consumer Price Index | Measures inflation and consumer spending, including for food and beverages. | https://www.bls.gov/cpi |
| Labor & Economic Data | Yelp Economic Average Report | Provides insights into local business economic performance, including restaurants. | https://www.yelp.com/trends/economic-average-report |
| Consumer & Restaurant Advocacy | National Restaurant Association (restaurant.org) | Industry advocacy and resources for restaurant operators. | https://www.restaurant.org |
| Consumer & Restaurant Advocacy | SaveRestaurants.com | Advocacy group supporting restaurants and restaurant workers. | https://www.saverestaurants.com |
| Consumer & Restaurant Advocacy | ChooseRestaurants.org | Advocacy and public policy information for the restaurant industry. | https://www.chooserestaurants.org |
| Government & Policy | USDA | U.S. government agency providing information on agriculture, food safety, and nutrition. | https://www.usda.gov |
| Digital Platforms & Tools | WebstaurantStore | Online supplier for restaurant equipment, tools, and insights into restaurant trends. | https://www.webstaurantstore.com |
| Magazines & Publications | Food & Wine | Covers culinary culture, chefs, and food trends. | https://www.foodandwine.com |
| Magazines & Publications | Eating Well | Focuses on healthy eating, nutrition, and food trends. | https://www.eatingwell.com |
| Magazines & Publications | Fast Casual | News and trends in the fast-casual dining segment. | https://www.fastcasual.com |
| Magazines & Publications | QSR Web | Insights and trends for the quick-service restaurant industry. | https://www.qsrweb.com |
| Magazines & Publications | Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery | Focuses on the snack and bakery industries. | https://www.snackandbakery.com |
| Magazines & Publications | Circana (formerly IRI) | Market research on consumer trends, data analytics, and technology in food. | https://www.circana.com |
| Food Tech & Innovation | PackagingDigest.com | Trends and news related to packaging, including for food and beverage products. | https://www.packagingdigest.com |
| Packaging | SynergyTaste.com | Consulting and insights into the restaurant business. | https://www.synergytaste.com |
| Restaurant Business | The Drinks Business | Covers the alcoholic beverage industry, including news and trends. | https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com |
| Beverage Industry | The Culinary Edge | Culinary consulting and food innovation insights. | https://www.theculinaryedge.com |
| Culinary Trends & Expertise | Flavor & The Menu | Covers flavor trends and menu development insights for foodservice. | https://www.getflavor.com |
| Culinary Trends & Expertise | Y-Pulse | Youth-focused food industry research and insights. | https://www.ypulse.com |
| Polls & Surveys | Deloitte Insights | Industry research and analysis, including food and beverage. | https://www.deloitte.com |
| Polls & Surveys | Pew Research Center | Non-partisan research center providing insights on public opinion and demographic trends, including food-related topics. | https://www.pewresearch.org |