Culinary Curiosities: Discover the Bold Food Trends of 2023-2024!

Dive into 2023-2024’s exciting food trends!

From the buzz around mushroom coffee to the rise of budget-friendly cooking, we’re exploring how these trends will shape our culinary experiences this year.

1. Mushroom Coffee Trend

• An increasing trend of adding mushrooms to coffee has been observed online.
• Brands developing mushroom-coffee blends, driven by interest in gut health.
• Historical use of mushroom coffee in Finland during World War II and in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Ambiguity in evidence regarding health benefits when mixed with coffee.
• Popular mushroom varieties for coffee include Chaga, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, and Shiitake.
• Debate over the efficacy of fresh versus dried mushrooms.
• Recommendation for pre-mixed blends for safety.
• The nutritional benefits of mushroom coffee can be sourced from a balanced diet.

2. Biggest Food Trends of 2023

• The popularity of steak frites in top restaurants.
• Upscale crisps with gourmet dips and sides becoming fashionable in bars.
• Creative sandwiches with unique fillings are gaining traction.
• Birria tacos are becoming a food sensation.
• Gildas are recognised as a popular appetiser.
• Increase in popularity of bagels with innovative fillings.
• Steak tartare with diverse ingredient mixes.
• Rising interest in Roman-style pizza (pizza al taglio).
• Fougasse bread is emerging as a trendy item.
• Use of hot honey in various dishes for a unique sweet and spicy flavour.

3. 2024 Food Trends Predicted by Dietitian Ashleigh Jones

• Emphasis on budget-friendly meals due to the cost of living crisis.
• Increased use of staples like rice, potatoes, mince, legumes, and frozen vegetables in diets.
• Shift towards more pub meals and homemade budget-friendly dishes.
• Ongoing focus on reducing food waste.
• Rise in popularity of pre-prepared meals.
• The emergence of novel proteins (e.g., edible insects) and native ingredients for sustainable eating.
• New trends in gourmet snack foods and distinctive Australian flavours.

4. Pinterest Predictions for 2024

• The trend towards indulgent food fusions.
• Growing interest in tropical-inspired treats.
• The rising popularity of pineapple mocktails, upside-down cakes, and Hawaiian sheet pan chicken.
• Fusion dishes like pizza pie, gummy kebabs, carbonara ramen, cheeseburger tacos, and burger quesadillas are gaining attention.
• Emphasis on recipes using starter leftovers.