Popcorn
This classic snack is no longer relegated to the movie theaters. Popcorn is taking front and center as a popular snack item in 2013. You won’t find it drenched in artificial butter, either: look out for sweet, spicy and herbed gourmet seasonings.
Vegetables as main courses
Vegetarians will be thrilled to see roasted squash and portobello mushroom steaks on restaurant plates as entrees. Humble veggies have moved from salad toppings and side dishes to the stars of the meal.
Asian-inspired cuisine
Soy, sesame and miso will take the spotlight as Eastern flavors influence this year’s menus. Try some Asian dishes in your own kitchen, like these salmon bites with General Tso sauce.
Chicken
Poultry is far from passé–we’ll be seeing a lot more gourmet chicken dishes with unique flavor combinations to dress up this potentially boring bird.
Tea
Bon Appetit says tea is the new coffee, and tea drinkers like ourselves couldn’t be happier about this! White, green and black remain the most popular basic varieties, but we’re sure that more spiced blends and herb-infused teas will be making an appearance in cafes.
Sour
In everything from cocktails to condiments, sour flavors are taking over menus. Tart fermented cherry juice and sour beer are among the top beverage choices, while pickled vegetables like Korean kimchi will be popping up on restaurant plates.
Special diet options
Sterling-Rice Group describes it as “no diner left behind“: vegan, gluten-free and other special diets will be catered to in mainstream restaurants. It’s great to know that dining establishments are seeking to expand their menus and offer more options than just a plate of vegetables for customers with dietary restrictions.
Quinoa snacks
This ancient grain is great as a side or breakfast dish, but more and more companies are incorporating it into their products as healthy, gluten-free snack foods. One of our favorites is KIND snacks oat clusters.
Cauliflower
In 2012 it was kale; in 2013, cauliflower will be hailed as vegetable of the year. This versatile veggie can be used as a low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes, a pizza crust, or even as a “steak.”
DIY yogurt
We featured a yogurt machine in our foodie holiday gift guide, and we hope you got one, because now Bon Appetit is predicting that DIY yogurt will be very popular this year. All you need is a “starter” culture or a little bit of store-bought yogurt and some milk and you can make delicious homemade yogurt right in your own kitchen! Check out this $34.99 model from Euro Cuisine.
Which of these food trends are you most excited about?
For more trends, check out:
Eatocracy
Cooking Light
Bon Appetit
Epicurious
Huffington Post
Sterling-Rice Group
