Food and beverage trends for 2023 are full of interesting flavors, throwbacks, and healthy lifestyle changes, according to data from several different reports.
While alcohol sales were a big part of 2020's food and beverage market, these days, consumers are looking to cut back. According to Yelp's “2023 Food Trends” study, searches for low and no-alcohol beverages have increased 59% over the past year. This includes cream-enriched pop drinks called "dirty sodas" and non-alcoholic micheladas, which are called "michelaguas."
Zero-proof spirits such as whiskeys, vodkas, and other hard alcohol beverages are also gaining popularity. They can be sold through any major retailer, as they're non-alcoholic and are available to all ages — in contrast to the relatively limited consumer base that alcoholic spirits have.
Another incoming trend is that of pickled and fermented foods and beverages. According to Yelp's findings, searches for pickle-flavored foods have increased by 55%. AF&Co and Carbonate's “2023 Trend Report” also found that the difference in popular flavor bases and ingredients means that high-end restaurants are leaning towards tangy and funky foods.
Technomic's trend forecast adds that many more eateries will start to include the process of how food is made on their menus, including terms like "lacto-fermented" or "pickled." As trends shift, consumers will be interested in add-ons and experimental cuisines from different cultures and global markets, such as Nordic and Japanese fusion foods.
Lastly, consumers are going back to what they love with nostalgic cocktails and classic desserts. Bacardi's “Consumer Survey 2022” found that 58% of bartenders are investigating how to put a twist on old-school cocktails such as cosmopolitans or martinis.
The National Restaurant Association's 2023 “What's Hot” Culinary Forecast also found that consumers are interested in revamped, retro takes on classic desserts from the 1950s and 1960s, such as moon pies, s'mores, root beer floats, and Baked Alaska.
Finally, consumers are looking for novel ways to enjoy these desserts, such as underwater dining, dinner theaters, live music, and immersive specialty vendors.
