From Buckwheat Bliss To Cacao Craze: Unveiling The Top Food Trends Set to Dominate 2024

Culinary trends in India are as dynamic as fashion, with foods experiencing fluctuations in popularity. Whether it's the latest viral desserts, menus, and cocktails emphasising specific ingredients, the resurgence of regional Indian cuisine, or the growing popularity of communal dining and experiential formats, the country's culinary landscape is in a perpetual state of evolution. Let’s take a look at some of the food trends that are likely to dominate 2024.

Cacao

Cacao seeds undergo a delightful transformation to create chocolate, but there's a growing trend to showcase cacao in unique ways, beyond traditional chocolate. Innovations include cacao water, dried cacao, and chocolate-covered cacao beans, allowing the cocoa bean itself to take centre stage. Utilising by-products like cacao pulp, a practice observed in various countries for centuries, is gaining prominence, with many brands now featuring the entire cacao in their enticing products, catering to a broader consumer base. The introduction of cacao fruit powders in 2023 also offers an appealing option for brands seeking a new sugar alternative without compromising on the delicious and sweet flavour.

Spicy Condiments

The era of finicky eaters among kids is fading away, thanks to the adventurous palate of Gen Z. This generation embraces a willingness to explore new ingredients, particularly those with a spicy profile. While staples like Sriracha, chili oil, and hot sauce remain enduring favourites, anticipate a surge in their inventive and more frequent incorporation into mainstream dishes. This trend extends to dishes like intensely spicy ramen, chili oils (Korean chili oil recipe) with African influences, and spirits infused with pepper for added flair.

Tahini

Tahini is a grounded sesame paste that offers a nutty and creamy texture, making it an ideal pairing with chocolate, and it also adds a delightful touch to various savoury dishes. From silky pasta sauces to drizzles over grilled meats, tahini proves versatile in culinary applications. Widely utilised in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, this versatile ingredient is experiencing increased interest, suggesting that tahini's popularity is poised for further growth.

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Buckwheat

Buckwheat is not just a passing trend, as indicated by Whole Foods; it also comes with notable health advantages. This gluten-free seed possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is a rich source of both protein and fibre, making it a valuable addition to your pantry. Beyond its nutritional benefits, buckwheat has gained popularity as a cover crop to enhance soil health. Recognised as a superfood seed it stands out for being naturally gluten-free.

While you may have encountered it in the form of soba noodles, the increasing commitment of brands to enhance agriculture could lead to buckwheat appearing in a variety of products, ranging from plant-based milk alternatives to crackers and granola.

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Italian-American Dishes

Chicken Parmesan, Italian chopped salad sandwiches, and baked ziti are experiencing increased popularity. These hearty dishes utilise a range of affordable staple ingredients such as canned tomatoes, dried pasta, onions, and garlic. The appeal of these recipes is heightened as grocery prices continue to rise, making them more enticing for home cooks. While these foods aren't necessarily novel, they are currently enjoying a surge in popularity like never before.

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