2024 food vibes. Alright, folks, let’s talk about the food scene for 2024. The experts have thrown in their two cents, and it’s all about labels, luxury, and, you guessed it, robots in the kitchen. Buckle up for a foodie rollercoaster!
Reading Labels Like a Pro
Megan Stanton from Mintel Food & Drink thinks we’re all becoming label detectives. Terms like “stone-ground” get a nod, but anything smelling like “junk” is side-eyed. Brace yourselves for products flaunting their goodness on eco-friendly packaging. And let’s be honest, Mintel says even if it’s a guilty pleasure packed with fat and sugar, brands should remind us of the pure bliss these treats bring. Guilt, who?
Health Hype Check
Gen Z isn’t falling for health mumbo jumbo, especially the vague claims and fancy words like “adaptogenics.” Brands, take note – cool it with the promises that collagen ice cream will turn us into fitness gurus. On the flip side, searches for “probiotic” are going through the roof, and snacks for gut-friendly diets are having a moment. Maybe it’s the stress from an upcoming recession and elections. Time to cozy up with some comfort food.
Self-Care, Luxury, and Krill Meat
Mintel’s got a wild idea – brands should tap into the “menopausal revolution” and cater to the forgotten Gen X. They’re into self-care and might dig into exotic options like krill meat. Meanwhile, Datassential predicts luxury is in for Gen X, with premium experiences, frequent travel, and a good old drink. For those rolling in cash, Erewhon’s $20 smoothies might become a flex on social media. And exclusive platforms like Dorsia? Yep, high-status dining experiences are on the menu.
Economic Chill: Frozen Foods and Bargain Hunts
Reality check – the economy’s playing with our food habits. Rising delivery costs are making us rethink our orders, and TikTok is where we spill the tea. Restaurants and delivery spots need to step up their game, maybe throw in larger portions and more choices. Craft Media reports a shift to frozen foods for affordability, with shoppers bouncing between stores for deals. Fancy cookies are surprisingly winning the affordable luxury game, while fresh produce is taking a hit.
Robots in the Kitchen: Bots and Virtual Shopping
Meet your new kitchen pals – robots. Covid-19 fast-tracked our quest for convenient food. Picture this: public pizza vending machines, pre-made meal options, and apps guiding us to quick meals. Virtual grocery shopping and augmented reality might be the new normal. 43% of U.S. consumers are down for browsing virtual aisles. Italians? They’re open to enhancing eating experiences with VR headsets.
So, 2024 is serving up label skepticism, chill health vibes, self-care luxury, budget-friendly treats, and a sprinkle of robotic kitchen magic. Let’s see which food trends actually make it to our tables, shall we? – koin303
