For individuals enthusiastic about improving their cooking abilities, there is a wide range of
ingredients and cooking methods to explore. However, attempting every idea found online is nearly impossible. Additionally, it is important not to completely forsake your trusted, tried-and-true recipes.
So, how can you satisfy your curiosity while ensuring that your meals are consistently tasty, without breaking the bank or spending extra time that you may not have?
To assess The State of Home Cooking in 2024 and pinpoint the promising trends, we conducted surveys with both home cooks and culinary experts to discover what they are excited to cook and enjoy this year. (Interested in last year’s findings? Take a look at the 2023 survey results here.) In one survey, we gathered insights from 3,119 home cooks regarding their weekly cooking routines for themselves and their families. In another survey, we sought input from 52 food experts (such as influencers, cookbook authors, and recipe developers) to understand their views on the upcoming popular foods and flavors.
According to Kitchn, a common agreement among home cooks and experts is the significance of creating quick, budget-friendly meals while experimenting with new recipes and ingredients.
Here is more information on what our respondents have shared about food and cooking today.
2024 Focuses on Effortless Cooking
Our home cooks value efficiency since they spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen.
Typically, they prepare dinner four nights a week during weekdays and one and a half nights on
weekends. With this regular cooking routine, it is understandable that 54% of participants
emphasized ‘quick/time-saving’ and 52% highlighted ‘low-effort/high-reward’ as their primary goals for 2024. ‘I’m looking forward to learning more quick recipes, like one-pot or one-sheet pan meals,’ shares Kim K., a reader of The Kitchn from Athens, Georgia.
Many home cooks (43%) define a ‘quick and easy’ recipe as one that can be completed in 30 minutes or less, while 24% limit the cooking time to 20 minutes. Despite their frequent cooking, they prioritize other activities. ‘I don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking; I would rather spend it with my family,’ mentions Tina O. from Las Vegas.
When choosing a recipe, simplicity is crucial. Home cooks prefer recipes with an average of five ingredients, fewer than the seven they used in 2023, signaling a desire for even simpler recipes in 2024. Four-ingredient recipes and “homemade-ish” recipes have also emerged as solutions for the 54% of individuals who struggle to find easy recipes, offering shortcuts that still provide flavor.
However, ‘simple’ does not equate to ‘monotonous.’ The majority of home cooks (75%) do not repeat recipes more frequently than once every two weeks.
The Trend of Food Mash-Ups
Almost half (48%) of home cooks are hoping to experiment with new recipes in the year 2024. One fun way to start is by blending two favorite dishes together, like the classic combo of grilled cheese and tomato soup. A majority of experts (62%) believe that the trend of creating innovative mash-ups of popular foods and flavors will continue to grow.
French onion soup chicken or pizza mac and cheese are predicted by experts to trend and expand further to include a mix of different cuisines. Food writer Lizzy Briskin mentions, ‘People are inspired by the creativity of chefs who experiment with food fusions and global flavors. Home cooks are becoming more daring and curious in their culinary endeavors.’
Chef and writer Yana Gilbuena-Babu looks forward to more ‘cuisine mash-ups and crossovers,’ while Arlyn Osborne, a chef, baker, and food writer, anticipates an increase in ‘Asian American fusion dishes.’
Food writer and recipe developer Stephanie Ganz anticipates a personalized approach to food combinations in 2024, with a focus on third-culture cuisine where individuals blend their cultural backgrounds into new and exciting dishes.
The Rise of Pantry Staples
Having a well-stocked pantry is essential for everyday cooking. Many experts (40%) have
identified ‘pantry-friendly’ recipes as a major trend for 2024, aligning with the 76% of home cooks who prioritize using ingredients they already have on hand.
‘Make sure to stock up on sauces and condiments that can quickly elevate a simple dish,’
suggests recipe developer and influencer Erin Antoniak.
Recipe developer Nisha Vora agrees, emphasizing that ‘high-impact pantry staples can
transform even the most basic meals like beans and rice.’
Experts have singled out black vinegar, fish sauce, and sesame oil as pantry staples on the rise. Chef Edy Massih encourages trying out new pantry items and experimenting with what’s available, even suggesting creating a meal around a forgotten pantry item that’s still usable.
Exploring Global Ingredients
The selection of pantry staples recommended by experts indicates that 2024 is the perfect time for home cooks to venture into new culinary territories. Cookbook author Sandra Gutierrez points out that ‘you can now order any ingredient with just a click,’ listing items like achiote, black garlic, ají amarillo, harissa, and hibiscus flowers as just the tip of the iceberg.
Experts forecast that ingredients such as Calabrian chilis, gochujang, and black sesame will
become more popular.
This growing curiosity and accessibility are inspiring home cooks to experiment with new
cooking techniques. Thirty-five percent of experts predict a surge in Korean cooking
demonstrations on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels this year.
‘Food media is now embracing a variety of cultures,’ notes recipe developer and food stylist Kat Boytsova. ‘I’m enjoying the in-depth explorations of ingredients and recipes that are gaining more recognition.’
Concerns over Budget and Food Waste
As the cost of food continues to rise, many home cooks are finding ways to save money.
Experts (62%) and home cooks (51%) alike are recognizing the importance of budget-friendly cooking in 2024. Cookbook writer Marisa McClellan has observed a rise in ‘economical cooking,’ emphasizing recipes that make the most of every ingredient without compromising on taste.
Affordability is a key factor for those who cook regularly. While most people don’t strictly adhere to a grocery budget, they are always on the lookout for bargains. The majority (83%) take steps to cut costs, such as opting for cheaper brands (41%) or waiting for sales (30%). When deciding where to shop, 53% of individuals consider the prices at different stores.
Furthermore, food waste is a pressing issue for many home cooks, with 73% expressing
concerns about throwing away food due to the financial implications, and 50% due to the
environmental impact. Lynn V. from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, emphasizes the importance of
being budget-conscious, reducing waste, and experimenting with new ingredients.
Marissa Gencarelli from Yoli Tortilleria predicts a rise in sustainable cooking practices, not
necessarily limited to plant-based meals but focused on utilizing ingredients efficiently. Recipe tester Ben Weiner recommends using ‘whole animals’ and repurposing food scraps to create broths and other dishes, promoting a reduction in waste.
Current Trends in the Culinary World
Throughout the years, certain ingredients and flavors have become essential in kitchens
worldwide. Here’s a glimpse at what experts and home cooks anticipate for the culinary
landscape in 2024.
A Shift towards Embracing Vegetables
Seventy-nine percent of experts believe that plant-based eating will continue to gain popularity. Vora envisions a rise in plant-based meals among a broader audience, not just those strictly adhering to a plant-based diet. This aligns with the 74% of readers who prepare meat-centered meals at least three times per week, while 30% express a desire to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets this year.
Chef and food photographer Sara Haas predicts a spotlight on simpler vegetable dishes,
highlighting ingredients like cauliflower, eggplant, and broccoli without masking their natural flavors.
Celebrating Mushrooms: Baker and cookbook author Abi Balingit declares 2024 as the ‘year of mushrooms,’ with both experts and home cooks recognizing the growing popularity of gourmet mushroom varieties such as lion’s mane and trumpet mushrooms.
Changing Trends in Spicy Flavors: While experts (65%) believe chili crisp will remain trendy, there is a decline in interest among home cooks (only 19% view it as a lasting trend). This shift may indicate a move towards new spicy ingredients like Calabrian chilis, which 44% of experts believe are gaining traction.
Top Flavors for 2024: According to our research, yuzu and passion fruit are set to be the most popular flavors in the upcoming year. Yuzu, a citrus fruit native to East Asia, will be a key ingredient in sauces, marinades, and cocktails. On the other hand, passion fruit is anticipated to play a bigger role in desserts and smoothies.
Celebrate Your Culinary Individuality
Our findings indicate that it’s important to embrace the flavors and recipes that align with your personal taste. The majority of home cooks we spoke to are not concerned with following every culinary trend: 60% indicated a preference for sticking to familiar and reliable recipes in 2024. So, in your own kitchen, focus on cooking what brings you joy and savor the cooking process!
