Top 10 food trends to watch in 2024: From remixed pastries to plant-based proteins

Here are some of the biggest food trends predicted for 2024 by the Food Network:

1. Remixed French Pastries: Classic French desserts like croissants and mille-feuille are being reimagined with modern twists, offering familiar but elevated sweets.
2. Countertop Ovens: Multipurpose countertop ovens, capable of air frying, baking, roasting, and more, are becoming popular due to their versatility. These sleek devices cater to those moving away from single-use gadgets.
3. Frozen Food Upgrades: Frozen meals with high-quality ingredients and eco-friendly packaging are gaining traction, catering to busy people who still prioritize nutrition.
4. Plant-Based Protein Everywhere: With plant-based eating on the rise, expect more high-protein snacks and meals, including plant-based protein powders, bars, and even protein-rich snacks like cottage cheese.
5. Food and Gaming Collabs: As gaming continues to grow, food brands are launching collaborations targeting this community, such as exclusive in-game rewards for food purchases.
6. White Chocolate Goes Gourmet: Once dismissed as “not real chocolate,” white chocolate is getting a makeover with gourmet recipes and new treats like white chocolate matcha cookies and white-chocolate-flavored snacks.
7. Third-Culture Cuisine: Fusion food is evolving into third-culture cuisine, blending global flavors with personal stories. Look for this in cookbooks, restaurants, and food products that reflect diverse cultural influences.
8. Boba Beyond the Glass: Boba tea flavors and textures are now influencing snacks and desserts, with boba-flavored candies and cookies becoming popular.
9. Quality Over Quantity in Shopping: Shoppers are seeking durable, high-quality, and customizable kitchen products, focusing on sustainability and intentional purchases.
10. Changing Conversations About Food for Kids: Parents are reshaping how food and body image are discussed, moving away from labeling foods as “good” or “bad” to promote a healthier relationship with eating for kids.

These trends reflect broader cultural shifts, emphasizing sustainability, creativity, and inclusivity in food choices.