It would be true to say that 2020 was something we all never expected. The year was overwhelming to all of us, and it taught us so many important things. It brought us hardships and changes and the concept of ‘new normal’. Our everyday habits and behaviors were dramatically shifted. It was a learning phase for us, where we had to understand fears, challenges, and figure our way from there.
But now that the year is ending, we are sure that everyone is eagerly waiting for the New Year’s ball to drop.
Food trends we’ll be seeing in 2021:
More plant-based diet: Considering climate change and the way people are enlightened in creating a safe future, it is being predicted that people will be more inclined towards a plant-based diet.
“We deserve a safe future. And we demand a safe future. Is that really too much to ask?” – Greta Thunberg at Global Climate Strike, New York, 20 September 2019″
Cook-along classes are going to stay: Believe it or not, Zoom and other virtual video callings and meeting apps aren’t going anywhere in 2021. In fact, they are inviting themselves into your kitchen. With events and gatherings still on pause, it is being predicted that virtual cooking classes that became a thing in the past few months will continue into the new year.
Rise in packaged and upcycled food: Whole Foods Markets say they are seeing a considerable rise in packaged products that use the often neglected and underused parts of the food ingredients used in them.
As much as 40 percent of food in the United States is wasted and it is a large source of climate change-causing greenhouse gas emissions. Using upcycled and ugly fruits and vegetables is going to be a trend in 2021, that can reduce food waste.
Grocery shopping with a purpose: According to Instacart’s survey, “Americans seem to be paying more attention to the people who own and operate the brands they buy. Interest in women- and BIPOC-owned brands is evident with more than one in ten Americans (14%) reporting they’ve researched brands run or owned by women and the same amount (14%) indicating that they’ve researched BIPOC-run or owned brands in 2020.”
A rise in shopping on the clock: There will be an increase in shopping on the clock. Earlier before the pandemic, weekends were mostly the days for shopping, be it grocery or clothing. But this year, there was a rise in weekdays shopping (online and offline both). The same will continue next year, and “Sunday Shop” may soon turn into the “Monday Mission” or the “Tuesday Trip.”
DIY kits: Yelp expects restaurants will continue to see a rise in demand for DIY restaurant-quality food that can be easily prepared or heated up with simple instructions at home. It is quite a fun way to involve kids and even adults in assembling food. They will also get a chance to figure out how a dish is put together. They can add their own finishing touch and consume food, fresh and hot. As it is still not safe to dine outside, but by this, eating restaurant-style food at home will be both fun and safe.
Summing up:
The past year will be remembered for a global health crisis and a crashing economy. Among everything, in 2021 you can look forward to a huge shift in the food industry. These are just predictions made from surveys and data, but only 2021 will tell how our behavior (as a consumer) will change.
The wounds of 2020 are not likely to heal in 2021. But we can always hope for the best and be optimistic that the new year will bring great things for all of us.
Stay happy and stay healthy!