In 2023, the food industry is expected to see a number of exciting trends and innovations. From India to the rest of the world, these trends reflect changing consumer preferences and an increasing focus on health, sustainability, and convenience.
Some forecasts appear bleak in light of current economic and geopolitical conditions, such as rising inflation, a warming planet, and rising international tensions. Our yearly epicurean tendencies for 2023 appear to boil down to the following: simplicity, versatility, escapism, and resourcefulness.
It's not all sour grapes, though. Food and packaging with bold, natural colors are trending in the same way that psychedelic graphics from the 1970s did back then. In terms of the food they put into their bodies, people's subconscious preferences are shifting toward novel, bold, and all-natural options.
Indian and global food trends in 2023
India is a diverse and ever-evolving country, and the food trends of 2023 will reflect this. India is rapidly becoming a health-conscious society, with people looking for healthier and more sustainable options.
Ancient Grains
One trend that is expected to gain popularity in India and around the world is the use of ancient grains and ancient ingredients. These include millets, amaranth (Ramdana), and quinoa, which are rich in nutrients and have been used in traditional diets for centuries. Not only are these grains healthy, but they are also gluten-free, so people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can eat them.
Locally-Sourced Ingredients
Using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients is also predicted to rise in popularity, both in India and internationally. People are becoming more interested in knowing where their food comes from and how it's grown, and they are looking to support local farmers and producers.
Farmers' markets and community-supported agriculture programs are also likely to become more popular as a result of this trend.
Alternative Proteins
With increasing concerns about the environmental impact of animal agriculture, consumers are looking for plant-based alternatives to meat. This includes food items such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan (a mildly flavored, high-protein meat substitute), which are made from soybeans, soybeans, and wheat gluten, respectively.
Convenient Foods
The food industry in India will also see a growing trend towards convenience and convenience-oriented products, as well as an increased demand for delivery services. More and more people are looking for quick and easy meal solutions, such as ready-to-eat meals, pre-cut vegetables, and ready-to-cook ingredients.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods are another development that will likely grow in popularity in India and elsewhere. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and pickles are not only tasty but also good for your health. For example, they can help you digest food better and make your immune system stronger.
These foods are also becoming more popular as people look for ways to improve their gut health and overall wellness. In India, traditional fermented foods like idli, dosa, and pickles have been a part of the cuisine for centuries, and their health benefits are becoming more widely recognized.
Regional Cuisines
Consumers will be looking for more authentic and exotic flavors, and traditional recipes will be increasingly popular. There will also be a greater demand for global flavors such as Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American cuisines. One such instantly observable instance around us is the rising popularity of Korean dramas and music (K-Pop), which has led to a surge in the popularity of Korean restaurants and cafes all over the world, including India.
Plant-Based Dairy Products
As more people adopt plant-based diets, the demand for plant-based dairy alternatives is expected to increase in the coming year. Milk alternatives such as soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk are becoming more popular as lactose-intolerant or vegan people look for options that are not only healthier but also more sustainable.
Superfoods
These are just a few examples of superfoods that are expected to become popular in 2023. As people continue to focus on their health and wellness, it's likely that other nutrient-dense and functional foods will also become more mainstream.
- Sea-based superfoods like sea moss, nori, and seaweed are becoming more and more popular because they are high in nutrients and have many health benefits.
- Ashwagandha: This ancient herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is known for its adaptogenic properties, which means it can help the body adapt to stress.
- Maca is a Peruvian root vegetable that is known for giving people more energy. It is often used as a natural alternative to caffeine.
- Black garlic: This fermented version of regular garlic is known for its high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular ingredient in many dishes.
- Chaga mushrooms are known for having a lot of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also being researched to see if they can help with health problems like cancer and heart disease.
- Moringa is a nutrient-dense plant that is native to India and Africa. It's often referred to as a "miracle tree" because it's packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a popular ingredient in plant-based diets.
- Açaí berries are a popular superfood from the Amazon rainforest, packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and healthy fats. Açaí is also a good source of fiber and is often used in smoothies, bowls, and supplements.
- Blue-green algae, also known as spirulina, is a type of microalga that is known for its high levels of protein and antioxidants and is often used as a dietary supplement.
- Monk fruit is a zero-calorie additive that has no effect on blood glucose levels and can be used by those on both low- and high-carbohydrate diets; its use is expected to increase as a natural sugar substitute.
2023 Alcohol Trends in India and Around the World
Indian beer, tequila, gin, and whisky are just some of the amazing alcoholic beverages that can be found in stores today, and more are on the way. In response to the growing demand for local spirits, distilleries have started to offer tours, events that pair food and spirits, and guided walks that show the different steps of the distillation process.
Worldwide, the popularity of sour cocktails made with fermented, gut-healthy ingredients like kombucha, miso, and sake is also predicted to rise. Now that people are more willing to try new things, there will be a rise in the popularity of alcoholic beverages from other cultures, such as craft beers, regionally inspired gins, sake, and soju, both in India and worldwide.
The food trends of 2023 will have a significant impact on the food industry and the way we eat. The future of food trends will also be driven by technology. The development of new technologies, such as 3D printing and lab-grown meat, will open up new possibilities for food production. Also, new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain will change the way we find, make, and eat food.
2023 promises to be an exciting year, and we hope you’re ready for what the next 12 months bring!