Top food trends for 2019

No longer the reserve of a health-conscious niche, veganism will go mainstream in 2019, with the likes of UK operator Greggs already receiving significant airtime for its vegan alternative to the humble sausage roll

Musgrave MarketPlace outlines the five hottest trends that will fly in foodservice throughout the year ahead

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Trends come and go, and the food industry is no exception. Superfoods, relatively unknown a few years ago, now feature in many shopping baskets while veganism (a major trend in 2018) has gone mainstream with vegan options popping up on restaurant menus across the country.

With that in mind what can we expect to see in the Irish food industry in 2019? Food trends expert at Musgrave MarketPlace, Dr. Deirdre Moriarty, has put together a list of the top trends and ingredients that will hit the hotspot for consumers this year.

1. No more scrap, say yes to sustainability

Paper straws will be all the rage in 2019 as single-use plastics get the cold shoulder

Food waste and sustainability was a hot topic in 2018 and it’s set to continue as chefs look at ways to reduce waste. Zero waste or root to tip cooking was a major trend in 2018 but this year we can expect to see sustainability broaden its appeal. Expect to see more bars and restaurants offering recyclable coffee cups, plastic straws will be a no-no and restaurants will start to get ‘hyper local’ with their ingredients in a bid to reduce food miles.

2. The value of vegan goes up

This year, veganism will get even more air time as the health trend from 2018 makes a bigger impact on the everyday consumer. No longer just for the uber-health conscious or the hipster brigade, in 2019 veganism will go mainstream with fast food options like vegan wings, vegan burgers and fries becoming more widely available.

3. Smoking hot flavours

In 2019, we’ll be following in the footsteps of the Scandinavians, who have long led the way when it comes to smoked cooking from mackerel to trout to sausages. Delicious smoked butters and cheeses will be a key trend in restaurants and shops but also keep an eye out for smoked desserts! Move over salted caramel, next year we’ll be indulging in smoked caramel.

4. The healing properties of food

Nitro cold brew coffee is set to appear on more menus in 2019

The self-care movement is set to hit the food market in a big way. Self-care involves taking time out and learning to recharge your batteries while doing things you enjoy. Food fits into this trend with consumers being encouraged to allow themselves a treat every now and then but also using food as a way of healing the body. Nutrient rich foods that boost brain power, improve the immune system or help you sleep better will be making their way to menus in cafés, coffee shops and restaurants across the country.

5. Crazy for coffee

If you’re a caffeine-junkie this trend will spell good news. Cold brew coffee, especially big in Australian café culture, will be used as a base to infuse lots of seasonal flavours. Nitro cold brew will also hit menus. We’ll also see Chemex being used much more in the brewing of coffee, and in line with the sustainability trend, the use of reusable cups will continue to grow in 2019. Expect to see more incentives to encourage consumers to ditch the paper cup.

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