The 2010s brought us some fun food trends that defined the decade: meal kits for every lifestyle, a serious sriracha obsession, avo-everything (avocado that is), gourmet InstaPot meals, and food so photogenic you can’t help but to snap a picture. It’s been a great decade, but we’re ready to leave some things behind (ahem, kale smoothies) as we look forward to what 2020 will bring.
You might be wondering, “but what comes after avocado toast?” Fear not! I’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of food trends you’ll see hitting your favorite restaurants, social media platforms and perhaps your own table.
Chocolate
Chocolate has numerous health benefits ranging from its antioxidant superpowers to its association with improved HDL (aka good cholesterol). But let’s be real – we’re not eating it for the health benefits. That’s just a bonus to the rich, sweet and sometimes bitter flavor that is chocolate. It’s versatile in both savory and sweet dishes, and it pairs well with wine and that Instagrammable cheeseboard you’ve been wanting to make.
In 2020, we’re going to see chocolate blended with unique ingredients to revamp old family favorites and create entirely new flavor profiles – such as this easy Mexican Hot Chocolate or these Charred Shishito Peppers With Chocolate Picada Sauce.
Cauliflower
Now before you dismiss this trend as part of the “gluten-free, low carb, questionable replacement for pizza crust” movement, 2020 will have cauliflower trending still, but this time with a more evolved purpose. Rather than acting solely as a carb replacement, cauliflower will get the attention it deserves – starring in dishes like this Roasted Garlic Cauliflower and these mouthwatering recipes – while adding lots of fiber and B vitamins to your diet.
Plant-Based
We’re seeing a rise in plant-based diets, whether for purported health reasons or dietary preferences. Interestingly, there isn’t a rise of true vegetarians and vegans. According to a Gallup poll reported by Forbes, 5% of Americans are vegetarian and less than 3% are vegans; these numbers have remained unchanged since 2012. And while confusion abounds regarding the definition of the term “plant-based,” the general consensus is that plant-based doesn’t have to mean animal-free. In fact, dairy foods contribute vital and underconsumed nutrients – plus adding them to plant-focused meals can enhance the flavor. Try these Turkish Eggs with Greek Yogurt and Sautéed Spinach or this Couscous With Tomatoes, Sautéed Spinach and Two Cheeses and tell us if you don’t agree!
Spices
I know this seems basic, but spices are all the rage in 2020. We’re not just seasoning with salt, pepper and hot sauce. This year, expect to see a lot of old favorites revamped with exotic spices, fusing cuisines from all over the world. Restaurants have mastered this in the last few years with the rise of fusion restaurants with clever names – like Japaneiro’s (Japanese and Latin) or Coreanos (Korean and Mexican) – and now the fusion trend is making its way to your kitchen. Of course, you’ll see recipes calling for lots of garlic, but ginger, turmeric, curry, exotic peppers, sumac and peri-peri are on the rise as well. Here’s a creamy Curried Cauliflower Soup that will get you bonus points for using another trending food on our list.
Homemade Sauces and Dressings
It’s really easy if you think about it: you can make a simple Greek vinaigrette with just olive oil, lemon juice and salt. Add yogurt, cucumber, garlic and mint and now you have a fabulous tzatziki sauce! In 2020, we predict that more people will make sauces and dressings from scratch, incorporating many of the other trends on this list to create new, flavorful dishes.
The last decade was a great time for foodies, and since we’re still in “the phone eats first” era, we want beautiful, colorful, delicious and healthy food that connects us to cuisines all over the world. This year will be the year of global food in your kitchen, so don’t be afraid to explore all the foodie trends 2020 has in store!
Get inspired with more of our #DairyAmazing recipes
