Food trends have always been a fascinating aspect of our lives. Just like fashion, they can change rapidly and leave us in awe. This article delves deep into the latest food trends and their impact on our eating habits.

Uncover the Latest Food Trends and Their Impact

Traditional vs. Online Recipe Sources

Food trends are as fickle as fashion ones. Earlier this year, a TikTok video sparked a craze for cucumber salad, leaving Icelandic farmers struggling to meet the demand. Traditional recipe books seem to be losing their charm, especially among younger audiences. According to the Waitrose Food & Drink report, 18- to 34-year-olds are now turning to their phones for dinner ideas instead of thumbing through Jamie's 30-Minute Meals. Online cooking stars showcase their creations in quick videos or set-up photographs, offering aspirational content rather than strict recipes. This has led to more "freestyling" in cooking, freeing people from rigid recipe steps. In fact, 72% of young people in the survey feel confident making a meal without a recipe. Being less rigid in cooking also reduces food waste, which is a significant bonus.

Full-fat Dairy's Comeback

Full-fat dairy is making a comeback. Sales of milk and cream are on the rise, and Marks & Spencer has switched to whole milk in its cafes. This shift away from "low-fat" products is part of a broader movement. It turns out that "low-fat" products may not be as healthy as we thought and can contain hidden sugars and emulsifiers. The growing awareness of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in our diets has led many customers to embrace a simpler approach to their diet. According to Waitrose research, 61% of home cooks are now preparing more of their own food due to concerns about UPFs. This includes baking their own bread (38%) and trying their hand at pickling vegetables (28%).

The Pantry "Glow-up"

Foodies are now coveting items like Maldon sea salt, Willy's apple cider vinegar, and Citizens of Soil extra-virgin olive oil. Extra-virgin olive oil has become particularly popular and is even considered the new wine for dinner party gifts. Sarah Vachon, who sells refillable EVOO from female producers, has been promoting this trend. However, Debrett's, the leading etiquette guide, has warned that bringing olive oil might imply that the host doesn't have a well-stocked kitchen. In my opinion, extra-virgin olive oil is a fantastic present that is both tasty and nutritious.

Chef Success Stories

Matthew Ryle, the head chef of French restaurant Maison François, started posting recipe clips on Instagram a year ago and now has nearly 2 million followers. His success lies in focusing on single ingredients like potatoes and eggs. His potato recipes and French cottage pie received millions of views. He follows in the footsteps of his chef friend Thomas Straker, who built a brand around butter. The Waitrose report credits Straker with the resurgence of butter's popularity. These chef success stories show how social media can transform a simple ingredient into a culinary sensation.In conclusion, food trends are constantly evolving, and these latest trends are shaping our eating habits. From online recipe sources to the comeback of full-fat dairy and the pantry "glow-up", there is a lot to explore and enjoy in the world of food.