An overview of the top 12 food trends for 2016, originally completed at the beginning of 2016. For each trend Symrise analyzes the source of inspiration and the top consumes related to the trend. We then look at which industry publications are picking up on the trend, menu examples, news stories and finally the Symrise take on the trend.
2. Top 12 Food Trends 2016
Table of Contents
Veg at the Center of the Plate
Pickling/Sour
Bowls
Souping
Authentic Ethnic
Gourmet Junk
Smoke
Sweet Heat
Cheese Goes Gourmet
Grains/Milling
Citrus on Fire
Butter/Fat
4. 4
Veg at the Center of the Plate
Veg-centric cuisine, Flexitarian, Meat Alternatives
Source of Inspiration: Consumer:
Vegan/Vegetarian
Movement Boomers
5. 5
Industry Restaurants
In the News Symrise Observation
Veg at the Center of the Plate
Veggie Main Dishes, Flexitarian, Meat Alternatives
Flavor & The Menu – Top 10 Trends for 2016
• Vegetable Forward
Restaurant Hospitality
11 Trends that will Impact Restaurants in 2016
• Vegetables will Continue To Step Up on the Plate
“The Salt” on NPR Jan 11, 2016:
Vegetables likely to take up more of your plate
in 2016
“Millenials have a huge impact. They order
ingredients online, and learn to cook from
YouTube as well as. They care about the
environment, ethical treatment of animals, and
community.”
Top Trend at Starchefs International Chefs Congress 2015:
Vegetarian Goes Mainstream - No longer the oddballs for the
hippie set, vegetarian food is now inconspicuously meat-free,
elegantly technique-driven, and soulfully satisfying. Leading the way
are New York chefs like Joseph Buenconsejo of Wassail, Elise
Kornack of Take Root, Brooks Headley of Superiority Burger, and
José Ramírez-Ruiz and Pam Yung of Semilla.
Satis Bistro NJ: Cast Iron Cauliflower Steak
Beefsteak D.C.: New fast casual vegetable
centered concept from Jose Andres
Plant Food and Wine LA: Radish Toast w/ sea
beans and herbs
Adoure Alain Ducasse: Veggie Tasting Menu
Cheesecake Factory: Brown Rice Veggie Burger
7. 7
Industry Restaurants
In the News Symrise Observation
Pickling/Sour
Fermenting, Vinegar, Shrubs
QSR Magazine Feb 2016:
Balancing Act: Bitter, Sour Flavors Help Bring
Harmony To Menu Items
“Sour is common, from a slice of lemon served with
fish to vinegar with a slaw. It comes down to a
question of how sour you make it. There has been a
big uptick in people’s desires for sour because it
brightens a dish.”
Top Trend at Starchefs International Chefs Congress 2015:
Pastry Goes Funky:“Fermentation and pastry have gotten
comfortably in bed together,” says Starchefs CEO Antoinette Bruno.
Another example of the strange bedfellows: Pastry Chef Mina Pizarro
of New York’s Juni who ferments oats for a chocolate-lovage dessert.
And in Kirkland, WA you’ll find shio koji gelato created by Pastry
Chef Junko Mine of Cafe Juanita.”
Black Market NYC: Corn Cob Ice Cream w/
Strawberry Shrub Caramel
Yardhouse: Koren Street Taco w/ Pork Belly and
Radish Kimchi
Bahama Breeze: Pickled Cucumber Pineapple Salsa
Seasbirds Costa Mesa, CA: Purple Taquitos with
Fermented Curtido
National Restaurant Association
What’s Hot 2016 Culinary Forecast
• #1 Preparation Method: Pickling
Mintel Report: Condiments & Dressings
• December 2015
• What’s Next: Pickling for Digestive Health
9. 9
Industry Restaurants
In the News Symrise Observation
Bowls
Protein, Veggie, Smoothie, Poke
Mintel Report: Innovation on the Menu
• October 2015
• Trend for Tomorrow: Bowls
Research Chefs Association Conference 2015
Flavor Trends at Street Level
• Bowls
• Smoothie Bowls
Eggshop NYC: Spandex - poached egg, miso
quinoa , avocado, pickled carrot, farm greens
ediBOL LA: Honey Citrus – roasted cauliflower,
quinoa & green lentil pilaf, spiced caramelized
pecans, honey-maple citrus dressing
Noodles & Co.: BUFF Bowls
Panera Bread: Thai Garden Chicken Broth Bowl
The Wall Street Journal – Jan 12, 2016
Bowls Are The New Plates
“Sales of bowls are rising as Americans prefer more
casual, one-course meals that layer flavors.
Restaurants are overhauling their china cabinets and
consumers are increasingly cradling their food while
perched at kitchen islands, lounging on sofas or
multitasking at a table.”
Symrise Treks in Los Angeles, New York and Portland 2015:
Bowls are a must for modern eateries catering to vegans, vegetarians
or flexitarians. They offer maximum customization, health and protein
appeal and endless possibilities for concepts, including classic
American, Asian, Latin and beyond. Recently Poke, a Hawaiian raw
fish salad, has taken off in New York. Served in bowl form, the trendy
dish can be found at Pokeworks in Midtown, Wisefish Poke in Chelsea,
or Onomea in Williamsburg, among multiple other outposts.
11. 11
Industry Restaurants
In the News Symrise Observation
Souping
Drinkable Soups, Soup Cleanses, Bone Broth
Summer Fancy Food Show 2015
• Tio Gazpacho (drinkable soups)
• Splendid Spoon (drinkable soup cleanse)
• Miso & Easy – Easy Miso Broth Concentrate
Technomic Independent Insights 2015 Vol. IV
• Hot Ingredient: Bone Broth
New York Times Feb. 3rd, 2016:
Souping is the New Juicing
“Like a growing number of people, Ms.
Zhao came to the routine — known as
souping, or going on a soup cleanse —
after finding juice cleanses, which she
tried several times, too extreme.”
Brothfest 2015 NYC:
There has been a reawakening of bone broths in NYC,
as was evident at the First Annual Broth Fest held at
the South Street Seaport in lower Manhattan on
3/14/15. The all-day event was sold out as broth
enthusiasts converged on the Seaport. Competitors
included Katz’s Deli, Spur Tree, Baz Bagel &
Restaurant, and Bone Deep & Harmony.
Splendid Spoon Brooklyn: Offers vegan,
gluten-free soups in single-day cleanses or
meal replacements over the course of a week.
Soupure LA: 17 flavors of hot & chilled soups,
broths, tonics and waters
Brodo NYC: Take out window featuring
drinkable bone broths in coffee-style cups
12. 12
Authentic Ethnic
North African, Southeast Asian, Beyond Mexico
Source of Inspiration: Consumer:
Mainstream America
Street
Food
Demographic
Shifts
Internet Food
Television
13. 13
Industry Restaurants
In the News Symrise Observation
Authentic Ethnic
North African, Southeast Asian, Beyond Mexico
National Restaurant Association
What’s Hot 2016 Culinary Forecast
• Authentic Ethnic
Technomic – Top Trends for 2016
• North African Flavors May Be next
• Sumac +400% Menu Mentions
• Harissa +55% Menu Mentions
Food Business News on Dec 4, 2015:
Latin American Flavor Trends
“Americans favor more and more Hispanic foods,
from spicy, hot chili peppers to sugary, sweet
pastries. Broad shifts in the US population set the
stage, but for many years now, consumers of all
ethnicities have eagerly sought out flavors from
Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Top Trend at Starchefs International Chefs Congress 2015:
Spanish and Asian influences continue to be ever-present: Trevi
Hutchins, mixologist at Tempo Dulu (Portland, ME), extends the restaurant’s
Asian-fusion concept to the beverage program, creating a sake snow cone,
complete with ginger, yuzi and smoked pineapple. Iron Chef Jose Garces of
Amada (Philadelphia, PA) further discussed how chefs are influenced by
Spanish and Latin America cuisine because of the growing Spanish-speaking
population.
Avec Chicago: Kale & Carrot Salad w/ Dill
Green Harissa and Sunflower Seed Dukkah
Beco Brooklyn.: Feijoada
La Ceiba Long Beach: Pupusas Chicharron
Pok Pok Portland: Vietnamese Chicken Wings
California Pizza Kitchen: Thai Chicken Pizza
15. 15
Industry Restaurants
In the News Symrise Observation
Gourmet Junk
Fried Chicken, Hot Dogs, Poutine
Flavor & The Menu – Top 10 Trends for 2016
• Fried Chicken
National Restaurant Association
What’s Hot 2016 Culinary Forecast
• Fried Chicken
Technomic – Top 10 Trends for 2016
• Elevating Peasant Fare (Meatballs, Sausages)
Bangers & Lace Chicago: Foie Gras Corn Dog
Fuku NYC: Spicy Chicken Sandwich w/ pickles and
Ssam sauce
Root & Bone NYC: Sweet Tea Brined Fried Chicken
w/ Cheddar Cheese Waffles
Underbelly Houston: Poutine w/ Pork Bone Gravy
Dave & Busters: Wagyu Beef Kobe Style Hot Dog
Eater.com Oct 2015:
2016 Will be the Year of Delivery and Fried Chicken
“It's no mystery why so many chefs are after their own
Shake Shack. After releasing a Shake Shack IPO,
Danny Meyer is now a multimillionaire, proving that
chefs and operators with fine-dining backgrounds can
succeed in the world of fast food.
Symrise Global Trend Report
Gourmet Junk- As a countertrend to an increasingly calorie-
driven diet, Gourmet Junk invites consumers to celebrate taste to the
max. Classic fast food and daily basics are redefined and turn into
top-quality cuisine offering high-grade ingredients and taste
experiences to pamper oneself with a delicious feast.
17. 17
Industry Restaurants
In the News Symrise Observation
Smoke
Smoked Meats, Burnt, Charred
Technomic – Top 10 Trends for 2016
Burned
• Burned +61% Menu Mentions
• Smoked +19% Menu Mentions
National Restaurant Association
What’s Hot 2016 Culinary Forecast
• #3 Preparation Method: Smoking
Washington Post Feb 22, 2016:
Why Chefs are Burning Your Food
Intentionally
“Chef Victor Albisu prefers to smoke and slow-
grill his meat, but he has no qualms about
charring vegetables, fruit and herbs. His menu
has included such items as burnt Brussels
sprouts, broccoli and radishes. “
Top Trend at Starchefs International Chefs Congress 2015:
Smoke is the new flavor: If you’re thinking woody flavors like
mesquite and hickory, you’ve got it all wrong. Newly created
“smoke” flavors are popping up in ganaches, pastrami, and
cocktails, infusing flavors from teas and spices right into the
dish.
Volt D.C.: Charcoal-ate Dessert w/ burnt
caramel and smoked hay ice cream
Chili’s Bar & Grill.: Smoked Chicken
Quesadillas
Hard Rock Café: Smoked BBQ Platter
Ditka’s Chicago: Charred Broccolini
BLT NYC: Spiced Tuna w/ burnt orange
18. 18
Sweet Heat
Sauces, Wings, Ethnic Hot Sauce, Next Sriracha
Source of Inspiration: Consumer:
QSR’s
Casual
Restaurants Mainstream America
19. 19
Industry Restaurants
In the News Symrise Observation
Sweet Heat
Sauces, Wings, Ethnic Hot Sauce, Next Sriracha
Flavor & The Menu – Top 10 Trends for 2016
• Hot Harissa
Technomic – Top 10 Trends for 2016
• Sriracha Effect
National Restaurant Association
What’s Hot 2016 Culinary Forecast
• Ethnic Hot Sauces
Prepared Foods Feb 11, 2016:
Spice, Flavor Trends in Food Service
“Adding a mix of mild and spicy peppers and
sweet-heat mashups can stir customer intrigue
and cravings for dishes that aren’t easily
replicated at home. This can help drive both
traffic and sales.”
The search for the next sriracha goes through “sweet heat”
Millennials are driving the push for flavor combinations and more
bold and spicy flavors. They have an interest in more complex spicy
flavors, including calling out different types of peppers rather than
“spicy”. Casual chains like Buffalo Wild Wings have a done a great
job of connecting to millennial consumers with sweet heat sauce
concepts like Chipotle Barbeque, Mango Habanero, and Asian Zing.
Balthazar NYC: Lamb Sandwich with Harissa Mayo
Seasons 52: Korean Duck Lettuce Wraps w/
Gochujang Red Chili Glaze, Asian Pear, Ginger
Lone Star Steakhouse: Pork chop w/ Sweet and
Spicy Jalapeno Jelly
Hurricane Grill & Wings: Coconut-Habanero-Lime,
Chipotle Raspberry, Maple Pepper Sauces
20. 20
Cheese Goes Gourmet
Upgraded Cheese Dishes, Raclette, Mac & Cheese
Source of Inspiration: Consumer:
Chefs Casual
Restaurants
21. 21
Industry Restaurants
In the News Symrise Observation
Cheese Goes Gourmet
Upgraded Cheese Dishes, Raclette, Mac & Cheese
Flavor & The Menu – Top 10 Trends for
2016
• Soft Cheese Sensations
National Restaurant Association
What’s Hot 2016 Culinary Forecast
• Ingredients: Artisan Cheeses
Raclette NYC: Savoyarde - Raclette Cheese
Lola Cleveland.: Mexican Chihuahua Grilled
Cheese w/ roasted red pepper, arugula
Cochon Butcher NOLA: Cheddar & White Wine
Mac & Cheese w/ Pancetta & Tomato
Starbucks: Grilled Cheese w/ Aged White Cheddar,
Yellow Cheddar, Cheddar Jack And Mozzarella On
Hearty Multi-Grain Bread
USA Today on Feb 22, 2016:
Costa Cruises to Launch Mozzarella Gourmet Bar
“Cruise guests will be able to observe as the
cheese is made and sample it while it is still warm.
In addition to pizzas, the authentic Italian cheese
will be featured in a new Mozzarella Gourmet Bar
paired with an assortment high-quality Italian
specialities.
Symrise Treks in Chicago, Miami, New York and Portland:
In our treks around the country, it’s evident that cheese has gone
from plain to gourmet. Cheese plates are a staple at most restaurants
along with provenence, pairings, producer and descriptions of each
slice. Along with cheese plates are cheese-centric dishes that feature
specific cheeses blended with premium ingredients that take normal
American classics to the next level.
23. 23
Industry Restaurants
In the News Symrise Observation
National Restaurant Association
What’s Hot 2016 Culinary Forecast
• Ancient Grains (kamut, spelt, amaranth, lupin)
• Protein Rich Grains
Flavor & The Menu – Top 10 Trends for 2016
• Comfort Bases
Gastropod Miami: Soured Pumpernickel
Porridge
Buddakan NYC: Roast Chicken Congee
Ruby Tuesday: Low Country Shrimp & Grits
Le Pain Quotidien: Harvest Porridge
Panera Bread: Ancient Grain, Arugula and
Chicken Salad
Glenn Roberts, Found of
heirloom grain company Anson
Mills, appears on CNN’s Parts
Unknown with Anthony
Bourdain alongside chef Sean
Brock to discuss grains and the
Southern revival in the U.S.
Top Trend at Starchefs International Chefs Congress 2015:
Milling is a movement - Chefs and pastry chefs are using an ever-
widening array of grains with small scale milling operations cropping
up coast to coast. And it’s not just chefs and bakers that are taking to
grains; the beverage industry is also taking embracing this trend. The
“hot” item of the moment is porridge with unexpected flavors turning
up in welcome treats.
Grains/Milling
Ancient Grains, Grits, Porridge, Congee
24. 24
Citrus on Fire
Citrus Comes to the Kitchen
Source of Inspiration: Consumer:
Chefs
Demographic
Shifts Mainstream America
25. 25
Industry Restaurants
In the News Symrise Observation
Citrus on Fire
Citrus Comes to the Kitchen
Flavor & The Menu – Top 10 Trends for 2016
• Citrus on Fire
Mintel Report: Innovation on the Menu
• October 2015
• International Flavors: Citrus
Boka Seattle: Fried Calamari with Grilled Lemon
Octavia San Francisco: Sonoma Duck Breast,
Muhammara, Charred Mandarin
Bocca NYC: Insalata di Finocchi w/ Shaved
Fennel Grapefruit Mint Citrus Vinaigrette
Applebee’s: Fiesta Lime Chicken
Chick-fil-A: Asian Salad w/ Mandarin Oranges
FSR Magazine on Feb 11, 2015:
Citrus and Grapefruit Trend Upward
“Driving the renewed interest in citrus and
grapefruit is consumers' inclination toward bold,
distinctive flavors as well as ingredients with a
healthy perception. Citrus creates a balanced dish
when combined with other ingredients, allowing
restaurants to serve full-flavor meals that are not
laden with fat and unnecessary calories.
Grilled Fruit Flavors are an illustration of the influence of
Latino consumers on mainstream America
Many chefs and mixologists in the U.S. are integrating grilled fruit in
their menu for the unique sweet, smoky and bitter characters. Grilled
fruits are part of menus across Latin America, and citrus definitely
plays a big part. Grilled citrus flavors capture the unique taste
perceptions that are delivered when the sugar content of the fruit
caramelizes in the grilling process.
27. 27
Industry Restaurants
In the News Symrise Observation
Flavor & The Menu – Top 10 Trends for 2016
• Butter Goes Bold
Food Navigator USA
Top Ten Specialty Food Trends for 2016
• Full-Fat Dairy
Succotash D.C.: Dry Aged Bone-In Ribeye w/
Gochujang Butter
Roy’s Dallas: Lobster Potstickers w/ Spicy
Togarashi Miso Butter Sauce
Applebee’s : All-Day Brunch Burger w/ Bacon &
Onion Seared in Fried Egg
Carraba’s Italian Grill: Mahi Wulfe w/ Basil Lemon
Butter
Yahoo! Health on Sept 24, 2015:
People Are Eating More Full Fat Foods
“Sales of whole milk in the U.S. for the first half of
this year grew by 11 percent, while sales of skim
milk shrank by 14 percent. The logic makes sense on
some level — low-fat and non-fat foods may have
undergone more processing; therefore, their full-fat
versions should be more “natural.”
Real Fats & Upgraded Butters = Flavor
Millennials spend around $174/month eating out compared to $153
for other generations combined. Because millennials value eating as
an “experience” rather than a satiation exercise, they are willing to
spend more for maximum flavor and indulgence. Real fats deliver
flavor and the way add flavor after sauces, is butter. This is why
butters are making a splash with all kinds of new flavors including
herbal, spicy, sweet, sour and smoky butters.
Butter/Fat
Real Fats and Upgraded Butter