What’s trending in 2023?

Tinned is in

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to put a strain on our grocery budgets, we've begun to shop smarter and thriftier with money saving at the forefront of supermarket choices. A recent Grocer survey revealed that food and drink prices are the second greatest concern amongst consumers (only preceded by energy prices). As frugality is on the rise, cheaper alternatives to household favourites will likely prove popular, including tinned goods.

Tinned fish in particular is making a comeback! A report by Grand View Research predicts the tinned seafood market will grow to almost $50.5 billion by 2030, and recipes using tinned fish are already going viral on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Tinned fish like mackerel, sardines and pilchards are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for a healthy heart and brain. Opt for fish with the bones in to benefit from the calcium. Enjoy tinned fish on toast, in pasta dishes, salads, or blend with lemon juice, fresh herbs and low-fat cream cheese for a tasty dip with vegetables or high-fibre crackers.

Gut health is growing

We're becoming increasingly aware of the importance of gut health, and for good reason! Our gut is central to health, playing a key role in our skin health, appetite, immunity and mental well-being. As a result, the range of food and drink products that nourish and support gut health has flourished, and the latest buzzword to grace our food packaging has shifted from 'protein' to 'probiotics'. The Waitrose Food and Drink Report reported 51% more of their kefir yogurt flying off the shelves in 2022, as well as a 24% increase in sales of their ginger shots, packed with immune-friendly, gut-friendly ingredients.

Other products to keep your eye out for include live yoghurt, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, seitan and miso. To read more about how to keep your gut in tip-top condition, take a look at this blog.

A focus on sustainable choices

Another growing area of consumer interest, UK shoppers are making more considered decisions about their groceries than ever before. 63% of respondents to the Waitrose Food and Drink Report stated they felt guilty about food wastage, and more than half are now taking the time to check what they already have in the fridge before heading out for the food shop. On top of this, 1 in 4 UK shoppers have made brand switches based on perceived environmental impact, according to a recent report by data insights experts at Glow.

One particularly trendy sustainable food source comes from under the sea. Not fish, but plants! Yes, seaweed is highly anticipated to be the next ingredient for cooking and snacking. Thanks to its simple growing conditions and production of oxygen, cultivating seaweed for human consumption has a very low environmental impact. It's also highly nutritious – packed with iodine, vitamin B12, iron and zinc. It's unique salty, umami flavour places it in great stead to become a regular feature in Western diets in years to come.

The latest on the meat-free trend: 3D printed steak?!

Eating less meat continues to feature in trend predictions year after year. It's no longer just a 'fad diet' to eat more plant-based food – the standard is shifting as eating for the environment and health has become a priority for many of us across the UK.

The meat substitute market is projected to reach $11.2 billion by 2030 according to insights by Allied Market Research. In its latest developments, the meat-free trend is no longer limited to minced Quorn. The texture development of meat alternatives is making products like a meat-free steak possible! Israeli-based start-up Redefine Meat is pushing the boundaries even further by using pioneering 3D printing techniques to replicate the unique texture of meat using 100% plant-based ingredients. Available now in the UK at select high-end eateries, such as German Gymnasium in King's Cross, London – we can expect this cutting-edge alternative to grow in popularity and appear on the menus of other popular restaurants.

New tastebud adventures

We're on the hunt for exciting new flavours in 2023. Several niche cuisines are building momentum, one in particular being Pan-African cooking. According to a survey by Mintel World Cuisines, almost half of the people in the UK haven't tried African cuisine before but would be interested to try it. Google Trends data reveals that searches for traditional African dishes have soared over the last 12 months, including egusi (+120%), fufu (120%) and jollof rice (+70%).

Other flavours predicted to gain traction by Bidfood include Cuban, Sri Lankan and 'unusual fusions' – think sushi burritos and hoisin duck pizzas!

The boom in booze-free tipples

If you've read my trend predictions blog from last year, you'll have seen no- and low-alcohol drinks featured then as well. I’ve included it this year too, as it doesn’t look as though its popularity is slowing down. New research by the ISWR Drinks Market Analysis anticipates that no- and low-alcohol consumption will increase by a third over the next 3 years. Across generations, we're becoming more curious about the teetotal lifestyle, and many consumers have been on the hunt for 0% ABV versions of their favourite tipples.

Gone are the days when cola and lemonade were our only options! In 2022, the market offering of no- and low-alcohol alternatives to beer, cider, wine, spirits and ready-mixed drinks grew by 7%, and this growth is expected to surpass that of the last four years. There's now an alcohol-free version of most of our favourite beer brands, as well as alternatives for popular wines, Prosecco, gin, rum and liqueurs.

It's no secret that booze isn't good for our health. Drinking heavily regularly can lead to many health complications, including excess weight gain, liver disease, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The growing market for booze-free alternatives demonstrates how we're paying more attention to our health long term, and questioning the expectation to drink in social settings.