Ultra-processed foods and alcohol cause millions of deaths annually
Future Menus 2024 is a detailed trend and recipe guide packed with solutions to industry-wide challenges, from cost-saving initiatives that ease labour shortages to recipes backed by forward-thinking trends
Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) unveiled the Future Menus Top North America Trends 2024 report, which identifies top menu trends predicted to influence the restaurant industry in the coming years. The report details how the following trends will come to life on menus and how operators can put them into action in their establishments:
Modernised Comfort Food
Low Waste Menus
Irresistible Vegetables
Local Abundance
The New Sharing
“With Future Menus 2024, our goal is to help chefs and operators put these trends into action and create unique dining experiences for their customers,” said Brandon Collins, Executive Chef for UFS North America. “As the restaurant industry continues to evolve to satisfy diners’ changing expectations and dietary preferences, our Culinary Team is committed to bringing operators the resources and tools to navigate the challenges faced within our industry.”
Future Menus 2024 is a detailed trend and recipe guide packed with solutions to industry-wide challenges, from cost-saving initiatives that ease labour shortages to recipes backed by forward-thinking trends. While each trend can live on its own, many of the Future Menus trends naturally align to create vibrant, nourishing menus that both chefs and customers can feel good about.
The rising cost of ingredients and an ongoing commitment to sustainability is the driving force behind the Low-Waste Menu trend which encourages resourcefulness to reduce waste and maximise ingredient usage. In the face of sustainability concerns, 65 per cent of food service operators consider this trend the most relevant and expect this trend to grow.
With nearly one-third of the US population showing a strong affinity for plant-based food and more than 40 per cent of consumers agreeing that the availability of plant-based food enhances the restaurant experience, it’s no surprise that Irresistible Vegetables is a key trend that will impact food service in the coming year. The Local Abundance trend is about celebrating local ingredients and producers. It’s also a profitable trend since over three-quarters (77 per cent) of Gen Z diners and 70 per cent of Baby Boomers are willing to pay more for dishes with locally sourced ingredients.