In for a treat: Work these trends into your 2021 menus

Comfort food from afar. Familiar favorites with an unusual twist. A party in food form. Those are some of the overarching food trend predictions for 2021. 

In many ways, the trends of 2021 will pick up where 2020 food trends were expected to go before they were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Because all the predicted 2020 trends went into hibernation, that’s a good starting point” for what we’ll see this year, says Suzy Badaracco, president of food industry think tank, Culinary Tides. Operators should revisit ceviche, hummus, toast, ramen, poke, all-day breakfast and regional desserts in particular, she adds.

That said, 2021 will still have its own trend identity—one that will likely shift from the first half of the year to the second, says Mike Kostyo, trendologist for Datassential. “Right now, people are looking for more ways to get their health back on track. As we head later into the year, and more people are vaccinated, we’ll see them seeking out new trends and experiences again.” That means striking a balance between indulgence and healthfulness. Think trending churros dipped in pureed fruit and hearty burger patties made from meat and mushrooms.