The year 2021 was a transformative time for the food industry, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to shape the way we eat, cook, and interact with food. As people spent more time at home, there was a surge in demand for comfort foods, meal kits, and online cooking classes. In this article, we’ll explore the trending foods of 2021, from plant-based eats to international cuisine and everything in between.
The Rise of Plant-Based Eating
One of the most significant trends in 2021 was the continued growth of plant-based eating. With more people adopting flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan lifestyles, the demand for plant-based products skyrocketed. According to a report by the Plant-Based Foods Association, plant-based food sales grew by 27% in 2020, with the market expected to reach $24.8 billion by 2028.
Plant-Based Meat Alternatives
Plant-based meat alternatives were a major trend in 2021, with brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods leading the charge. These products mimic the taste and texture of meat, making them a popular choice for flexitarians and meat-eaters alike. Some of the most popular plant-based meat alternatives include:
- Beyond Meat’s Beyond Burger
- Impossible Foods’ Impossible Burger
- Quorn’s Meat-Free Chicken Nuggets
- Gardein’s Plant-Based Chick’n Tenders
Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives
Plant-based dairy alternatives were also on the rise in 2021, with brands like Oatly and Almond Breeze offering a range of milk, yogurt, and cheese alternatives. These products are made from plant-based ingredients like oats, almonds, and soy, making them a popular choice for those with dairy intolerance or preferences.
Popular Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives
- Oatly’s Oat Milk
- Almond Breeze’s Almond Milk
- So Delicious’s Coconut Milk Yogurt
- Kite Hill’s Almond Milk Ricotta Cheese
International Cuisine
International cuisine was a major trend in 2021, with people seeking out new and exciting flavors from around the world. From Korean BBQ to Indian curries, international cuisine offered a welcome respite from the monotony of lockdown cooking.
Korean Cuisine
Korean cuisine was a particular trend in 2021, with the rise of Korean BBQ and kimchi. Korean BBQ involves grilling meat (usually beef or pork) and serving it with a range of sides, including kimchi, rice, and vegetables. Kimchi, a spicy fermented Korean condiment, was also a trend in 2021, with many people making their own at home.
Indian Cuisine
Indian cuisine was another trend in 2021, with people seeking out the bold flavors and spices of Indian cooking. From curries to naan bread, Indian cuisine offered a welcome respite from the monotony of lockdown cooking.
Popular Indian Dishes
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Palak Paneer (Spinach and Cheese Curry)
- Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)
- Naan Bread
Comfort Foods
Comfort foods were a major trend in 2021, with people seeking out familiar and comforting dishes during a time of uncertainty. From mac and cheese to chicken noodle soup, comfort foods offered a welcome respite from the stresses of lockdown.
Classic Comfort Foods
- Mac and Cheese
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Meatloaf
Modern Comfort Foods
- Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Artisanal Mac and Cheese
- Creative Chicken Noodle Soups (e.g. with coconut milk or curry powder)
- Upscale Meatloaf (e.g. with truffle or foie gras)
Meal Kits and Online Cooking Classes
Meal kits and online cooking classes were a major trend in 2021, with people seeking out new and exciting ways to cook at home. Meal kits involve delivering pre-measured ingredients and recipes to customers’ doors, while online cooking classes offer a range of cooking tutorials and classes.
Popular Meal Kit Services
- Blue Apron
- HelloFresh
- Home Chef
- Sun Basket
Popular Online Cooking Classes
- Masterclass
- Cookpad
- Udemy
- Skillshare
Sustainable Foods
Sustainable foods were a major trend in 2021, with people seeking out environmentally-friendly and sustainable food options. From reducing food waste to choosing sustainable seafood, sustainable foods offered a way for people to make a positive impact on the environment.
Reducing Food Waste
Reducing food waste was a major trend in 2021, with people seeking out ways to reduce their environmental impact. From meal planning to composting, reducing food waste offered a way for people to make a positive impact on the environment.
Sustainable Seafood
Sustainable seafood was another trend in 2021, with people seeking out environmentally-friendly and sustainable seafood options. From choosing wild-caught fish to avoiding endangered species, sustainable seafood offered a way for people to make a positive impact on the environment.
Popular Sustainable Seafood Options
- Wild-caught salmon
- Sustainably-farmed shrimp
- Line-caught tuna
- Mussels
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2021 was a transformative year for the food industry, with trends ranging from plant-based eating to international cuisine and sustainable foods. Whether you’re a flexitarian, a foodie, or just looking for new and exciting ways to cook at home, there’s something for everyone in the world of trending foods. So why not try something new today and see what the world of trending foods has to offer?
What were some of the most popular international foods that trended in 2021?
In 2021, several international foods gained popularity worldwide. One of the most notable trends was the rise of Korean cuisine, particularly Korean BBQ and bibimbap. The increasing popularity of K-dramas and K-pop played a significant role in introducing Korean food to a broader audience. Another trending international food was Japanese ramen, which became a staple in many restaurants and households globally.
Other popular international foods that trended in 2021 included Indian street food, such as vada pav and pani puri, and Middle Eastern dishes like shawarma and falafel. The growing interest in plant-based diets also contributed to the popularity of international foods, with many people exploring vegan and vegetarian options from around the world. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok played a significant role in promoting these foods and making them more accessible to a wider audience.
What role did social media play in shaping the food trends of 2021?
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube played a significant role in shaping the food trends of 2021. These platforms provided a space for food enthusiasts and influencers to share their culinary experiences, recipes, and cooking techniques, which helped to popularize various international foods. The visually appealing nature of social media platforms made it easier for people to discover and engage with different types of cuisine.
The influence of social media on food trends was also driven by the rise of food challenges and cooking competitions. Many social media users participated in cooking challenges, which encouraged them to try new recipes and ingredients. Additionally, social media platforms provided a space for food brands and restaurants to promote their products and services, which helped to increase their visibility and reach a wider audience.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the food trends of 2021?
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the food trends of 2021. With many restaurants and dining establishments closed or operating at reduced capacity, people turned to cooking at home and exploring new recipes. This led to an increase in demand for meal kits, online cooking classes, and food delivery services. The pandemic also accelerated the growth of the plant-based food market, as people became more health-conscious and sought out immune-boosting foods.
The pandemic also led to a rise in comfort food and nostalgic cuisine, as people sought out familiar and comforting foods during a time of uncertainty. This trend was reflected in the popularity of foods like mac and cheese, chicken noodle soup, and baked goods. Additionally, the pandemic highlighted the importance of food sustainability and security, with many people turning to local and seasonal produce to support their communities and reduce their environmental impact.
What were some of the most popular plant-based foods that trended in 2021?
In 2021, several plant-based foods gained popularity worldwide. One of the most notable trends was the rise of plant-based meat alternatives, such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. These products became increasingly mainstream, with many restaurants and fast-food chains adding them to their menus. Another popular plant-based food was oat milk, which became a staple in many coffee shops and households.
Other popular plant-based foods that trended in 2021 included vegan cheese, plant-based yogurt, and meat-free burgers. The growing interest in plant-based diets also led to an increase in demand for plant-based protein sources, such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan. Many food brands and restaurants responded to this trend by launching new plant-based products and menu items, which helped to make plant-based eating more accessible and convenient.
How did the trend of sustainable eating impact the food industry in 2021?
The trend of sustainable eating had a significant impact on the food industry in 2021. Many consumers became more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their food choices, leading to an increase in demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. This trend was reflected in the growth of the organic food market, as well as the rise of regenerative agriculture and zero-waste cooking.
The trend of sustainable eating also led to an increase in demand for locally sourced and seasonal produce, which helped to support local farmers and reduce carbon emissions. Many food brands and restaurants responded to this trend by launching sustainable packaging initiatives, reducing food waste, and sourcing ingredients from environmentally responsible suppliers. Additionally, the trend of sustainable eating highlighted the importance of food education and awareness, with many consumers seeking out information on sustainable food systems and environmentally friendly cooking practices.
What role did technology play in shaping the food trends of 2021?
Technology played a significant role in shaping the food trends of 2021. The rise of meal kit delivery services, online grocery shopping, and food delivery apps made it easier for people to access and explore different types of cuisine. Additionally, social media platforms and food blogs provided a space for food enthusiasts and influencers to share their culinary experiences and recipes.
Technology also enabled the growth of the plant-based food market, with many companies using technology to develop new plant-based products and ingredients. Additionally, technology helped to increase food safety and transparency, with many companies using blockchain technology to track the origin and movement of ingredients. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning also helped to personalize food recommendations and improve the overall dining experience.
How did the trend of comfort food impact the food industry in 2021?
The trend of comfort food had a significant impact on the food industry in 2021. With many people seeking out familiar and comforting foods during a time of uncertainty, the demand for comfort food increased. This trend was reflected in the popularity of foods like mac and cheese, chicken noodle soup, and baked goods.
The trend of comfort food also led to an increase in demand for nostalgic cuisine, with many people seeking out retro foods and childhood favorites. Many food brands and restaurants responded to this trend by launching comfort food-themed menu items and products, which helped to provide a sense of comfort and familiarity during a challenging time. Additionally, the trend of comfort food highlighted the importance of emotional connection and nostalgia in food choices, with many consumers seeking out foods that evoked feelings of warmth and comfort.