Food bloggers weigh in on the hottest food trends

Full Tilt Marketing recently surveyed 37 food bloggers from across the country to get their perspective on what they view the as the hottest food trends. From what’s in to what’s out – food bloggers weighed in.

“When it comes to consumer trends, food bloggers offer a unique perspective,” stated Full Tilt managing partner Heidi McIntyre. “They are constantly monitoring the responses to their recipe posts, engaging with their followers and keeping tabs on other food bloggers, which gives them an edge in understanding consumer preferences.”

Street-food inspired dishes ranked the highest on the list which is not surprising since this trend has been escalating over the past few years and the National Restaurant Association named street food one of the leading food trends for 2017. Jackfruit and other plant-based protein sources ranked a close second as consumers seek healthier alternatives. Bloggers also noted these additional rising stars including: grain free, keto and paleo; craft cocktails and/or Asian spirits for cocktails (Shochu, Arak, Baiju, etc.) and sustainable bio-sourcing (crickets powder, carp oil, etc.).

Food bloggers recognize the bowl craze that has been sweeping the country and Poke is one flavorful option that ranked the highest on the list. A favorite dish in Hawaii, Poke consists of cubed raw fish with seasonings and other healthy items such as rice and vegetables. Poke bowls have been popping up in eateries across the country and expect to see more on food blogs as well.

As a ready to drink tea, Kombucha has emerged from a once small-segment of West Coast foodies to reaching broader appeal in the natural foods channel experiencing a 41% growth since 2016 according to 

Beverage Industry Magazine.

Several produce items made the list of items that are expected to stand the test of time including a preference for heirloom varieties and ancient ingredients. Bloggers noted that vegetable substitutions like veggie noodles and mashed cauliflower for potatoes are also expected to last with bloggers noting reader interest in healthier recipes. In addition, bloggers recognized home-made condiments, pickling and fermenting as an ongoing trend as well.

Once hot items, bloggers ranked these beverages as yesterday’s news: Plant waters to drink (coconut, maple, aloe etc.) and cold pressed juices. 

The majority of bloggers stated that healthy is top of mind for their followers. Not surprisingly, healthy meals for kids and veggie-centric meals also ranked high on their list. As one blogger stated, “Nowadays, healthy, organic, sustainable foods that cater to our lifestyles are of key importance when it comes to being a recipe developer and food blogger. From my perspective healthy, organic, sustainable aren’t buzzwords, they are all important food trends.”

In addition, the locally grown trend remains important for consumers as this blogger noted, “Consumers want to understand where their food comes from, now more than ever.”

Bloggers ranked hormones at the top of the list of leading concerns among their audience. How or where their food is grown or produced ranked second followed by sustainability. One blogger remarked, “I think a lot of people are more aware of what food they are consuming and where it is coming from; especially since that information is so widely available now.”

“Trends are dynamic with a variety of perspectives from multiple industry facets – with trend setters telling us what’s next. What’s interesting about bloggers is how plugged into they are to actual consumer feedback, not agenda. Their business are driven by clicks and page views so they know firsthand what drives consumers to help us understand what’s happening on the front lines,” commented Melinda Goodman; Managing Partner at Full Tilt. 

Contact:

Alison Edgar

Tel: (952) 221-1031