As 2018 unfolds, our culinary experts—drawing from years of industry insight—highlight these 11 key food and drink trends poised to redefine dining experiences worldwide.
1. Plant-Based Cooking
The rise of meat-free eating accelerates as consumers prioritize health and sustainability. In 2018, vegetarian and vegan options go fully mainstream, backed by growing awareness of environmental impacts.
2. Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Millennials are drinking less alcohol than previous generations, normalizing sober socializing. Top bartenders are elevating sophisticated mocktails, a trend set to surge.
3. Chef's Tables
Diners crave bespoke experiences, and innovative chefs deliver via exclusive chef's tables in development kitchens—your VIP pass to behind-the-scenes innovation, featuring cutting-edge dishes paired with perfect wines.
4. Hi-Tech Cocktails
Leading mixologists harness science for immersive drinks. Examples include AR cocktail cards that animate via smartphone and the University of Singapore's virtual cocktail: scent cartridges, micro-air pumps, LED lights for color shifts, and electrodes delivering salty, bitter, or sweet tastes on the tongue.
5. Vegan Desserts
Indulge without dairy using coconut oil for butter, cashew milk for cream, and flaxseed for eggs. Vegan treats are exploding across menus everywhere.
6. Wood-Fired Cuisine
Chefs embrace primal flavors with wood-fired cooking, integrating this rustic technique into diverse kitchens for explosive popularity in 2018.
7. Dumplings
After steamed buns, 2018 crowns dumplings as the next obsession. Specialized restaurants are multiplying, offering these steamed delights in endless varieties.
8. Air Fryer
This hot-air marvel crisps fries and wings with a fried-like exterior minus vegetable oil baths, revolutionizing healthier home cooking.
9. Healthy Snack Makeovers
Classic potato chips evolve with veggie-based, lower-fat alternatives from innovative brands, satisfying cravings guilt-free.
10. Coffee with Superfoods
Elevate your brew with nutrient powerhouses like chia, flaxseed, protein powder, turmeric, and maca—proving superfoods belong beyond smoothies.
11. Pink Gin
Capturing Instagram's fancy, pink gin surges in popularity, blending vibrant appeal with timeless taste for 2018's must-try spirit.
