Thuisbezorgd.nl has released its inaugural Food Trend Report 2021, drawing on anonymized data from over 12,000 partner restaurants to reveal the latest shifts in taste preferences, food choices, and ordering habits. From 'food tribes' and immersive dining experiences to functional ingredients for wellness and innovative chicken dishes, these trends highlight how Dutch diners and the restaurant industry are evolving.
Vegetarian and vegan options are surging alongside timeless classics.
While Italian pizza remains a Dutch staple, Middle Eastern flavors are rising fast—pita falafel topped the charts as 2021's breakout hit, a delicious vegetarian standout. Demand for plant-based dishes has skyrocketed nationwide, with Limburg cities seeing over 55% growth in such orders last year.
With food delivery now a everyday luxury, home dining must deliver health benefits too. Diners are prioritizing dishes and drinks that enhance body and mind—shifting from 'less' salt, sugar, carbs, and fat to 'better' options like vegetable proteins, ginger, and beets for sharper focus, better workouts, and a radiant glow. These functional ingredients are tailored to individual lifestyles and needs.
We're social creatures who bond over shared habits, and food is no exception. 'Food tribes' form around diets like keto, veganism, vegetarianism, or flexitarianism—or even lactose-free choices. Members connect online, eagerly sharing tips and recipes on social media.
Food delivery fulfills convenience or connection. While speed was once king, dishes now arrive more beautifully presented for that special touch. Offline enhancements include stunning pizza boxes, prep-tip stickers, or personal notes from chefs. Online, expect mood-matching playlists, fun prep videos, or streaming recommendations paired with your meal.
Fries, burgers, and pizzas dominated 2021 orders, but they're innovating: coated fries for extra crispiness, optimized burger stacks that don't drip, plus vegan/vegetarian twists. Seasonal specials—like spring burgers or fall mushroom pizzas—keep menus fresh.
Breaded stars like Korean fried chicken, katsu in Japanese sandos, and buttermilk burgers are menu must-haves. Versatile in poké bowls and salads, chicken is Europe's only growing meat, with top plant-based substitutes fueling a 2022 boom.
Delivery fits every moment: breakfast, post-workout fuel, movie nights, or picnics. Cold-kitchen hits like overnight oats, tuna sandwiches, poké bowls, nachos with guac, or fresh bread with OJ are perfectly suited.
