As we wave goodbye to 2023, it’s time to turn our taste buds towards the future. The coming year promises some exciting flavors and trends, bringing a fresh twist to our dining experiences. From pizzas getting a gourmet makeover to “bougie” becoming a new norm, there are many changes that will shape the way we eat, order, and savor food in 2024.
ezCater’s Director of Merchandising Operations, Giliah Librach — who spends her days ensuring our offerings reflect the needs and priorities of our customers — is here to dish out her industry insights and savory predictions. Whether you’re a seasoned chef stirring up the next big dish or an office professional curating your corporate catering menus, you won’t want to miss out on these hot new trends in food. Let’s dig in and take a look at what’s to come.
New trends in food for 2024
1. Pizza will be king
In 2024, pizza will steal the show in restaurants and offices alike. But if you want to “wow” a crowd, it’s time to look beyond classic cheese and pepperoni. Pizzas are now getting a fun and fancy twist, from breakfast pizzas for those morning meetings to pies with Indian-inspired toppings for a global flavor experience.
“Pizza’s breaking out of its box in 2024,” says Librach. “We’re seeing it pop up in all kinds of meals, not just your typical dinner fare. There’s also a shift from traditional pizza to creative, exotic flavors. It’s exciting to see how unique versions of this beloved dish can cater to such a wide range of tastes.”
Librach’s predictions are backed by solid data. According to a recent study, a whopping 98% of Americans eat pizza, and 74% say they would be more than happy to eat it for any meal of the day.
As you plan your 2024 menus, keep in mind that pizza has the power to be one of the biggest trends in catering. A reimagined office pizza party is becoming the go-to choice for any meal, proving that when it comes to feeding a crowd, pizza is always a good idea.
2. Sustainability will take center stage
Consumers are increasingly curious about their food’s journey from farm to fork. They’re not just asking, “Does this taste good?” but also, “Is this good for the planet?”
“There’s a growing appetite for sustainability in the food industry,” says Librach. “Consumers are more conscious about the environmental impact of their food choices. They’re looking for transparency and eco-friendly practices from their favorite eateries.”
Market research shows that 8 in 10 global consumers now place more trust in companies that adopt regenerative farming practices and prioritize the environment. In the year to come, restaurants and caterers that source ingredients locally, embrace sustainable practices, and provide insight into their food production processes are likely to be more appealing to consumers.
For restaurants, this means it’s more important than ever to think green across the board. Consider offering menus that highlight local, sustainably sourced ingredients and adopting practices like using recyclable packaging materials. And in the workplace, you can satisfy your employees’ craving for sustainability by ordering from providers that prioritize these practices. Providing eco-friendly dining options, like real plates and metal flatware, can also make meal days extra satisfying.
3. Bougie ingredients are on the rise
The New Year promises to bring a luxurious twist to your everyday dining experience. The latest trends in restaurants show an upswing in “bougie” ingredients gracing menus in unexpected places. High-end ingredients like caviar, lobster, and truffle are no longer reserved for the elite. Instead, you can expect to find them everywhere from quick-service restaurants to fast-casual eateries.
Restaurants and caterers are experimenting with these upscale ingredients in creative ways, offering them at more wallet-friendly prices.
“2024 is the year restaurants and caterers will bring a dash of luxury to the table,” says Librach. “Whether it’s a sprinkle of truffle on your burger or a hint of caviar in your appetizer, the gourmet experience will be more accessible for all.”
Offering upscale ingredients will help food providers stand out from the crowd, while those creating office catering menus will find it much easier to provide a memorable dining experience. With options like truffle-infused pasta and lobster-topped pizza, each catered meal can feel like a true indulgence without breaking the bank.
4. Food will be a key to office FOMO
In 2024, office lunch is poised to become the ultimate FOMO trigger. Gone are the days of mundane sandwiches and lackluster salads. Instead, get ready for office meals that are not just delicious but also Instagram-worthy, sparking a whole new level of lunchtime envy.
“Imagine the buzz when the office lunch includes the trendiest chicken sandwich in town or a charcuterie board that’s straight out of a foodie influencer’s feed,” says Librach. These are the kinds of culinary experiences that create an atmosphere employees look forward to and turn lunch hours into an opportunity for employees to snap, share, and relish the moment on social media.
Creating a truly exciting dining experience will help employers improve on-site office attendance and attract top talent. This can be particularly important for companies looking to tempt hybrid workers to make the pilgrimage to the office and do so with a smile.
Restaurants and caterers looking to accommodate corporate and office clients may consider placing greater focus on beautiful presentations and trendy menu items. It will also be important to regularly update menu choices so the options remain fresh and exciting.
5. Workplace catering will fuel restaurant revenues
As offices get back in full swing, restaurants and caterers have a substantial opportunity to tap into the catering market.
“Workplace catering is evolving into more than just a convenient service,” says Librach. “It’s becoming a key part of a restaurant’s business model, offering a consistent revenue stream and a chance to showcase the quality of their offerings to a wider audience.”
The shift is driven by a change in workplace culture, where employers are increasingly using quality food as a tool to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity. “It isn’t just about providing a meal,” says Librach. “It’s about offering an experience that can break the monotony of the workday, foster team bonding, and boost morale.”
Restaurants and caterers can become a preferred corporate meal provider by whipping up convenient, eat-while-you-work meals, creative boxed lunches, or crafting photo-worthy spreads for important corporate shindigs. Each corporate catering event creates an opportunity to spark business relationships and fuel income in new ways.
The future of food looks bright
With trends like gourmet pizzas, bougie experiences, and buzz-worthy office meals, the future of food is set to be more exciting than ever. Whether you’re a restauranteur aiming to expand your catering horizons, a caterer looking to spice up your menu offerings, or an office professional planning memorable meals for your team, ezCater is your go-to partner.
