The Sterling-Rice Group recently announced its annual predictions for the coming year’s top 10 food trends. The list was compiled by the group's Culinary Team, who talked to celebrity chefs, school food reformers, product developers and even the U.S. Culinary Ambassador in order to come up with the following forecast:
- Sour gets its day. Choose from a plethora of tart, acidic and bitter flavors, such as fermented cherry juice, varietal vinegars and even sour beer.
- Chefs watch your weight. Forget the butter, bacon and cream – today’s kitchens are utilizing brown rice, high-fiber grains and vitamin-rich veggie broths to make your dishes better for you.
- Asian influences infiltrate American comfort food. Expect to be greeted by fresh, spice-forward flavors from Thailand, Vietnam and Korea as the typical American Diner fare gets a makeover into Vietnamese chicken sandwiches, Sriracha mato and Korean-glazed pork ribs.
- Veggies take over the plate. No longer sidelined to the salad course, garden-grown foods will take center stage in dishes such as cauliflower steaks, squash noodles and celery juice cocktails.
- Kids’ menus grow up. Fresh fruits, a variety of veggies, protein-rich grains and authentic Asian flavors will elevate kids’ menus into the realm of adult dining.
- American artisans save you a trip to Europe. As the handcrafted craze becomes a lifestyle, we’ll see local, artisan foodie destinations sprout up in all major cities across the U.S.
- Small plates for me only. Sharing goes by the wayside in the transformation from tapas to small, singular servings of meat, veggies and starches, making a perfectly-sized meal of whatever it is we’re craving.
- Fruit ≠ sweet. Chefs will be more interested in lacing fruits with savory flavors, bringing naturally-refreshing and sweet touches to appetizers, soups, veggie sides and even meaty entrees.
- No diner left behind. Restaurants will offer all-inclusive menus to better accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten-freers, wheat-freers, kiddos and eco-conscious diners.
- Popcorn is the snack of 2013. As the best of both worlds – addictive, yet low in fat and calories – expect popcorn to explode (no pun intended) in the scene as a bar snack, crouton, ice cream.
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