Our Predicted Food Trends of 2018
Zoe Becker / January 8, 2018
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In a large city such as New York, it’s difficult to keep track of all the food trends that appear and subsequently, disappear. It’s even more difficult to predict them. That being said, based on what we’ve seen in 2017 and have heard about the openings in 2018, here are our thoughts about what will be hot in 2018:
Charcoal
Charcoal latte. PC: EatingNYCFrom rainbow everything to… all black? Activated charcoal became a trend in late 2017 and we’re predicting it’s only going to continue. From lattes to hamburger buns to ice cream, this inky black ingredient most likely will keep sweeping menus and Instagram feeds alike in 2018.
Freekeh
Freekeh at Old Rose. PC: Cyril M.Step aside farro, there’s a new grain in town: freekeh. Recently, the supergrain has been dotting menus around NYC at restaurants including Old Rose, Don Angie, Lighthouse, and Untitled. The young green wheat is toasted and cracked, creating a healthy whole grain that’s common in the Middle East and North Africa. In New York, it frequently paired with nuts, cheeses and vegetables.
Middle Eastern Restaurants
Spread at Shuka. PC: ShukaThere were a plethora of new, great Middle Eastern restaurants that opened in 2017 (Nur, Kubeh, Shuka, etc.) and the trend is predicted to continue well through the new year. Miznon, a tremendously popular chai in Israel will be opening in Chelsea Market; Dez, a casual Middle Eastern restaurant from the founder of By Chloe and Eden Grinshpan; and more are set to open in 2018.
Plant-Based Proteins
Superiority Burger. PC: CaviarIt’s undeniable that there has been a growing interest in plant-based proteins throughout the past few years with companies like Impossible Foods and restaurants such as By Chloe and Superiority Burger churning out incredibly high-quality meatless products. 2018 may be the year that chickpeas and peanuts sub in for tofu and other alternatives as more and more consumers are watching their meat consumption.
Mocktails
Mocktail at Olmsted. PC: Evan SungFace it: many mocktails you’ve had are probably not convincing. Restaurants like ABC v, with their restorative tonics, and Olmsted’s sparkling cold brew are setting out to change the boringness commonly associated with mocktails. They’re interesting, delicious, and satisfying. In 2018, you’ll — maybe — be reaching for a kombucha on tap instead of a beer.
One Product Shops
Spaghetti at Pasta Flyer. PC: Pasta FlyerPasta Flyer, Stuffed Ice Cream, and Milk & Cream Cereal Bar have illustrated a trend that’s happening in New York: the success of one product shops. It’s becoming more and more common for a storefront to serve one thing and serve it well, be it ice cream, french fries, or pasta. This undoubtedly will continue in 2018 with fast casual dining being as prolific as it is.
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