Food Trends 2024
Food is not only a necessity, but also a reflection of our culture, values and lifestyle. Every year brings with it new trends that transform the way we eat and relate to food. In 2024, sustainability, innovation and health care have taken center stage.
Plant-Based Cuisine: A Green Revolution
Interest in plant-based eating has grown exponentially in recent years, and it will continue to gain momentum in 2024. This approach promotes a diet centered on plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
Why is it important?
Various studies have shown that plant-based diets not only benefit our health, reducing the risk of diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, but also reduce the carbon footprint of our diet. In addition, they help combat global problems such as the overexploitation of natural resources and deforestation caused by intensive livestock farming.
Featured Innovations
This year we have seen vegan cheeses with a better texture, more realistic plant-based meats and products such as “lab-grown chicken” produced without the need to raise animals. These alternatives are being adopted by both regular consumers and food companies.
"Free" Foods: An Inclusive Diet
More and more people are discovering food intolerances or preferring to avoid certain ingredients, and the market has responded with a growing offer of “free” foods.
Key Advances
There has been an expansion of fructose-free products, designed for people who have difficulty metabolizing this natural sugar found in fruits and vegetables. In addition, the quality and taste of “free” alternatives have improved, such as gluten-free breads enriched with fiber or lactose-free chocolates that are just as delicious as conventional ones.
Why is it relevant?
These inclusive options promote more accessible and balanced nutrition, adapted to individual needs and dietary restrictions.
The Resurgence of Herbs and Flowers in the Kitchen
Edible flowers and herbs are not new, but this year they have enjoyed considerable popularity. They are used not only as decoration, but as ingredients that provide flavour and nutritional benefits.
Which ones are the most popular?
Lavender, nasturtiums, rose petals, holy basil and chamomile have topped the list of preferences in 2024. These flowers and herbs not only add beauty to dishes, but are also being valued for their antioxidant and medicinal properties.
Innovation and tradition
The food industry has found new ways to incorporate these plants into processed foods and beverages, from infusions to gourmet condiments, combining tradition with innovation.
Non-Alcoholic Cocktails: Healthy Sophistication
Non-alcoholic cocktails, known as “mocktail culture,” have reached new levels of sophistication in 2024. This trend goes beyond simple juices, exploring advanced cocktail techniques.
Why is it relevant?
Reducing alcohol consumption has become a global movement. This has driven the creation of alternatives with complex flavours that use ingredients such as fresh herbs, exotic fruits and botanical bases.
Featured Examples
Flavored kombuchas, premium tonics, and botanical-based cocktails have been this year's favorites, taking wellness culture to new heights.
Circular Gastronomy: The Challenge of Wasting Less
Circular gastronomy is based on the principle that every part of the food can be used, thus reducing waste.
What does it consist of?
This approach includes practices such as using fruit and vegetable peels for broths or infusions, turning leftover bread into crumbs or croutons, and using pumpkin seeds to make snacks. These ideas not only benefit the environment, but also encourage culinary creativity.
Environmental impact
According to the FAO, one third of the food produced in the world is wasted. In 2024, circular gastronomy has been key to reducing this figure and moving towards a more sustainable food system.
Global and Local: The Fusion of the World on Your Table
The balance between global and local has been another notable trend. On the one hand, consumers are looking for exotic ingredients such as Japanese yuzu or Indian cardamom. On the other, there is a strong commitment to consuming local products to support nearby producers and reduce the carbon footprint.
The richness of diversity
The combination of international and local ingredients has allowed the creation of new flavours that respect cultural authenticity while adapting to sustainable production.
The Gastronomic Experience: Eating with the Senses
In 2024, food has become a multi-sensory experience. Restaurants and brands have opted to create memorable moments that involve all the senses.
What does it consist of?
From color-changing plates to immersive environments that integrate music, aromas and visual effects, the dining experience has taken the concept of “eating” to a whole new level.
Technological innovation
Using technologies such as augmented reality, some restaurants have created unique environments that transport diners to different places and times, enriching the narrative behind each dish.
Conclusion
From caring for the planet with sustainable practices to rediscovering the power of plants and herbs, the food trends of 2024 have invited us to reflect on the impact of our choices. These trends have not only changed the way we eat, but also how we understand our relationship with the environment and health.
At Marisma Biomed, we believe that food can transform the health of people and the planet. That's why we're dedicated to creating functional foods that take advantage of the natural resources of the marshes, such as salicornia, to offer nutritious and sustainable solutions.Our products not only promote cardiovascular health, but also respect the environmental balance. As we move towards 2025, we will continue to innovate to offer healthy alternatives that take care of both your well-being and the planet.
Let's make the marsh as a source of health, a trend in 2025!
Written by Sara Montaner. We rely on AI technology.