Introduction
Food trends are generally defined as a certain type of food or preparation technique that gains popularity over a period of time. The first use of the term is attributed to William Thetford, an American journalist writing for Good Housekeeping in the 1940s. Since then, food trends have become increasingly popular, with different types of food becoming popular at different times and in different parts of the world.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the history of food trends, discuss some of the most popular trends of the past few decades, and explore why certain foods become so popular.
The History of Food Trends
The idea of food trends has been around for centuries, but it’s only in recent decades that food trends have become such a major part of popular culture. In the 1940s and 1950s, most new food trends were introduced by the restaurant and culinary industry, but since then trends have been driven by larger social and cultural forces as well.
One of the earliest cases of a food trend becoming popular took place in the 1970s, when “nouvelle cuisine” became popular. Nouvelle cuisine was a style of cooking that was more focused on presentation and lighter flavors than traditional French cuisine. This trend was soon followed by the fusion cuisine trend of the 1980s, which blended Eastern and Western cooking styles to create new and exciting dishes.
In the 1990s, trends started to become more diverse and spread to different parts of the world. This is when the health food movement began to gain in popularity, as people became more aware of the potential health risks of eating processed foods. Later in the 1990s, ethnic foods started to become popular, as people began to explore new cuisines and dining experiences.
In the 2000s, the rise of the internet and social media allowed food trends to be shared more quickly than ever before. This allowed food trends to go viral and spread across the globe. One of the most significant food trends of the 2000s was the rise of food trucks and the rise of street food.
Since the 2010s, the growth of food trends has continued to accelerate, thanks to the global reach of the internet and social media. This has allowed food trends to become more localized, with different trends becoming popular in different parts of the world.
Popular Food Trends of the Past Few Decades
Over the past few decades, some food trends have become more popular than others. Some of the most well-known trends of the past century include:
Organic Food
Organic food has been around for quite some time, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that it began to become mainstream. Since then, the demand for organic food has steadily increased, as people become more aware of the potential health and environmental benefits of eating organic food.
Locally Sourced Food
Locally sourced food has become increasingly popular in recent years, as people become more aware of the need to support local businesses and reduce their carbon footprint. This trend has been embraced by many restaurants and food companies, who’ve begun to feature locally sourced ingredients in their dishes.
Plant-Based Diets
The popularity of plant-based diets has skyrocketed in recent years. This type of diet is rooted in the belief that a plant-based diet is healthier and more sustainable than a diet that includes animal products. As more people become aware of the environmental and health benefits of eating a plant-based diet, this trend is expected to continue to gain in popularity.
Ethnic Foods
Ethnic foods, such as Indian, Thai, and Mexican cuisines, have become increasingly popular over the past few decades. As people become more eager to explore different cuisines and share their experiences with friends and family, this trend is likely to continue to gain in popularity.
Keto Diets
Keto diets, which are low in carbohydrates and high in fat, have become increasingly popular over the past few years. This type of diet is embraced by many people who are looking to lose weight, as it’s believed to lead to rapid weight loss.
Vegan and Vegetarian Diets
Vegan and vegetarian diets have been around for quite some time, but they’ve only recently become more mainstream. While vegetarianism is often adopted for ethical reasons, veganism is more often adopted for health reasons. In recent years, vegans and vegetarians have created a rich and delicious cuisine, making it easier for people to enjoy a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Street Food
Street food has become increasingly popular in the last few years, as people have become more open to trying unfamiliar dishes and exploring different cultures through food. From yummy street tacos to delicious ramen noodles, street food offers something for everyone.
Why Do Certain Foods Become Popular?
So, why do certain foods become popular at certain times? The answer can be found in a variety of factors, including:
Availability
If a certain type of food or ingredient is newly available or particularly accessible, it’s much more likely to become popular. For example, in the 2000s, sushi became increasingly popular as the fish became more widely available.
Taste
Certain foods become popular because they simply taste good. If a food is pleasing to the taste buds, people are more likely to try it and enjoy it. For example, foodies everywhere have embraced the umami taste of miso.
Diet & Health
These days, people are more conscious of the health benefits of eating certain foods. If a food purports to have certain health benefits, it’s much more likely to become popular. For example, people have embraced the keto diet for its purported weight loss benefits.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle trends often influence which foods become popular. For example, in recent years, there has been a growing trend of people embracing “conscious eating,” which involves favoring locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.
Social Factors
Social factors like media, advertising, and word-of-mouth are also important drivers of food trends. Through social media, food trends can quickly go viral, which is why it’s important for food companies to keep an eye on social media and engage with their customers.
Conclusion
Throughout history, food trends have been shaped by a variety of factors, from availability to social factors. Today, food trends continue to evolve as people explore different cuisines and new ingredients become available. As such, it’s important for people to stay on top of the latest food trends, so they can keep up with what’s popular and expand their palate.