As the seasons change, so do the Instagram feeds of foodies everywhere. Food trends change faster than the weather and tend to only stick around for a season or two — so you better grab these trendy bites while they’re still hot.
1. Katsu
Take your chicken to the next level this summer with chicken katsu, also known as panko chicken, a Japanese dish which is popular in Hawaii and California. The chicken cutlets are pounded thin before being dipped in seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs. It’s then fried and put in some incredible dishes like katsu rice bowls, katsu burgers and katsu curry.
2. Cold Brew Tonics
Just a few years ago, cold brew took the coffee world by storm. This flavorful drip brew packs quite a punch when it comes to caffeine, and is exceedingly refreshing on a warm summer day.
But now, cold brew is being elevated to a new level. One with lots of sparkle.
Meet the cold brew spritzer, made from equal parts cold brew concentrate and tonic water. People are also adding some complimentary flavors, like a dash of citrus or cacao powder, to create this ultimate summer drink.
It could be weird, but it could also be amazing. You’ll never know until you try.
3. Gut-Healthy Goodies
A huge overall trend of 2018 is improving digestive health, so you better believe it’s affecting food trends, too.
Expect to see elements of tempeh, miso and kimchi on menus across the restaurant industry as more consumers seek out their healthful benefits. And we’re pretty intrigued by the kombucha cocktails that are starting to make the rounds.
Getting your buzz on and improve your GI health? Basically the definition of a win/win.
3. Bee Pollen
Weird? Maybe. But don’t you dare knock it till you try it.
Sprinkles of this crunchy, yellow stuff are being used in things like acai bowls, avocado toast, oatmeal, ice cream, and donuts — mostly because they’re rich in vitamins and minerals.
However, a word to the wise: folks with pollen allergies should obviously stay clear of this trendy topping.
4. CBD Oil Everywhere
We have some pretty high expectations for this one. You can expect to see CBD oil-laced treats, from lattes and ice cream to grain and salad bowls.
The compound, derived from hemp, is legal in all U.S. states and has just 0.3 percent THC. That’s enough to help relieve pain, decrease stress and improve focus, all in one yummy meal.
5. Korean Flavors
This summer, we’re trading in poke bowls for barbecue gochujung-glazed ribs and all-things kimchi. The rich flavors of Korean fair are everywhere right now, and for good reason.
6. Gourmet Donuts
Remember last summer when rolled ice cream and those freakishly large milkshakes were all over your IG feed? Or in 2014 when trendy cupcakes were all the rage? Well, gourmet donuts are the sweet treat of summer ’18.
Fancy donuts are nowhere near being a "new thing," but you are going to see them more than ever this year. Personally, we hope this is one trend that deigns to stick around for a little while.
7. Alcohol-Infused Foods
We can all get a little inspired after a glass or two of pinot, right? Now chefs are taking that inspiration to a whole new level with alcohol-infused foods.
Anyone else seeing those vodka-infused ice pops everywhere they look? Yep, very much on trend. Wine or beer-infused steak sauce is becoming ever more popular and we’ve even seen a bourbon-infused cola cross our feeds.
Saving you a step in the mixing process — some trends are just too thoughtful.
8. Meat-Free Burgers
Sounds like an oxymoron, we know. But innovative tech company, Impossible Foods, has been spreading their no-meat burger far and wide. Their burger looks, smells, tastes, and even bleeds like your regular beef patty — but it’s made entirely of plant-based ingredients.
It’s dark magic. Dark, delicious magic.
Unsurprisingly, the trend has really caught on this year, and you can pretty much guarantee to see meat-free options (that still look and taste like meat) just about everywhere.
Image Credit: Pixabay