Food Trends 2023: What’s Hot in the Culinary World This Year

As we navigate through 2023, the culinary world continues to evolve with exciting innovations, mindful choices, and bold experiments. This year, food trends are being shaped by a combination of health consciousness, sustainability, global flavors, and a tech-driven approach to dining. From plant-based creativity to ancient grains making a comeback, and AI in the kitchen to zero-waste initiatives, 2023 is serving up something for everyone.

Let’s dive into the top food trends that are defining the culinary scene in 2023.

1. Plant-Based Everything (Evolved & Elevated)

While plant-based diets have been trending for several years, 2023 is seeing an evolution in how chefs and brands approach vegan and vegetarian food. It’s no longer about imitation meat alone—plant-based dining has grown into a sophisticated, flavor-forward, and ingredient-focused experience.

Chefs are putting vegetables at the center of the plate, not just as substitutes but as stars. Charred cabbage steaks, mushroom scallops, and beet tartares are gaining popularity. Meanwhile, high-tech innovations have improved meat alternatives made from fungi (mycoprotein), seaweed, and even fermented soy, offering texture and taste close to the real thing.

Notable Mentions:

• Plant-based seafood from companies like Current Foods and Good Catch.
• Vegan fine dining experiences from upscale restaurants like Eleven Madison Park (NYC) and ONA (France).
• Use of jackfruit, banana blossom, and hearts of palm in dishes traditionally made with meat or seafood.

2. Climatarian and Regenerative Eating

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of how their food choices impact the planet. In 2023, the “climatarian” diet—one that focuses on reducing carbon footprint—is going mainstream. This includes eating more local, seasonal foods, reducing beef and lamb consumption, and supporting regenerative agriculture.

Regenerative farming focuses on improving soil health and biodiversity, capturing carbon, and promoting sustainable cycles. Restaurants and brands are highlighting ingredients sourced from regenerative farms and displaying carbon scores on menus and packaging.

Trending Practices:

• Sourcing from local and biodiverse farms.
• Emphasis on low-impact proteins like lentils, mussels, and eggs.
• Apps and platforms helping consumers track the environmental impact of their food choices.

3. Global Flavors with a Regional Focus

The culinary world is increasingly embracing hyper-regional flavors from global cuisines. Instead of broadly representing “Asian” or “Latin American” food, 2023 is about the specific and the authentic—think Yucatecan, Gujarati, Sichuan, Levante, or Gambian cuisine.

Home cooks and chefs alike are exploring regional spices, cooking techniques, and heirloom ingredients. Social media and streaming platforms are playing a key role, bringing niche cultures and dishes to global audiences.

Flavors on the Rise:

• Berbere and Mitmita from Ethiopia
• Filipino souring agents like calamansi and sinigang mix
• Fermented fish sauces and pastes from Southeast Asia
• Amba (a tangy mango pickle sauce) from Iraq/Israel

4. Functional Foods and Adaptogens

Food as medicine is more than a saying—2023 consumers are embracing ingredients that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Functional foods like turmeric, ginger, ashwagandha, lion’s mane, and maca are being added to everything from smoothies to snacks to coffee.

Adaptogens—natural substances believed to help the body resist stressors—are especially hot this year. These include herbs like Rhodiola, holy basil (tulsi), and cordyceps, often featured in beverages and supplements.

Popular Products:

• Mushroom coffee and hot chocolate with lion’s mane and chaga.
• Adaptogenic sodas such as Poppi and Recess.
• Snack bars and cereals fortified with nootropics and superfoods.

5. Next-Level Non-Alcoholic Beverages

The sober-curious movement is gaining serious momentum in 2023, driving growth in the zero-proof beverage market. From botanical cocktails to alcohol-free spirits and wine alternatives, the drinks industry is reimagining indulgence without the buzz.

Many restaurants and bars now offer curated non-alcoholic beverage pairings, and beverage companies are innovating with fermentation, herbs, and adaptogens to create complex, adult-friendly flavors.

Notable Offerings:

• Functional elixirs made with mood-boosting ingredients.
• Non-alcoholic IPA-style beers and sparkling tea blends.
• High-end NA spirits from brands like Seedlip, Monday, and Ritual.

6. AI & Tech in the Kitchen

AI is now on the menu—literally. In 2023, artificial intelligence is making its way into recipe development, personalized nutrition plans, and smart kitchen devices. AI-powered meal planning apps are helping users manage dietary needs, reduce waste, and streamline grocery shopping.

Even restaurants are using AI to analyze data on customer preferences and optimize menu offerings. On the home front, smart ovens and robotic kitchen assistants are helping even novice cooks make restaurant-quality meals.

Key Innovations:

• AI platforms like Chef Watson creating new flavor combinations.
• Smart fridges and pantry trackers that recommend recipes based on what’s on hand.
• 3D food printing for precision plating and unique designs.

7. Y2K & Retro Nostalgia Foods

The Y2K era is back in fashion—and food is no exception. Think Dunkaroos, Gushers, Cosmic Brownies, and neon-colored drinks. Millennials and Gen Z are driving the demand for nostalgic treats, but often with a modern, healthier twist.

Health-conscious versions of classic snacks are popping up everywhere: low-sugar, plant-based, gluten-free, or organic. It’s a fun, familiar escape with a 2023 upgrade.

Retro Reboots:

• “Clean” versions of childhood snacks by brands like Partake, Catalina Crunch, and LesserEvil.
• Creative takes on Lunchables for adults—bento boxes with gourmet ingredients.
• Pop-up shops and food trucks featuring throwback menus.

8. Fermentation Renaissance

Fermented foods are ancient, but 2023 is bringing them into the limelight in bold, experimental ways. Beyond kimchi and kombucha, chefs and home cooks are fermenting everything from chili pastes and garlic honey to pineapple tepache and miso butters.

Fermentation is prized not only for the tangy, umami-rich flavors it creates but also for its gut health benefits. As gut health becomes a major wellness priority, these probiotic-rich creations are finding their way into more recipes and menus.

Ferments You’ll See More Of:

• Koji (a fermentation starter used in sake and miso).
• Black garlic, fermented hot sauces, and sourdough pasta.
• Regional ferments like nogalambe (a fermented millet drink from Uganda).

9. Low-Waste and Root-to-Stem Cooking

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a movement. Chefs and consumers are adopting low-waste cooking techniques to reduce their environmental footprint. This includes using all parts of an ingredient—roots, stems, skins, and scraps—to create delicious, inventive dishes.

Composting, creative leftovers, and upcycled ingredients are gaining traction. Brands are also getting into the game by making chips from vegetable pulp, flour from spent grain, and juices from “ugly” fruits.

Smart Sustainability Moves:

• Broccoli stem slaw, beet green pesto, citrus peel syrups.
• Scrappy cooking TikToks and YouTube tutorials going viral.
• Upcycled snacks from companies like ReGrained and Renewal Mill.

10. Hyper-Personalized Nutrition

Consumers are looking for foods tailored to their personal needs—whether that’s low FODMAP, keto, gut-friendly, gluten-free, or optimized for brain health. Personalized nutrition is booming, supported by at-home DNA testing, microbiome kits, and wearable health trackers.

This data-driven approach to diet is helping people understand how to eat for their unique body, lifestyle, and health goals. Expect to see more personalized meal subscriptions, nutrient-packed snacks, and functional beverages.

Innovations to Watch:

• DNA-based meal kits.
• Microbiome-informed diet plans (e.g., from Zoe).
• Apps integrating wearables like WHOOP or Apple Watch to recommend meals.

11. Experimental Fusion Cuisine

While authenticity is important, there’s also space for playful fusion in 2023. Chefs are creatively combining cultural cuisines in unexpected but delightful ways—think Korean-Mexican tacos, Italian-Japanese pasta, or Middle Eastern-Texan BBQ.

These mashups reflect the globalized, multicultural nature of today’s food scene, especially in cities like LA, London, and Toronto. As diners become more adventurous, chefs are taking bigger risks—and creating viral hits.

Fusion Favorites:

• Birria ramen and kimchi carbonara.
• Wasabi hummus, masala mac and cheese, bao burgers.
• Social media mashups like croffles (croissant-waffles) and boba pancakes.

12. Creative Coffee Culture

Coffee is becoming more than just a morning ritual—it’s an artisanal, curated experience. In 2023, coffee lovers are embracing exotic beans, alternative brewing methods, and creative add-ins.

Trendy cafés are offering single-origin brews, cold-extracted espresso tonics, and nitro-infused drinks. Plus, the line between coffee and wellness is blurring, with functional ingredients like protein, collagen, or mushrooms being added to lattes.

Sips to Try:

• Vietnamese egg coffee and Japanese siphon brews.
• Coffee cocktails and mocktails.
• Cold foam infusions with matcha, rose, or lavender.

13. Desserts Go Savory

In a surprise twist, desserts are taking a savory turn. Chefs are using miso, tahini, olive oil, cheese, and even vegetables in sweets, balancing sugar with rich, umami notes.

This trend isn’t about eliminating sweetness—it’s about adding depth and complexity. Expect to see more black sesame brownies, sweet corn gelato, and chocolate tarts with balsamic glaze.

Standout Combos:

• Carrot-cardamom cakes with goat cheese frosting.
• Miso caramel cookies.
• Zucchini and olive oil bundt cakes.

Final Bite

2023 is a thrilling year for the culinary world—full of boundary-pushing flavors, sustainable shifts, and wellness-driven decisions. Whether you’re a foodie, a home cook, or a chef, the trends this year offer inspiration, innovation, and a fresh perspective on how we eat and why it matters.

The future of food is not only delicious—it’s conscious, connected, and endlessly creative.