It’s fair to say that the last few months have seen unprecedented shifts in how we shop, cook, and eat in the UK. Whether that’s eating out less, or switching the brands we buy in the supermarkets from high-end ranges to basics labels, we’re all making some subtle (and indeed, not so subtle) changes to our spending and consuming habits.
In 2023, our eating and drinking habits will be trend influenced – they always are – and with that in mind, here are some expert insights from food and drink industry insiders as to what we’ll be doing this year.
Indulgence – but not as we know it…
Over the coming year, the watchword will be ‘frugal indulgence’. That is to say, for the most part, consumers will be watching every penny like a hawk – but from time to time splashing out on something to eat or drink that’s considered to be an indulgent treat.
Think of it like this – you might go shopping and buy plastic-wrapped, branded bread from the corner shop shelf, to make your packed lunches for the week ahead at work. Then, at weekend, your frugal indulgence is to go and buy some luxurious bakery-fresh rolls to enjoy with a home-cooked soup. A simple treat that brings great pleasure.
Healthy life choices in food and drink
Whilst frugal indulgence is encouraged, market leaders are still predicting that there will be a strong showing for health-promoting food and drinks. Those foods and drinks, in particular, have low sodium or sugar content, as well as saturated fats. High-protein foods and vitamin-enriched pre-prepared snacks will also see continued and repeat purchases from consumers.
Innovating flavours for the mouth-feel win!
Savoury flavours are going to come to the fore – especially in the drinks industry. You may already be familiar with drinks mixers that stray away from the more usual sweet profiles (think of tonic water or sodas that are combined with the flavour of chilli etc).
This year stronger, smoky notes might make more of an appearance in our drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Think of flavours such as pepper, even barbecued seaweeds and smoked or caramelised tastes to add a different, distinct hit and a delicious contrast to sweeter or floral notes. These flavours are perfect to mix with quality spirits and liqueurs to create original cocktails or long drinks.
Sustainability is still a driving force
Whilst food and drink industry experts agree that costs need to be kept down so that consumers can still afford to buy their everyday essentials, it’s recognised that sustainability still needs to be at the forefront of manufacturers’ minds when creating and marketing products to the mass market – whether that is organically reared meat or a brand new innovation in fizzy drinks!
Reducing packaging, lessening carbon emissions and ensuring that supplies of raw materials (such as organic meats, or the plastic used to make drinks bottles) are sourced in an ethical and sustainable manner is still of prime importance. One of the ways to ensure this happens is to make sure that everyone within the food industry comes together to agree on plans that are workable and that can be implemented with joint cooperation.
The year ahead is likely to be a challenging one for the food industry and for consumers, but that doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom. Consumers will still be enjoying meals out, fine dining and luxury treat, and there are plenty of innovations on the horizon to ensure food and drink trends continue to impress!
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