Sustainability, casual eating, less drinking out, brand loyalty, and excitement around global flavours are just some of the food and drink trends we are expecting to see this year and served on our plates in 2024 and beyond. Here are some of our top predictions:

More people want to eat healthier

Recent consumer research shows that many Australians have the intention to eat healthier this year, with 93 per cent of people willing to spend more money on treating themselves to healthy meals while dining out, to stay on track with their clean-eating diets. This could spark a rise in more healthy dishes being added to menus at restaurants and cafes this year, to keep up with the demand of customers seeking nutritious meals.

It was also found that 43 per cent of Australians are considering changing their lifestyle and eating vegetarian or vegan diets, making eating healthier their main priority. Our guess is that it will be out with the grease and in with the greens on the dining scene in 2024.

Drinking out has decreased

Lately, drinking out in restaurants, bars, and pubs has been on the decline, and is predicted to remain at a lower-than-usual-level throughout 2024. Due to the rising inflation and the costs of living, could this be discouraging people who would indulge in drinking culture to take a step back?

According to CGA by NIQ’s Exclusive On-Premise User Survey in Drinks Trade Magazine there are only 21 per cent of Australians drinking out weekly (ten percentage points lower than the worldwide average)— could this be a new culture trend that shapes the year ahead?

Casual eating-out compared to formal dining is becoming a popular choice

While fine-dining still holds its place, casual eating-out is becoming well favoured among the Australian public. The stats show that 58 per cent of meals eaten out are ‘casual’ while 46 per cent are more formal dining-out occasions with family, friends, or colleagues.

This has led to a distinct shift in the way customers are consuming food in 2024, prompting the Australian hospitality industry to quickly adapt by encouraging repeat visits by introducing of deals and loyalty schemes.

Younger people are turning to cocktails

Although, many consumers have decided to drink out less and less, the Drinks Guide 2024 specifically singles out the younger demographic in relation to buying and drinking cocktails. Those aged between 18 and 24 are drinking these deliciously crafted alcoholic beverages at 60 per cent compared to the average consumer at 31 per cent.

Some of the most sought-after cocktails that we could expect to see on drinks menus this year include the Hugo Spritz; a twist on the well-loved Aperol Spritz with elderflower liqueur, Paloma; infused with tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit-flavoured soda, Dirty Martini; olive juice mixed with gin or vodka, Limoncello Spritz, a citrusy drink including lemon liqueur, prosecco and soda, and Negroni Sbagliato; a fresh twist on the classic Negroni.

Ginger beer tops the tables for younger drinkers

As well as an influx of younger people turning to cocktails, there’s also a growing audience for alcoholic ginger beer. Those aged 18-34 are more likely to indulge and ask for specific ginger beer brands for a refreshing alternative to heavier beers. A trend we might see this year is an uplift in new ginger beer brands, more venues adding it to their taps, and possibly even more Australians making ginger beer at home.

Increased interest in trying global flavours

With more and more chefs incorporating their multi-layered cultures and backgrounds into their signature dishes, we are expecting to see a greater demand for global flavours on the dining out scene this year. As chefs bring to life their lineage and bridge together their cultures with their craft, consumers have started seeking different flavours and trying new meals from around the globe such as Greek eats including Souvlaki and Middle Eastern cuisines such as Halloumi and quinoa Fattoush dishes.

Consumers are valuing brand loyalty

Lately, consumers have been placing an importance on brands that they can trust with nearly 45% believing this is more essential now than ever. This trend will shape how most food and drink companies will market their brand this year, with many prioritising quality, sustainable practices, and a positive community surrounding their product.

Sustainability is still top of the agenda

Sustainable and ethical practices within food and drink brands are becoming increasingly important. With consumers concerned about the planet, people are now more inclined to look for brands that align with their moral values. We are expecting to see more brands implement ethical ideas that will work as a win-win solution for both customers and businesses this year, such as farm-to-table produce, plastic-free packaging, and ideas to reduce carbon emissions while transporting goods. In 2024, we could also see companies get more creative with unique aims to improve their overall sustainability and footprints.