Food has always played a fundamental role in the history and social behaviour of humankind. And since our lives are so dynamic, our eating habits and behaviours towards food are also in a constant state of change. With every new year that comes, new food trends follow, which are highly influenced by gastronomy, bloggers, and food magazines. Restaurants, supermarkets, and especially the food industry itself have to adapt to those changes - otherwise, "they're gonna have a bad time" (yes, the South Park pun was intended ;) ).

Want to know what might end up on your plate in the future? Well, we can already tell you that it's going to be colorful, unique, probably unusual at first glance, but definitely quite tasty as well!

The Black Sapote

The Black Sapote is a tropical fruit native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. Also known as the "chocolate pudding fruit" or the "chocolate pudding tree," this small, round fruit is known for being both sweet and slightly tart. Rich in fiber and nutrients like vitamin A, B6, and C, the Black Sapote has a delicious flavor reminiscent of chocolate. And while its taste may be sweet, there's no need to worry about a high-calorie intake. With just 65 kcal per 100 gram, it shares the same amount of calories as a reduced-fat yogurt. This unassuming little fruit also has some great health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation. Whether enjoyed plain or used to make smoothies, desserts, or savory dishes like sauces or salsa, the Black Sapote is a nutritious and delicious addition to any diet. However, it's not that easy to find a Black Sapote anywhere at your local supermarkets (yet) since it's still relatively unknown. Fingers crossed this changes soon! 🤞

The Cronut

The Cronut is a popular hybrid food that has taken the culinary world by storm. This unique creation combines two classic and beloved dessert staples: the donut and the croissant. Made from a croissant-like dough, it is typically filled with delicious cream and then fried in grapeseed oil to create a pastry that has captured the hearts of sweet-seekers everywhere. The Cronut's history can be traced back to 2013, when French-American pastry chef Dominique Ansel first created this scrumptious treat. Since then, countless Cronut aficionados have fallen in love with this one-of-a-kind indulgence and continue to clamor for their favorite hybrids every day. So if you have yet to try this delectable dish for yourself, what are you waiting for? Whether you prefer your Cronuts stuffed with strawberries or sprinkles, the only way to truly appreciate this mouthwatering delicacy is to sink your teeth into one yourself! After all, there's nothing like getting your Cronut fix!

The Ramen Burger

The Ramen Burger is another hybrid food that continues the trend of combining different foods to create innovative, tasty dishes. Unlike many other hybrid foods, which typically consist of different types of cuisine blended together, such as Korean tacos or Japanese noodles, the Ramen Burger replaces traditional bread buns with patties made from ramen. While this may seem like a strange combination at first glance, these Ramen Burger patties actually hold up quite well on their own and offer a novel twist on the traditional burger.
Created by food blogger and chef Keizo Shimamoto, the Ramen Burger was first introduced to the world in 2013 and was voted one of 'The 17 Most Influential Burgers of All Time' by Time Magazine. Since its inception, the Ramen Burger has taken off in popularity and has been enthusiastically received by food lovers everywhere. Whether you're into classic burgers or ramen noodles, there's something undeniably enticing about this uniquely delicious fusion dish. So why not add a Ramen Burger to your repertoire today? You won't be disappointed!

Eggettes

Eggettes, also known as "egg waffles," "egg puffs," or "bubble waffles," are popular snacks in Hong Kong and Macau, with street vendors selling this delicious treat to hungry passersby. These spherical waffles are made by pouring a batter of eggs, sugar, and flour onto a specialized egg-shaped iron pan or griddle, resulting in a deliciously crispy and airy texture. Eggettes are usually enjoyed hot and plain, but over time they have also become infused with various flavors such as red bean, chocolate, honeydew, and coconut. There are even some variations of Eggettes mixed with green tea, matcha, ginger, and sesame seeds that became quite popular over time. Eggettes have been ranked as the number one snack on the list of most popular Hong Kong street foods since their emergence in the 1950s when they were traditionally cooked over coal fires by street vendors. Today, Eggettes stands can be found all over the city, satisfying locals and tourists looking for a tasty and authentic taste of Hong Kong. So if you're looking for something delicious to satisfy your cravings while exploring this vibrant city, be sure to try some Eggettes – you won't regret it!

Putu Piring

"Putu Piring" is a beloved traditional steamed rice cake that can be found in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Composed of ground rice flour, the sweet dumplings are filled with rich, sticky palm sugar. Once they are steamed to perfection, they are typically served on vibrant Pandan leaves and with lightly salted shredded coconut on top. Whether as a snack or a satisfying dessert, Putu Piring is a delicacy enjoyed by foodies worldwide. So what makes this little treat so special? Perhaps it's the unique combination of fragrance and texture of the sweet and moist sponge cake contrasted with the tiniest tinge of salt from the grated coconut. Or maybe it's the delicate hint of palm sugar and the crumbly texture. Whatever your reason for loving it, one thing is for sure: "Putu Piring" is one delicious treat that you have to try!

Edible Drinking Straws

Billions of plastic straws end up in our oceans every year. The whole food industry is already looking for environmentally friendly alternatives to counteract plastic pollution. In addition to drinking straws made of metal, bamboo, or glass, product developers also work on zero-waste edible drinking straws. They come in various flavors and can be fortified with different nutrients. F.e., you can already buy straws based on apple pomace, which is the pressing residue in apple juice production. They are not only sustainable but also taste like fruity apples. But there are also versions made from sugar and cornstarch, making them 100% bio-degradable, entirely edible, and gluten-free. Edible drinking straws are an innovative and exciting new product that has the potential to revolutionize the way we consume drinks.

Luo Han Guo

"Luo Han Guo," also known as Monk Fruit or South Chinese fruit, is said to be nearly three hundred times sweeter than ordinary table sugar and would be a perfect substitute. Luo Han Guo has been used in China for medicinal purposes for centuries, but only recently has it begun to be used as a sweetener. Compared to other sugar substitutes, it does not have the bitter aftertaste and, at the same time, is stable at high temperatures, which makes it the perfect sweetener for baked goods. Luo Han Guo is also a good source of antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Those of you who have never heard of this plant - you're not alone because the Luo Han Guo fruit is relatively unknown except in the south of China or some areas in the north of Thailand, where the plant is native. However, the interest and research in developing concentrated extracts of this fruit have risen over the past decades.

Picarones

Picarones are one of the most delicious and traditional pastries in Peru. These mouthwatering treats were initially created as a replacement for "Buñuelos," deep-fried dough balls the Spaniards brought over during Peru's near-300-year-period under Spanish rule. But since Buñuelos were deemed too expensive to produce, people slowly replaced ingredients with generous doses of sweet potatoes and squash. And eventually, the "replacement" became more popular than the "original."
To top it all off, Picarones are always served with a decadent syrup made from "Chancaca" (= solidified molasses). This syrupy coating adds an extra layer of sweetness to these already irresistible treats. Whether enjoyed on their own or served next to "Anticuchos" (marinated meat dishes), Picarones are an exquisite and must-try treat for anyone visiting Peru!